Recently, I filed a tax protest on a $10,000 increase on the appraised value on my homestead with the Hidalgo County Appraisal District. Later I had a hearing before three members of the Texas Appraisal Review Board.
As expected, ARB members in a one-sided affair voted in favor of the HCAD. Their apparent refusal to consider applicable provisions of the Texas Property Tax Code and case law that was in my favor was very evident.
After this hearing, I strongly believe that some state reform is needed on this matter to correct some inequalities that are quite evident against the taxpayers dealing with how appraisal boards are set up.
A few days ago, Gov. Greg Abbott called a 30-day special session of the Texas Legislature during July and August that includes property tax legislation.
During the Legislature’s regular session that ended during May 29, Senate Bill 669 dealing with property tax legislation was not passed.
The Legislature’s special session hopefully will pass legislation that will improve notification requirements and how appraisal boards are set up.
I also hope it will make reductions in property taxes statewide and a plan that would require local governments to put proposals for hefty tax increases to the voters.
Silvestre Moreno Jr. Mercedes
