Bexar Appraisal District- Property Values Explained
As the community moves forward towards the mailing of “Notice of Values”, from the Bexar Appraisal District, and the “Appeal” of appraised values – which homeowners have the option to file if they disagree with the values received, it is most important that there be more specific information available to homeowners, when they appeal, in accordance with the Texas Tax Code. (Note the absence of “protest” in reference to the homeowners options).
On March 27th, the Denver Heights Neighborhood Association and its members were provided a detailed presentation, by Chief Appraiser Mr. Michael Amezquita and Deputy Chief Appraiser Rogelio Sandoval, of the appeal process, changes to the Notice of Values and specific tips on applying for exemptions, requesting copies of the District’s evidence (regarding how property valuations are made) and a description of the informal and formal procedures applicable for appeals.
Additional information was shared regarding the State’s mandate regarding appraised property, which comes via the Texas Tax Code and the Office of the Comptroller. Considering that Texas only has property and sales taxes, it was noted that, in 2021, the state collected OVER $73 Billion dollars, in property taxes which was 50.57% of the total amount of total taxes collected. The remaining amount came from state sales taxes, local sales taxes and other state taxes, per The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
In the upcoming “appeal season”, descriptions were provided of the informal and the formal process, stressing that the “informal process” involved a homeowner making an appointment, to speak with an appraiser, via telephone or via video teleconference to discuss the specifics of the subject property- a review of the property owner’s evidence which generally has no time limit. If no agreement is reached, the appeal is then forwarded for a formal hearing, with the Appraisal Review Board, which includes a three member panel and has a fifteen minute time limit.
Members of The Appraisal Review Board are appointed by the County’s Administrative Judge and are separate from the Appraisal District. It is also important to take note of various exemptions, available to homeowners:
-Homestead exemption
-Over 65
-Disabled Veteran – (0 to 99%)
-Disabled Veteran – 100%
The BCAD (bcad.org) Customer Service Staff is a proper point of contact to help clarify any questions regarding exemptions.
What bears recognizing is that in 2022, there were 179,000 appeals heard between both the informal and formal processes.
Notices of Appraised Value correspondence are scheduled to be mailed within the first week of April.
The deadline for filing an Appeal (formerly referred to as a protest) is May 15, 2023.
Continuing information related to tax rates, as determined by Cities, the Alamo College District, School Districts, The Hospital District and The River Authority will be delved into in upcoming articles.
Any questions can be directed to the Customer Information and Assistance Department – 210.243.2432 or visit the District’s Website – www.bcad.org.
