Burnet County, Texas Property Taxes

In Burnet County, TX, homeowners have the opportunity to appeal their property tax assessments if they believe their property has been over-assessed. The process begins when a homeowner receives their notice of assessed value. If they disagree with the assessment, they can file a protest with the Burnet County Appraisal District. This must be done before the deadline stated on the notice, often within 30 days.

Once the protest is filed, homeowners may attend an informal meeting with the appraisal district to discuss their concerns and possibly reach an agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case moves to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent body that listens to appeals. During the ARB hearing, homeowners can present evidence, such as comparable property sales or an independent appraisal, to support their claim of over-assessment.

The potential outcomes of the appeal process include a reduction in the assessed value, which can lead to a lower property tax bill, or the assessed value may remain unchanged if the board finds the original assessment to be accurate. In some cases, the assessed value might even increase if evidence suggests it was initially too low.

Ownwell can assist homeowners throughout this process by providing expert guidance and representation. With a deep understanding of local property tax laws and extensive experience in handling appeals, Ownwell can help gather necessary evidence, prepare a compelling case, and represent homeowners during hearings. This support can significantly increase the chances of a favorable outcome, ensuring homeowners pay only their fair share of property taxes.

Burnet County offers several property tax exemption programs to help homeowners reduce their tax burden. A primary exemption available is the Homestead Exemption, designed for homeowners using the property as their primary residence. This exemption reduces the assessed value of the home, lowering the overall tax bill. To qualify, homeowners must own and occupy the home as of January 1st of the tax year.

Another key exemption is the Over-65 Exemption, which provides additional relief to senior citizens. Homeowners aged 65 or older can benefit from a significant reduction in their property taxes, helping ease their financial burden during retirement. Additionally, the Disabled Person Exemption offers similar benefits to individuals with qualifying disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support.

Veterans may also benefit from specific exemptions. The Disabled Veteran Exemption is available to veterans with service-related disabilities, and the Surviving Spouse Exemption provides relief to the spouses of deceased veterans, honoring their service and sacrifice.

Homeowners can apply for these exemptions through the local appraisal district by submitting the necessary forms and documentation. Ownwell assists homeowners in navigating the application process, ensuring all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted on time. By leveraging Ownwell's expertise, homeowners can maximize their savings and take full advantage of available property tax exemptions.