TAXING MATTERS
CHERYL E . JOHNSON , PCC Galveston County Tax Assessor Collector
& Voter Registrar
TIME FOR THE TAXES 2 STEP AGAIN
Galveston Central Appraisal District ( GCAD ) mailed 125,000 appraisal notices increasing values $ 10B ! This means it is time for you to protest the value or suffer higher taxes in 2021 . Infaormal meetings are not available again this year . In order to meet with an appraiser , mail the protest form .
You may file an online protest but should upload documents supporting the request . Condition is as of January 1 therefore freeze damage will NOT count in 2021 ( apply for the Temporary Disaster Exemption by May 28th – see April Momentum for more information ). Online protests are FAR less effective than in person unless you recently paid less or condition is documented with photos and legitimate bids .
Effectively Protest classes are listed below . You may also go to
www . galcotax . com , scroll to the bottom of the homepage , download the protest booklet and spreadsheet and click on the youtube video link if you cannot attend the class . Here 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 3 .
Step 4 . 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 .
Most protests are settled in the conference with the appraiser held 15 minutes before the Appraisal Review Board ( ARB ) hearing . You have requested , received and reviewed the documents – listen to what the appraiser has to say and , if not prepared for the ARB hearing , ask to reschedule . You are entitled to ONE reschedule .
ARB Hearing : This is a three member citizen panel . 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 1 .
Step 2 .
Mail formal protest form or file online no later than May 17th : Protest based on either property being over valued ( condition ) or unequal appraisal ( same house elsewhere in the neighborhood valued less ) or , if unsure , check both boxes . When you mail the protest form , request “ that all information used to increase your value be provided to you ” via email or USPS . These documents must be delivered no less than 14 days before the ARB hearing .
Research CAD records : Request the “ appraisal card ” and validate information . If you recently purchased the property for less or have an
Step 5 . Arbitration or Lawsuit in State District Court : ARB decisions can be overturned by either method . 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 .
CLASS SCHEDULE : 5 / 13 6 pm League City Council Chambers , 200 West Walker , League City 6 / 1 6 pm COM Learning Resource Center ( across from library ), 1200 Amburn , Texas City
34 MOMENTUM