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Understanding Corpus Christi Property Taxes

The All My Sons of Corpus Christi are aware that buying a home for the first time can quickly become confusing and overwhelming with unforeseen factors such as property insurance, home owners associations, and especially property taxes. Property taxes can become very confusing, especially if you are not familiar with the particular state’s diverse policies. Fortunately, the movers and packers of Corpus Christi have created this guide to help you understand the complex system of Corpus Christi property taxes.

Since Texas has no state income tax, property taxes become the biggest source of funding for local services. They help pay for public schools, city streets, county roads, police, fire protection, and many other local services, including community college. Property taxes are based upon the overall value of a property, and are considered local taxes. Local Corpus Christi officials will value your property, set the tax rate, and then collect your taxes; however, the state law governs how the process works.

Five Constitutional Rules for Property Tax in Corpus Christi.

  1. Taxation must be equal and uniform.
  2. All tangible property must be taxed on its current market value (some exceptions apply).
  3. All property is taxable unless a federal or state law provides a specific exemption.
  4. All property owners have the right to receive a reasonable notice of increases in appraised property values.
  5. Every property in a county must have one appraised value.

The Corpus Christy Property Taxes System.

There are three main component to the property tax system:

  1. An appraisal district in every county sets that value of your specific property every year. A chief appraiser is the chief administrator.
  2. An appraisal review board will settle any discrepancies between you and the appraisal district regarding the value of your property. This is where you will appeal if you think your property is valued too high.
  3. Local taxing units, which include the county, city, school district, and specialty districts, decide on how much money they need to spend. This will determine how much you and your Corpus Christi neighbors will have to spend on property taxes.

The Taxpayers Role.

The movers and packers of Corpus Christi want you to know that you can play an effective role in the tax paying process if you know your rights, understand the options available to you, and manage your responsibilities.

  • Your rights:
    • You have a right to equal and uniform tax appraisals.
    • You have the right to have your property taxed on its market value or agricultural value (if applicable).
    • You have to receive the tax exemptions that your property qualifies for in a timely manner.
    • You reserve the right to be notified about changes in your property value or exemptions.
    • You have the right to know if a taxing unit has proposed a tax rate increase with enough time to comment on it.

       

  • The remedies:
    • If you think your property tax it too high or denied an exemption, you may protest. If you don’t agree you may take your case to court.
    • You have the right to speak at public hearings when elected officials decide how to spend property taxes and when they set the tax rate.
    • You and fellow tax payers may limit major tax increase in an election.

 

  • Your responsibilities:
    • You must apply for any exemptions before the deadline in your property’s appraisal district.
    • You are responsible for making sure that your Corpus Christi property is listed correctly on the tax records with your correct name, address, and property description.