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. 28 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.