Humble couple paid $17,000 to file taxes after they allegedly owed $30,000; how did it happen?
The Penas claim Tax Doctors, LLCโs assessment found the Humble couple owed the IRS $30,000. Their tax preparer told them they would receive up to $20,000 in refund but must first pay the company $17,000 to file.
How a state effort to fund Texas schools equitably is shortchanging dozens of rural districts
For decades, the Texas comptrollerโs office has double-checked property valuations across the state, which help determine how much school districts can levy in property taxes. But when state and county appraisers disagree, districts can end up with big holes in their budgets.
Billions in property tax cuts need Texas votersโ approval before taking effect. Hereโs what you need to know.
Legislation passed this month would raise the stateโs homestead exemption to $100,000, lower schoolsโ tax rates and put an appraisal cap on residential and commercial properties, among other measures. But voters must approve a constitutional amendment first.
Texas House and Senate reach a deal on how to cut property taxes
The deal would channel $12 billion to reduce the school property tax rate for homeowners and business properties, increase the homestead exemption, and create a pilot program to reduce taxes on certain residential and commercial properties. The legislation is expected to pass later this week.
A property tax deal has eluded Texas lawmakers. Hereโs where things stand at the start of another special session.
Top Republicans promised property tax cuts, but have been locked in standoffs on how to achieve it. Gov. Greg Abbott has called another overtime legislative session in hopes of solidifying a plan.
Texas senators include more property tax cuts for businesses in new pitch to break impasse with House
The Senateโs latest proposal is an apparent effort to appease Gov. Greg Abbott and the lower chamber. The stateโs top Republicans have been at odds for months over how to use the stateโs historic budget surplus to cut property taxes.
Why tax policy experts fear the Texas House plan to lower property taxes could have dire ripple effects
Both the House and the Senateโs proposals on property tax cuts would give modest savings to the typical Texas homeowner, but critics say the House plan could create vast inequities and disproportionately benefit wealthy homeowners.
Texas House passes $12 billion property tax relief package, setting up fight over appraisal cap with Senate
House Speaker Dade Phelan has said tightening the appraisal cap is the best way to cut property taxes, but Senate tax-cut proponents, housing experts and business groups predict the move would have dire consequences.
The Texas House and Senate differ on how to cut property taxes. Hereโs what their proposals say.
Cuts to school property tax bills. Bigger tax benefits for homeowners. A controversial idea to limit property tax growth. Hereโs what you need to know about the brewing property tax debate at the Texas Legislature.
Texas Supreme Court says it canโt force the state to process deluge of applications for tax break expiring this year
The program, known as Chapter 313, provides companies with billions of dollars in property tax breaks. The court said it is up to the Legislature to make the call on what to do as the program is set to expire and the state is swamped with applications.
Katy ISD calls on voters to approve same tax rate to provide salary increase for teachers; Sen. Bettencourt fires back
Voters living in the area of Katy Independent School District will soon vote on a tax rate election (TRE.) It would keep the rate the same and the school district says the extra money they gain would help some staffing shortages.
As property taxes soar across Texas, tapping into stateโs surplus being examined as a way to find property owners
Weeks after property tax appraisals were sent out across the state, many property owners still cannot believe what they are seeing. Nearly every homeowner is experiencing a big increase in their property value.
Analysis: Property tax relief that doesnโt lower your tax bill
Texas lawmakers tried to lower property tax bills during their 2019 session, and a new report says they put a dent in the problem: Taxes arenโt rising as quickly as they would have. But they didnโt solve it: Property taxes are still rising.
Analysis: Texas governmentโs favorite local tax
State lawmakers will tell you they hate property taxes as much as anyone. But the state itself doesnโt levy the tax โ local governments do. And lowering it in a meaningful way would require state officials to raise taxes or cut programs. For them, talking about it is easier than doing something.
A year after feds allocate funds, Texas launches program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure because of COVID-19
Twenty-five states, including California and New York, preceded Texas in getting federally backed programs up and running to help homeowners suffering financial hardship because of COVID-19.
More Texas voters unhappy than satisfied over power grid, abortion and property taxes, UT/TT Poll finds
Most voters approve of using state money to add border barriers between Texas and Mexico. But 57% disapprove of a new abortion lawโs provision allowing lawsuits against people who help someone get the procedure.
Texas voters will decide whether to lower their property tax payments after Legislature completes last-minute Hail Mary
If voters approve the measure next year, it will raise the stateโs homestead exemption from $25,000 to $40,000 for school district property taxes, netting the average homeowner about $176 in savings.
Gov. Greg Abbott adds property tax relief, bail to special session agenda
Abbott has faced pressure from his right to prioritize property tax relief. One of his challengers in the Republican primary has slammed him for not including it earlier in the agenda, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called it his top priority this session.
Got some free time? Get paid to serve on the Appraisal Review Board
HOUSTON โ The Harris County Appraisal Review Board (ARB) needs new members to preside over property tax protest hearings. Three board members serve at each hearing but there are 190 board members in any given year. Currently, they need 40 new board members. Board members are paid per diem. Members serve one or two years, as appointed by the state administrative judge.