AG Says No Disaster-Related Exemption Absent Physical Damage The passage last session of HB 492 by Shine/Bettencourt created a temporary property tax exemption in §11.35, Tax Code, for property damaged within an officially declared disaster area.  The percentage of value exempted is related to the degree of damage to the property.  Since the statute simply…

Comptroller Hegar Interview Offers Glimpse into the Fiscal Future In a morning interview with the Texas Tribune’s Ross Ramsey, Comptroller Hegar addressed a number of issues on the state and local fiscal front. As Comptroller, Hegar is both the state’s tax collector and chief revenue estimator (as well as a number of other responsibilities). The…

In this issue Supreme Court Franchise Tax Decisions Comptroller Hegar Announces Franchise Tax Extension “Snake Oil” Tax Relief? Does Governor’s Disaster Declaration Trigger New Property Tax Exemptions Supreme Court Franchise Tax Decisions The Texas Supreme Court issued three rulings on three franchise tax cases today: Sunstate , AMC , and Gulf Copper. Sunstate – state wins…

TTARA to Host Property Tax Conference Call Regarding ARB Hearings (TTARA Members Only) Due to COVID-19, concerns have risen regarding conducting ARB hearings in safe manner and possibly having remote hearings. TTARA is hosting a conference call on Monday, March 30 th at 1 pm. The primary focus will be to hear your ideas, thoughts, and concerns with the…

COVID-19 Triggers Property Tax Administrative Issues: ARBs, etc. COVID-19 creates extraordinary issues this appraisal cycle. While most appraisal districts are either finished or near-finished with crafting preliminary values for 2020 (with the exception of Travis CAD, which is not reappraising single family residential properties), conducting face-to-face informal appeals, and formal appeals before appraisal review boards…