According to some Texas legislators, property taxes are getting too high. The question of property taxes has become a Texas legislative issues for many politicians in the state house, due to concerns that bills are increasing and becoming unbearably expensive for their constituents. As a result, state Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) recently introduced House Bill 15.

Known as the Property Taxpayer Empowerment Act, the proposal would cut annual property tax growth in Texas from its current level, eight percent, to four percent. Research from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy shows that the current property tax bill is higher for Texans than the national average. Currently, the state can't regulate property tax rates, as legally only local government can handle property tax.

In addition, the bill aims to improve transparency in assessing annual property tax rates, to keep local government accountable and help constituents understand the annual changes in their tax rates. According to Rep. Bonnen, the current property tax system is confusing and adding a requirement for governments to publish an annual No New Taxes Rate will help Texan homeowners understand the rules.

House Bill 15 comes with a few additional stipulations. According to attorney Jake Posey, if it passes, the state will create a statewide searchable database where Texas homeowners can read about rate increases in their area and how they were reached, as well as how to get involved in the process of rate-setting. Appraisal notices will also no longer have the Estimate of Tax Due line.

The bill currently remains under review in the House. 

The property tax bill is one of just many current legislative issues in statewide Texas government. Contact us to stay up to date on what's happening in the lone star state.