Protesting Residential Property Appraisals

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1 Protesting Residential Property Appraisals Darlene Sullivan, Gilbert Davila & Kevin Sullivan Popp, Gray and Hutcheson, LLP March 19, 2009

2 The Protest Process Here is a quick overview of the legal aspect of the property tax appeal process.

3 25.19 Notice of Appraised Value Section (a) By April 1 or as soon thereafter as practicable if the property is a singlefamily residence that qualifies for an exemption under Section (Residence Homestead), or by May 1 or as soon thereafter as practicable in connection with any other property, the chief appraiser shall deliver a clear and understandable written notice to a property owner of the appraised value of the property owner s property if: (1) the appraised value of the property is greater than it was in the preceding year; (2) the appraised value of the property is greater than the value rendered by the property owner; or (3) the property was not on the appraisal roll in the preceding year.

4 41.41 Right of Protest Section (a) A property owner is entitled to protest before the appraisal review board the following actions: (1) Determination of the appraised value of the owner s property (2) unequal appraisal of the owner s property (4) denial to the property owner in whole or in part of a partial exemption (9) any other action of the chief appraiser, appraisal district, or appraisal review board that applies to and adversely affects the property owner.

5 Person Acquiring Property After January 1 Section (a) A person who acquires a property after January 1 and before the deadline for filing notice of the protest may pursue a protest under this subchapter in the same manner as a property owner who owned the property on January 1. (b) If during the pendency of a protest under this subchapter the ownership of the property subject to the protest changes, the new owner of the property on application to the appraisal review board may proceed with the protest in the same manner as the property owner who initiated the protest.

6 41.44 Notice of Protest File your protest before May 1 or not later than the 30 th day after the date that notice to the property owner was delivered to the property owner as provided by Section 25.19, if the property is a single-family residence that qualifies for an exemption under Section 11.13, whichever is later; or File you protest before June 1 or not later than the 30 th day after the date that notice was delivered to the property owner as provided by Section in connection with any other property, whichever is later

7 11.13 Residence Homestead EXEMPTIONS: $3,000 of Appraised Value (County) $15,000 of Appraised Value (School District) If disabled or 65 or older: $10,000 of Appraised Value (School District) Section Limitations of Appraised Values of Residence Homestead Market Value 10% of appraised value for the prior year

8 Application for Homestead Exemption Section File application before May 1 File in each county the property is located Once granted do not need to reapply, unless there is a change in ownership Late application: Section (a) The chief appraiser shall accept and approve or deny an application for a residence homestead exemption after the deadline for filing it has passed if it is filed not later than one year after the delinquency date for the taxes on the homestead.

9 Remedies There are two main ways to argue your case Market Value Equal and Uniform

10 Market Value 1.04 Definitions (7) Market value means the price at which a property would transfer for cash or its equivalent under prevailing market conditions if: (a) exposed for sale in the open market with a reasonable time for the seller to find a purchaser; Appraisals Generally (a) except as otherwise provided by this chapter, all taxable property is appraised at its market value as of January 1. (b) The market value of property shall be determined by the application of generally accepted appraisal methods and techniques The same or similar appraisal methods and techniques shall be used in appraising the same or similar kinds of property. However, each property shall be appraised based upon the individual characteristics that affect the property s market value.

11 Site-Specific Issues Verify the information the District has for your property Size Year Built Swimming Pool? Condition of home Needed repairs Get Estimates Pictures are worth 1,000 words

12 Site Specific Issues (continued) External influences can affect value

13 Determining Market Value Know your market Texas is a non-disclosure state Finding sales to determine value can be difficult Your local realtor may be able to help Current home listings can give you an idea about value Realty websites are a good source of information

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20 Market Summary Keep copies of any comparable listings This will give you a date stamp The closer to January 1 st the better Having an idea about the market value of your house gets you a step ahead!

21 Equal and Uniform Section Comparable criteria is important Find houses in your neighborhood Keep a narrow age range Keep a narrow size range Similar features

22 Equal and Uniform Preparation

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28 Equal and Uniform Grid

29 Summary You know you property better than anyone. Let the District know what issues you have. Talk to a realtor and research the market. How do you compare to neighboring properties?

30 Before the Formal Hearing You will have an opportunity to meet with an appraiser before your formal hearing Arrive prepared You may be able to settle!

31 Bexar County Appraisal District Formal Hearing

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41 Useful Websites Bexar County Appraisal District Texas Comptroller Realty Websites