Appraisal Notices for Tax Year 2012

An appraisal notice is mailed to inform residential, commercial, and rural property owners of value changes, changes in ownership information or changes in exemption benefits. Rene Garza, Chief Appraiser, stated, “Most of the notices mailed are a result of the District’s reappraisal program as required by the Texas Property Tax Code, while others represent ownership changes, new businesses, new homes and new exemption/benefit filings.” Mr. Garza further added that these notices allow residential, commercial, and rural property owners to compare their 2011 value to the 2012 proposed value. If the property owner disagrees with their proposed value or has questions, he/she can call or visit the Appraisal District office for information. Tax information on the notice is estimated, and actual tax amounts will not be known until the taxing units set their 2012 tax rate in September. Local Business Personal Property Notices will be mailed out on Tuesday, May 1^st, 2012, while the Oil, Gas, and Industrial Valuation Notices will be mailed out on Monday, May 7^th, 2012.

The Aril 13^th mailing marks the beginning of the property owner’s protest period. Mr. Garza stated that “Under Texas law, property owners will have 30 days after the notice is mailed to file a protest”. He encourages property owners to use the period to meet with the District staff to discuss issues regarding property valuation, exemptions, and changes in ownership and mailing address.

· Property owners should immediately contact District staff on property appraisal concerns, as many issues may be resolved by providing the district with pertinent information to correct the matter.

· Property owners have the right to disagree and protest the property value. They may also review their property record, market information, and other data.

· Owners may submit information and documentation about their property that may have been overlooked, not previously available and/or not considered in the property valuation.

· If a residential exemption is not noted on the account, the owner can still apply for those benefits until February 1^st, 2013. The exemption reduces the tax liability of the property owner.

· All appraisal protests must be written and filed with the District no later than the 30^th day after the property owner’s notice was delivered.