Dallas County judge encourages homeowners to file property tax protests

DALLAS — As all Texans know very effectively by now, property values are exploding, and property tax charges are following carefully behind.  

It’s the model of the Texas Two-Step all of us hate.

And Dallas County Choose Clay Jenkins has a warning for Texas taxpayers all throughout the state: file your protests earlier than the looming deadline, which is Could 16.

And the Democrat says he’s proud that Dallas County householders doubtless received’t be paying extra this yr for the third yr in a row. Jenkins says if property values rise 24% this yr, and he says it appears to be like like they’ll, the county will decrease the tax fee 24% in form.

“So, the typical individual pays the identical quantity to us as they did final yr,” Choose Jenkins mentioned on Inside Texas Politics. 

However to be clear, not each taxing entity does this, so you should definitely examine together with your native workplace.

And your county taxes are just one a part of your property tax invoice. Faculty district taxes account for the most important share.

Jenkins says he’s talked to various superintendents and college board members this yr about their tax charges. He says many are nervous to decrease their charges due to funding-cut threats from state officers.

Jenkins says till the state lowers property taxes, the perfect factor you are able to do is file your protest and try and decrease them by yourself.

“Should you simply say hey, you mentioned my home is price $600,000, I say it’s price 500,000 and also you don’t put something in there, that’s not going to work. You should have photos or comparables or one thing to justify what you’re saying,” Jenkins mentioned. “I’ve given you some examples of outdated home equipment, cracks within the partitions, wooden rot. Possibly you want a brand new roof. Possibly your roof is 15–20 years outdated and also you want a brand new roof. Inform them that.”