Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM May 2020 | Page 30
TAXES MATTER
CHERYL E. JOHNSON, PCC
Galveston Co. Tax Assessor Collector
[email protected]
Time for the TAXES 2 STEP
T
he equalization phase of the Texas property
tax calendar is underway with property owners
in Harris County having a May 15th deadline
and Galveston County a May 20th deadline to
call, email, mail or file an online protest of the
2020 proposed value. If your value increases and you do
NOT avail yourself of this right, expect a higher tax bill in
October.
Thanks to the coronavirus, protesting this year is going
to be different. CADs have closed to the public and are
asking everyone to file online. Is this a problem? Online
protests are typically FAR less effective than in person
with an appraiser so this is never my preference.
Effectively Protest Value classes are suspended for
now so, in an effort to insure your success, I updated the
booklet and spreadsheet – not only with all new laws – but
with everything necessary to secure a reduction (http://
www.galvestoncountytx.gov/to/Pages/PressReleases.
aspx). There is an entire section on the impact of the
coronavirus on the protest process and the future impact
of economic depreciation.
Below is the “Cliff Notes” version of the process but,
do yourself a favor and take the time to read the booklet
if you truly want a lower tax bill this fall!
Step 1. Mail the formal protest form, file an online
protest or call for informal conference by the
deadline: Protest based on either property
being over valued (condition concerns) or
unequal appraisal (same house elsewhere in
the neighborhood valued for less). Condition
is determined as of January 1.
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Step 2.
Research CAD records: Request the
“appraisal card” and validate information. If
you recently purchased the property for less
or have a recent appraisal with a lower value,
you are ready to go. If you paid more and
discovered problems later or if repairs are
needed, take photos and obtain estimates.
MOMENTUM
Step 3. If held this year, attend the informal
conference: Request the documents and
review information provided. If you attend the
informal conference (where most protests are
settled) without filing the formal protest, ask to
be scheduled for the ARB at a later date! YOU
MAY RESCHEDULE THE ARB HEARING ONE
TIME.
Step 4.
Appraisal Review Board (ARB) Hearing:
The ARB is a three member citizen panel
appointed to hear protests. Also in
attendance is a CAD appraiser and a hearing
clerk recording the proceedings. Bring four
copies of your evidence. You will be sworn in.
The CAD appraiser will present its case, you
will present yours and the ARB will announce
its decision.
Step 5. Arbitration or File Lawsuit in State District
Court: ARB decisions can be overturned
in binding arbitration or by filing a lawsuit.
Arbitration requires payment of a $450
fee (amount varies). If you are successful
(meaning the arbitrator determines the value
nearer to your estimate than the CAD’s), all but
$50 will be refunded. Most lawsuits do not go
to court but, before taking this step, consider
the cost versus savings.