Chief's Appraisal

THE CHIEF"S APPRAISAL: Several different directions possible for foreclosed property

Karen McCord

Ever wonder what happens when people don’t pay their taxes? The Texas Constitution and the Property Tax Code both provide that an automatic tax lien attaches to property every January 1st for that tax year. The lien is in favor of all taxing...... Full story

THE CHIEF'S APPRAISAL: Options for paying 2011 property taxes abound

KAREN McCORD

Local property taxes are due by the end of this month. If 2011 tax payments are not received or postmarked by Monday January 31, 2012 a seven percent penalty and interest fee will attach and also become due. We know paying taxes is just not your...... Full story

THE CHIEF'S APPRAISAL: Did you get your tax statement? Your homestead exemption?

BY: KAREN McCORD

Unless you have a mortgage company paying your taxes, you should have received your 2011 tax statement. According to Texas law, you are responsible for paying your tax whether or not you receive a statement. If you do not have your statement and you...... Full story

THE CHIEF'S APRAISAL: Get the details on making this year’s property tax payments

BY: Karen McCord

Tax statements have been mailed, payments are coming in and so are the questions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked. >> QUESTION: Do I have to pay my taxes all at once? >> ANSWER: If you are receiving the over 65 or...... Full story

CHIEF'S APPRAISAL: How will my appraised value affect my tax amount?

BY: KAREN McCORD

With few exceptions, if you own land, buildings, a mobile home, mineral interest, or income producing business assets, you will have to pay annual property taxes on it. Total exemptions exist for local governments, religious and charitable...... Full story

THE CHIEF'S APPRAISAL: There’s a new process for filing homestead exemptions

BY KAREN McCORD

The legislature has enacted a new and tougher exemption application process for home owners who file for their homestead exemption after September 1, 2011. This new process will help ensure that property owners do not receive the homestead benefit...... Full story

THE CHIEF'S APPRAISAL: The 2011 appraisal process is now done — what’s next?

BY: KAREN McCORD

The appraisal process for 2011 is complete. We have appraised all taxable property within the county. We’ve notified all the property owners of our determination of the market value of their property. We have concluded all the scheduled...... Full story

THE CHIEF'S APPRAISAL: Claiming more than one exemption has side effects

BY: KAREN McCORD

The property tax exemption commonly referred to as the homestead exemption is technically called a residential homestead exemption because you can only get the exemption on your principal residence. Here is a synopsis of what the law says. A family...... Full story

THE CHIEF'S APPRAISAL: Appraisal notices are out; check yours carefully

BY: KAREN McCORD

The 2011 appraisal notices have all been mailed. If you own property for which you did not receive a notice, you need to call us so we can send you a notice. The law requires us to appraise all taxable property; however, it is your responsibility to...... Full story

THE CHIEF'S APPRAISAL: What to do when your property status changes

BY KAREN McCORD

Texas law requires appraisal districts to discover and appraise all taxable property within each taxing jurisdiction’s boundaries, and that is exactly what we strive to do. However, the law also requires taxpayers to notify the appraisal...... Full story

An overview: How school district finances work

Karen McCord

The following information is a very simplified explanation of the school district funding process. The actual process is very complicated and I am not in the least qualified to try to explain it. However, appraisal districts became an integral part...... Full story

What are a property owner’s tax responsibilities?

If you own property such as real estate, business personal property, mobile homes or mineral rights, you most likely will have property taxes to pay on that property. It is your responsibility to pay your taxes even if you do not receive a tax...... Full story

Did you get your tax statement? How about your exemption?

Unless you have a mortgage company paying your taxes, you should have received your tax statement. You are responsible for paying your tax whether or not you receive a statement. If you do not have your statement, and you do not have a mortgage...... Full story

No tax statement? No excuse not to pay

W ith few exceptions, if you own land, a mobile home, mineral interest or income-producing business assets, you will have to pay annual property taxes on it. Exceptions exist for religious and charitable organizations and veterans with 100 percent...... Full story

Tax rate time brings property tax reminder

T he 2010 property value protest period has ended, and it is time to move into the assessment and collection processes. During the assessment phase, the taxing entities will be setting their tax rates. Some have already adopted their rates, and the...... Full story