Property Tax Payment Options For The Elderly and Disabled

Recent Property Tax SCAMS

Elderly or Disabled Homeowners May Defer Property Taxes

The Hood County Appraisal Review Board will begin hearings on Tuesday, May 19 for appeals filed for 2009. The Review Board consists of five citizens appointed to hear disputes between taxpayers and the appraisal district. These hearings are scheduled at least 15 days in advance, with a notice of hearing date and time mailed to the property owner. Property owners not represented by an agent may reschedule one time if they cannot attend the scheduled hearing.

When attending an appeal hearing at the Appraisal Review Board, the taxpayer should bring evidence to support their protest. If the protest is “value over market”, comparable sales, a recent sales contract or fee appraisal are all good evidence. A broker’s opinion of value can be useful. If the appeal is for “unequal appraisal” then a comparable number of similar properties, appropriately adjusted, should be presented. Review the material included with the hearing notice for additional information about material to bring to the appeal hearing. The hearing will last approximately 15 minutes and that should allow most homeowners adequate time to present their evidence.

Hood County Appraisal District does not set tax rates or increase values for the taxing entities. We follow the Tax Code and the law that all property be at 100% market value. The values placed on the properties for 2009 follow trends for the prior year. If the next year’s sales and economic data show a slowing or decrease in values, those will be reflected.