INSIDER
Texas would need about $81.5 billion a year to end property taxes, officials say
Read full article: Texas would need about $81.5 billion a year to end property taxes, officials sayTexas Republicans have been trying to reduce the state’s high property taxes for years, but some acknowledge eliminating them would be too expensive.
Texans get their first crack at electing the people overseeing the state’s complicated property appraisal process
Read full article: Texans get their first crack at electing the people overseeing the state’s complicated property appraisal processIn the state’s larger counties, voters can now elect people to the agencies that appraise property values.
TODAY: Deadline for Houston Childcare centers to apply for 100% property tax exemption ends at 5 p.m.
Read full article: TODAY: Deadline for Houston Childcare centers to apply for 100% property tax exemption ends at 5 p.m.Many childcare centers struggled to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now Harris County is hoping to give those centers some much-needed relief.
Texas Republicans have tried to rein in property taxes for five years. Has it worked?
Read full article: Texas Republicans have tried to rein in property taxes for five years. Has it worked?Texas has spent billions of dollars to drive down property taxes. Many homeowners saw a significant tax cut last year, per a Texas Tribune analysis.
Ghost tax preparer scam: Humble couple overcharged $17,000 to file taxes
Read full article: Ghost tax preparer scam: Humble couple overcharged $17,000 to file taxes🔍 Check out this shocking tax filing story! A humble couple paid $17,000 to file their taxes, only to discover they allegedly owed $30,000 to the IRS. 😱 How did this happen? #TaxFiling #IRS #ScamAlert
Humble couple paid $17,000 to file taxes after they allegedly owed $30,000; how did it happen?
Read full article: Humble couple paid $17,000 to file taxes after they allegedly owed $30,000; how did it happen?The Penas claim Tax Doctors, LLC’s 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.
Texas launches new property tax incentive program to lure new businesses
Read full article: Texas launches new property tax incentive program to lure new businessesThe Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation program cuts property taxes for new manufacturing, research and development facilities. It replaces a shuttered program criticized for its impact on school finance.
Here’s how much Houston area homeowners are saving on tax bills
Read full article: Here’s how much Houston area homeowners are saving on tax billsHave you checked out your property tax bill this year? Texas homeowners are noticing big savings thanks to legislation passed by lawmakers and voters. Investigator Amy Davis explains what to look for on your bill.
‘I was surprised’: Houston-area homeowners react to new property tax-cut law
Read full article: ‘I was surprised’: Houston-area homeowners react to new property tax-cut lawTexas lawmakers passed and voters approved several property tax bills last year. Those bills will be due at the end of the month, and it will save some hundreds of dollars.
Texas homeowners and businesses will get a tax cut after voters approve Proposition 4
Read full article: Texas homeowners and businesses will get a tax cut after voters approve Proposition 4The $18 billion property tax-cut package is aimed squarely at lowering school district property taxes, which make up the lion’s share of a Texas landowner’s property tax bill.
Texas voters gave retired teachers raises and approved new infrastructure funds as most constitutional amendments passed
Read full article: Texas voters gave retired teachers raises and approved new infrastructure funds as most constitutional amendments passedVoters approved a massive property tax cut and several other measures, but refused to raise the mandatory retirement age for judges.
Texas proposition lets voters decide whether to cut property taxes for homeowners and businesses
Read full article: Texas proposition lets voters decide whether to cut property taxes for homeowners and businessesProposition 4 could usher in a bevy of property tax changes. That includes using $12.7 billion from a record state budget surplus to lower school district taxes.
Fort Bend voters will decide on tax rate that will generate $35M for pay raises and security officers at schools
Read full article: Fort Bend voters will decide on tax rate that will generate $35M for pay raises and security officers at schoolsThe Fort Bend Independent School District is one of the highest achieving districts, but school officials say the starting pay for teachers is the lowest in the area.
How a state effort to fund Texas schools equitably is shortchanging dozens of rural districts
Read full article: How a state effort to fund Texas schools equitably is shortchanging dozens of rural districtsFor decades, the Texas comptroller’s 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 voters’ approval before taking effect. Here’s what you need to know.
Read full article: Billions in property tax cuts need Texas voters’ approval before taking effect. Here’s what you need to know.Legislation passed this month would raise the state’s homestead exemption to $100,000, lower schools’ tax rates and put an appraisal cap on residential and commercial properties, among other measures. But voters must approve a constitutional amendment first.
Gov. Greg Abbott signs $18 billion tax cut package for Texas property owners
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott signs $18 billion tax cut package for Texas property ownersAt a time when the state has some of the nation’s highest property taxes, the initiative was a cornerstone of his 2022 reelection campaign.
TribCast: Texas lawmakers approve property tax cuts after 7 months of trying
Read full article: TribCast: Texas lawmakers approve property tax cuts after 7 months of tryingIn this week’s episode, we discuss the winners and losers — politically and financially — after lawmakers approved an $18 billion tax cut bill.
Property tax special session is over, but months of acrimony could complicate Texas lawmakers’ mission as more work awaits
Read full article: Property tax special session is over, but months of acrimony could complicate Texas lawmakers’ mission as more work awaitsEfforts to repair rifts, particularly among Republican leaders, begin as another contentious special session looms on Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for “school choice.”
Long-awaited $18 billion property tax-cut deal heads to Gov. Greg Abbott
Read full article: Long-awaited $18 billion property tax-cut deal heads to Gov. Greg AbbottHouse Democrats attempted to insert benefits for renters and more money for public education into the tax-cuts package in a series of floor amendments but were unsuccessful.
The average home is valued at $330K. See breakdown of how much Texas’ property tax cut plan could benefit homeowners
Read full article: The average home is valued at $330K. See breakdown of how much Texas’ property tax cut plan could benefit homeownersIf you talk to homeowners about property taxes right now in Texas, almost everyone will tell you they’re way too high.
Property tax cuts hit the fast track as Texas Senate advances long-awaited agreement
Read full article: Property tax cuts hit the fast track as Texas Senate advances long-awaited agreementThe package could land on Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk by the end of the week. Voters must pass the plan in a constitutional election in November for it to take effect in the 2023 tax year.
Texas House and Senate reach a deal on how to cut property taxes
Read full article: Texas House and Senate reach a deal on how to cut property taxesThe 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. Here’s where things stand at the start of another special session.
Read full article: A property tax deal has eluded Texas lawmakers. Here’s 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.
First special session ends with no new laws, Texas lawmakers still deadlocked on property taxes
Read full article: First special session ends with no new laws, Texas lawmakers still deadlocked on property taxesGov. Greg Abbott quickly called lawmakers back to the Capitol for round two, hoping to break an impasse that has outlasted the regular session and one overtime period.
Texas senators include more property tax cuts for businesses in new pitch to break impasse with House
Read full article: Texas senators include more property tax cuts for businesses in new pitch to break impasse with HouseThe Senate’s latest proposal is an apparent effort to appease Gov. Greg Abbott and the lower chamber. The state’s top Republicans have been at odds for months over how to use the state’s historic budget surplus to cut property taxes.
Some conservatives’ long-term goal in property tax fight: get rid of school taxes altogether
Read full article: Some conservatives’ long-term goal in property tax fight: get rid of school taxes altogetherGov. Greg Abbott has thrown his weight behind the idea being pushed by an influential conservative think tank. Many school leaders are worried.
Spencer By Zip: Helping you to lower your property taxes
Read full article: Spencer By Zip: Helping you to lower your property taxesFor just about every homeowner in Texas, it is a huge, aggravating, infuriating problem.We’re talking about your property taxes, which just keep soaring higher and higher.
Gov. Greg Abbott threatens string of vetoes if lawmakers can’t agree on property tax cuts
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott threatens string of vetoes if lawmakers can’t agree on property tax cutsWith several hundred bills awaiting action by the governor, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the veto threat an affront to Texans and the legislative process.
On property tax impasse, Gov. Greg Abbott appears open to House-Senate compromise
Read full article: On property tax impasse, Gov. Greg Abbott appears open to House-Senate compromiseThe special session churns on with the House adjourned, the Senate still working and the governor welcoming an agreement that has thus far eluded lawmakers.
TribCast: The conservative plan to eliminate school property taxes in Texas
Read full article: TribCast: The conservative plan to eliminate school property taxes in TexasOn this week’s episode, we speak to the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s James Quintero, who has been at the center of the debate over property taxes this week.
With no deal on property taxes in sight, Abbott hints at multiple special sessions
Read full article: With no deal on property taxes in sight, Abbott hints at multiple special sessionsThe governor stands behind his support of the Texas House tax plan despite Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s insistence that the Senate has a better deal for homeowners.
Tension over property taxes produces rare public clash between Dan Patrick, Greg Abbott
Read full article: Tension over property taxes produces rare public clash between Dan Patrick, Greg AbbottAlways happy to castigate the Texas House, Patrick breaks form to criticize the governor as misinformed and unsympathetic toward homeowners.
Abbott backs Phelan’s property tax cut plan, spurring ire from Patrick
Read full article: Abbott backs Phelan’s property tax cut plan, spurring ire from PatrickThe House passed a bill without Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s preferred increase to homestead exemptions — then abruptly adjourned for the special session. That basically tells the Senate to take the House bill Gov. Greg Abbott backs or leave it.
Gov. Abbott calls for immediate special session, highlighting property taxes, cracking down on human smuggling
Read full article: Gov. Abbott calls for immediate special session, highlighting property taxes, cracking down on human smugglingTexas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the agenda created for a special session which was expected to take place on Monday night.
Texas lawmakers fail to reach last-minute deal to cut property taxes
Read full article: Texas lawmakers fail to reach last-minute deal to cut property taxesAfter negotiations that became tense and public, the House and Senate fell short of delivering on one of the biggest legislative priorities for Republicans in the regular legislative session.
Economic incentives clear Senate committee as negotiations continue
Read full article: Economic incentives clear Senate committee as negotiations continueLawmakers are trying hard to come up with an agreement on how to replace an embattled 20-year tax abatement program for big companies that expired in December.
Texas House approves property tax bill with changes the Senate might not like
Read full article: Texas House approves property tax bill with changes the Senate might not likeHouse lawmakers added a significant boost to the Senate’s proposed homestead exemption and tacked on a contentious idea to lower the state’s appraisal cap.
Why tax policy experts fear the Texas House plan to lower property taxes could have dire ripple effects
Read full article: Why tax policy experts fear the Texas House plan to lower property taxes could have dire ripple effectsBoth the House and the Senate’s 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
Read full article: Texas House passes $12 billion property tax relief package, setting up fight over appraisal cap with SenateHouse 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.
Rift grows between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan over how to cut property taxes
Read full article: Rift grows between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan over how to cut property taxesThe Senate wants to raise the homestead exemption. The House wants to tighten the appraisal cap. Both chambers’ leaders are skeptical of each other’s proposal.
The Texas House and Senate differ on how to cut property taxes. Here’s what their proposals say.
Read full article: The Texas House and Senate differ on how to cut property taxes. Here’s what their proposals say.Cuts to school property tax bills. Bigger tax benefits for homeowners. A controversial idea to limit property tax growth. Here’s what you need to know about the brewing property tax debate at the Texas Legislature.
Texas House’s property tax bill calls for $17 billion in cuts, tighter appraisal cap
Read full article: Texas House’s property tax bill calls for $17 billion in cuts, tighter appraisal capTexas House Speaker Dade Phelan’s proposal reveals the different roads the Texas House and Senate want to take on property taxes — and the fight that might emerge between the two chambers this session.
Here’s what you need to know about the fight over property tax cuts in the Texas Legislature
Read full article: Here’s what you need to know about the fight over property tax cuts in the Texas LegislatureRepublicans are wrestling over how much of the state’s nearly $33 billion budget surplus to spend on property taxes. Democrats have their own ideas about what to do with the cash.
Texas Supreme Court says it can’t force the state to process deluge of applications for tax break expiring this year
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court says it can’t force the state to process deluge of applications for tax break expiring this yearThe 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.
Companies say they’re being denied Texas tax breaks as a state agency is overwhelmed with applications
Read full article: Companies say they’re being denied Texas tax breaks as a state agency is overwhelmed with applicationsHundreds of businesses have sought tax savings from the state before the Chapter 313 program expires. Two companies say they are missing out despite being eligible.
Katy ISD calls on voters to approve same tax rate to provide salary increase for teachers; Sen. Bettencourt fires back
Read full article: Katy ISD calls on voters to approve same tax rate to provide salary increase for teachers; Sen. Bettencourt fires backVoters 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.
Property taxes in Texas: This is how to check how much you’re paying, where your money is going, your proposed rate
Read full article: Property taxes in Texas: This is how to check how much you’re paying, where your money is going, your proposed rateIf you’re wondering how much you’re paying in property taxes, there’s a way to check them online easily via state information that you can quickly filter down to your county.
As property taxes soar across Texas, tapping into state’s surplus being examined as a way to find property owners
Read full article: As property taxes soar across Texas, tapping into state’s surplus being examined as a way to find property ownersWeeks 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.
Here’s how two Texas constitutional amendments could lower some property taxes
Read full article: Here’s how two Texas constitutional amendments could lower some property taxesThe propositions on the May 7 ballot would lower property taxes by shifting more public school costs to the state. But the measures’ language can be hard to understand.
As Texas home values skyrocket, state officials wrestle with how to slow property tax increases
Read full article: As Texas home values skyrocket, state officials wrestle with how to slow property tax increasesTexas school districts, cities and counties rely heavily on property taxes to pay for roads, libraries, police, firefighters and public schools. But lowering tax bills has long been a difficult endeavor.
Analysis: Property tax relief that doesn’t lower your tax bill
Read full article: Analysis: Property tax relief that doesn’t lower your tax billTexas lawmakers tried to lower property tax bills during their 2019 session, and a new report says they put a dent in the problem: Taxes aren’t rising as quickly as they would have. But they didn’t solve it: Property taxes are still rising.
Analysis: Texas government’s favorite local tax
Read full article: Analysis: Texas government’s favorite local taxState lawmakers will tell you they hate property taxes as much as anyone. But the state itself doesn’t levy the tax — 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
Read full article: A year after feds allocate funds, Texas launches program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure because of COVID-19Twenty-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.
Texas voters will decide whether to lower some property tax bills in May election
Read full article: Texas voters will decide whether to lower some property tax bills in May electionIf two propositions pass, the state will increase school funding to make up for revenues lost from a decrease in property taxes.
More Texas voters unhappy than satisfied over power grid, abortion and property taxes, UT/TT Poll finds
Read full article: More Texas voters unhappy than satisfied over power grid, abortion and property taxes, UT/TT Poll findsMost voters approve of using state money to add border barriers between Texas and Mexico. But 57% disapprove of a new abortion law’s provision allowing lawsuits against people who help someone get the procedure.
Analysis: A quick turn on property taxes with the long game in mind
Read full article: Analysis: A quick turn on property taxes with the long game in mindHigh Texas property taxes were an issue in the state's 2018 elections, and you can see from their work on a new homestead exemption earlier this week that state lawmakers didn't forget that lesson from voters.
Texas voters will decide whether to lower their property tax payments after Legislature completes last-minute Hail Mary
Read full article: Texas voters will decide whether to lower their property tax payments after Legislature completes last-minute Hail MaryIf voters approve the measure next year, it will raise the state’s homestead exemption from $25,000 to $40,000 for school district property taxes, netting the average homeowner about $176 in savings.
Texas House wants to use federal COVID relief funds to send out $525 checks — but only to homeowners
Read full article: Texas House wants to use federal COVID relief funds to send out $525 checks — but only to homeownersRepublican lawmakers have faced pressure to provide some form of property tax relief this year. Critics of a new proposal say it’s politically timed.
Mike Collier wants a rematch against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. But first he’s got to beat fellow Democrat Matthew Dowd.
Read full article: Mike Collier wants a rematch against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. But first he’s got to beat fellow Democrat Matthew Dowd.Collier says his 2018 close call against Patrick was no fluke. Next year, he’s out to prove that his campaign can make a real challenge to the two-term incumbent.
With Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s blessing, lawmakers fast-track property tax cut proposal
Read full article: With Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s blessing, lawmakers fast-track property tax cut proposalTax relief for property owners joins a packed to-do list for Texas lawmakers — which includes redistricting, COVID-19 vaccine mandates and a spending plan for $16 billion in federal stimulus dollars.
Gov. Greg Abbott adds property tax relief, bail to special session agenda
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott adds property tax relief, bail to special session agendaAbbott 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
Read full article: Got some free time? Get paid to serve on the Appraisal Review BoardHOUSTON – 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.