TTARA Report Illustrates Problems with Property Appraisals

Austin, TX (myPressManager.com) May 09, 2012

The Texas Taxpayers and Research Association today released a report, “Equal and Uniform…sort of” analyzing the findings of the performance audits of Texas’ 253 central appraisal districts.

The study was compiled from the results of individual reviews of local appraisal districts conducted by State Comptroller Susan Combs’ Property Tax Assistance Division under a requirement in House Bill 8, passed into law in 2009 by State Representative John Otto and Senator Tommy Williams.

The Comptroller’s evaluation was an effort to determine if appraisal districts have the very basic tools needed to do their job— appraise property at its fair market value. Initially, the review found that roughly one in three districts lacked up-to-date maps and documentable procedures. In over a third of the districts the Comptroller was unable to reproduce the values assigned to the property. “The most troubling finding is that districts were found to be most lacking in appraisal standards and procedures—their core mission,” said TTARA’s senior researcher, John Kennedy.

“The Texas Constitution guarantees that taxation will be equal and uniform. That right is threatened if taxpayer property is not uniformly appraised at market value. It is little comfort to know that your house is fairly valued only to find out that your neighbor’s is not. Your heftier tax bill subsidizes their benefit,” Kennedy said.

The good news is that most appraisal districts have already corrected almost all of their identified deficiencies. Some, however, remain sorely behind. Eight districts not only failed to correct their deficiencies before the results became final, but also could not address them in the ensuing year. These districts have been reported to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for further enforcement action.

The Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership-supported organization of businesses and individuals interested in state and local fiscal policies in Texas and the way those policies impact our economy. TTARA members operate in every part of Texas; they employ and provide incomes to thousands of Texans; they produce or provide every type of good or service Texans consume; and, they provide a huge portion of the revenue that supports public services at every level of government. TTARA has been recognized as the state’s leading organization specializing in tax and fiscal policy for more than 50 years.

To view the report, click here.