By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Property tax exemptions were the focus of seminar at the Joe Ramos Center on Oct. 21.
The event was hosted by Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez and Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez and targeted information for attendees over the age of 65. About 60 people attended the event.
Gutierrez welcomed those attending the event and thanked the
city’s nutrition program at the Joe Ramos Center on West De La Rosa Street. Gutierrez
introduced Val Verde County Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Jackie Casanova, who
gave a presentation on property tax exemptions to the group. (Photo by Karen Gleason)
city for use of the facility and Josie Balderas, director of the city’s nutrition center. She said the event would include some games and giveaways and also provide everyone present with important information on property tax exemptions available to them.
Gutierrez next introduced Val Verde County Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Jackie Casanova and members of the appraisal district staff who attended the event with her.
Casanova began her presentation with several door prize giveaways. She said she would present the information in English and Spanish, adding she and her staff would be available to answer questions one-on-one.
Casanova said, “The reason I wanted to coordinate this event with Councilwoman Gutierrez was because I think there is a lot of misinformation. . . and so, what we’re going to start with is some property exemption information.
“Very important: For anybody 65 years of age or older, you want to make sure you’re receiving your homestead and your over-65 exemptions, and the reason why those are important is because it creates a tax ceiling so no matter how much your property value goes up, once your tax ceiling is established, you will not pay anything above that tax ceiling,” Casanova said.
Casanova said during the event, if anyone had questions about the exemptions, they could go to the table set up for her staff, and a staff member would look up their property and make sure the homeowner is receiving the exemptions for which he or she qualifies.
Casanova noted homeowners qualify for a tax break if they are 65 years of age or older or if they are a surviving spouse 55 years or older of a deceased person receiving the 65 years of age exemption.
“As a 55-year-old spouse, you can come into our office and say, ‘I’m a surviving spouse of someone who had the 65 years of age or older exemption,’ and you can apply for your own exemption,” she said.
Casanova said if you turn 65 after Jan. 1, you will receive the exemption for the entire year.
“What you’ll need to apply for the exemption, you’re going to need a Texas-issued driver license or identification card. The state requires for us to get a copy of the driver license or state ID in order for you to become eligible, and the reason why that’s important is that even though your property value goes up, your taxes will remain the same. Once you apply the homestead and over-65 exemptions to an account, your taxes cannot go up, unless you add to the home,” Casanova said.
The chief appraiser also provided information about the school tax ceiling.
She noted the homestead tax ceiling “is a limit on the amount of school taxes you pay.”
“When you qualify for an over-65 exemption, the school taxes on your house will not increase. The (tax) ceiling freezes your school taxes at the amount you pay in the year that you qualify for the exemption,” Casanova said.
She also said there is a misconception about property values changing as certain improvements are made to the home.
“Maintenance does not change your value. You can paint your house, you can put a new roof, you can do landscaping. That’s considered maintenance, but if you add a garage or a shed, or any type of addition that adds to the square footage, then it changes your tax ceiling. Otherwise your tax ceiling remains the same,” she said.
Casanova also provided information about deferring property taxes.
She said, “If you qualify for 65 years of age or older or disability exemptions, you may defer or postpone paying your taxes on your home for as long as you live in it. This deferral does not cancel your taxes. Your property taxes accrue 5 percent annually until the deferral is removed.
“When the property is sold or the ownership is transferred to your heirs, the taxes and accrued interest becomes payable. Deferred taxes not paid within 180 days from the date the property no longer qualifies are subject to regular penalty, interest and collection fees,” Casanova said.
She said homeowners can apply for the deferment at the appraisal district’s offices.
Casanova also told the group a homeowner who has qualified for the over 65 or disabled exemption may make tax payments in four equal installments without incurring penalty or interest. She said the first payment is due on or before Jan. 31, the second payment on or before March 31, the third payment on or before May 31 and the fourth payment on or before July 31.
She noted current property tax statements are currently going out to homeowners.
Gutierrez asked Casanova to explain about the city’s tax relief ordinance.
Casanova said, “What they did is they offered $10,000 to homestead property owners, so any property owner who has a homestead exemption receives a $10,000 break in their value and for anyone who is over 65, they will also receive a $10,000 break, so you are seeing some savings there from the city of Del Rio.”
Casanova finished her presentation by inviting those present to visit with the clerks that had accompanied her to the event. She also invited them to visit the appraisal office at 417 W. Cantu Road and said all of her clerks are trained to help citizens fill out the required forms.
Gutierrez asked Casanova to speak about the appraisal board, which is made up of people appointed by the local taxing entities.
Casanova also noted there is an appraisal review board, where property owners may protest their appraised values.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
