The $18 billion property tax relief proposal proposed by Texas

The capital of Texas is AUSTIN. The fate of a $18 billion plan to reduce property taxes in Texas is still up in the air, but it appears like legislators will approve it.

The proposal raises the homestead and franchise exemptions and sets temporary valuation caps while lowering school tax rates. On Wednesday, the Texas Senate is anticipated to approve the plan, and on Thursday, the House will vote on it.

We recognize that many of you have concerns regarding the plan and its implementation and are taking the time to address them.

What exactly does “homestead” mean?

A: As of January 1st of each year, taxpayers who own and live in their primary residence are eligible for a general residential homestead exemption. They have to call that place home full-time.

Taxes can be reduced thanks to a homestead exemption, which shields a portion of your home’s worth from assessment.

Q: Will this affect your 2024 taxes?

A: If the plan is adopted and approved by the people, then yes. The measure specifies that it will become law for the 2023 tax year, so the adjustments will show up on your return for that year.

What types of taxes can be reduced through these services?

Tax Reduction Services typically focus on income tax, but they may also address other taxes such as capital gains tax, property tax, and more. The specific taxes targeted depend on your individual financial profile and goals.

Can I implement tax reduction strategies on my own?

While some basic strategies can be implemented independently, the complexity of tax laws often requires the expertise of professionals. Tax consultants can navigate the intricacies of the tax code, ensuring you maximize your savings while remaining compliant.

Q: Renters’ Impact on Property Taxes: What Does the New Agreement Mean?

A: Renters aren’t immediately impacted, therefore A. Some lawmakers expressed hope that landlords will pass the savings on to tenants at a Tuesday committee session.

Q: My home’s residual value is below $100,000. Do I need to worry about property taxes anymore, given the new exemption?

A: Remember: exemptions don’t apply to how much you have left to pay on a mortgage. Your home’s taxable value is established by an Official Property appraisal, which is subject to these regulations.

If this legislation is passed, homeowners like you would only be responsible for paying school taxes on $100,000 of your home’s worth, instead of the current $200,000.

If this new relief law passes, how will public schools, which rely on property tax revenue, be supported?

A: To make sure that schools continue to receive the same funding levels, a “hold harmless” clause has been included in the measure. Therefore, the state would make up the difference between what schools would have obtained from Property Tax and what they actually received.

Q: For some reason, I don’t think this is real. Do home owners have reason to believe that the tax relief bill has provisions that would cause them to vote against it?

 A: Because it is a good deal for the typical homeowner,Yes, this does seem like a very excellent offer. However, keep in mind that it will need to be approved by voters, and Texas has a poor voting turnout percentage, especially in years when there is no president on the ballot. It won’t happen if voters in November reject the related constitutional change.

Both measures to reduce property taxes that were on the ballot in November 2021 were approved by overwhelming majorities of 87% and 88%, respectively.

Q: What happens to my annual property tax cap of 10% now that my homestead exemption has doubled from $40k to $100k under the new bill? Or do I fall within the 20% cap that applies to houses valued at less than $5m?

Yes, the yearly increase in your home’s taxable value is capped at 10%. All other properties (rental units, small enterprises, undeveloped land, etc.) with a value of less than $5 million are subject to the 20% cap.

Was the $20,000 homestead exemption for seniors included in the tax relief bill?

A: No, seniors won’t see any more savings, but they will get a $110,000 exemption because of the additional $10,000 homestead exemption they already receive.

When will the election to change the constitution take place?

A: Tuesday, November 7 is Election Day this fall.

When would the tax changes take effect if the measure is passed?

A: It will be on the ballot in the upcoming election on November 7 once Gov. Abbott signs the bill into law. Voters’ tax payments in 2024 will be lower if the idea is approved.

Q:If a senior citizen’s homestead tax has been frozen for a while, will that person’s tax burden be lighter under the new law?

A: Yes, but when homeowners reach 65-years-old, the amount of school district taxes they pay will meet a cap. They won’t pay any less than that, though.

Q: Why do voters have to approve the increase in the homestead exemption? Is there a constitutional provision requiring this of the state?

A: As stated in Article 8 of the Texas Constitution, only the people of Texas, through their elected representatives, can grant tax exemptions.