Victoria Advocate | "The way appraisers value your home might change" by watchdog

The way appraisers value your home might change

By watchdog in Watchdog
October 9, 2009

I attended a Webinar this week that detailed proposed state constitutional amendments that could change the way appraisers value your home.

Here's a handout from two state legislators who propose the changes. I will follow with a story next week.

Constitutional Amendment Proposition #2

Prop #2 provides that the property tax of a residence homestead be solely based on the property's value as a residence homestead regardless of whether the residential use of the property is the highest & best use.

This proposal is a response to residence homesteads that are appraised based on what a person’s homestead would be worth if it were converted to commercial property. The amendment and legislation would apply only to residential homesteads and not to second homes or investment properties.

Prop#2 Ballot Wording: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead."

Constitutional Amendment Proposition #3

Prop #3 provides for uniform property tax appraisal standards and procedures to be used by County Appraisal Districts.

Currently, property tax appraisal practices and procedures vary widely across the state. This proposition would protect homeowners and property owners from county by county geographic appraisal discrimination.

Prop#3: Ballot Wording: "The constitutional amendment providing for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes."

Constitutional Amendment Proposition #5

Prop #5 makes it easier to form appraisal review boards for protest hearings.

This proposition would allow two or more adjoining county property tax appraisal districts, if they so opt, to consolidate appraisal review board functions. The voluntary ability to consolidate smaller county appraisal review boards would help speed up and make more convenient the protests of property tax appraisals in lesser-populated areas of Texas.

Prop#5: Ballot Wording: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to authorize a single board of equalization for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated equalizations."

The proposals have received criticism from groups such as the League of Women Voters, who say this may negatively impact schools.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for the input,

Gabe Semenza / Advocate public service editor