That's the point
Star-Telegram
Some residents of the age-restricted Robson Ranch retirement community in Denton County display an appalling ignorance of how the property tax system works. They say that appraisers have "taken advantage" of them by increasing their homes' value because they live near a golf course.
Unfortunately, that ignorance is shared by some of their elected representatives in Austin.
Robson Ranch resident Bob Hall leads a group that has gathered about 1,100 signatures from their neighbors who protest what they say are inflated property values. Every property owner has the right to protest appraisals, but the core of this protest seems to be an objection to homes inside Robson Ranch being valued higher than similar properties outside. The major difference is the development's amenities, including the golf course.
Hall says that he sold his home in Justin for $170,000 and in 2006 bought a similar-sized home in Robson Ranch for $232,000. Tax appraisers say the new home is now worth $231,619, and he says that's too much. He wants the home to be valued as if the golf course were not close at hand.
Hall destroys his own case. Appraisals should be based on what a buyer would pay for the property. Hall makes it clear that he paid more for his home in order to live in Robson Ranch and enjoy its amenities -- as would a buyer if he chose to sell, and that's what determines his tax appraisal.
State Rep. Tan Parker of Flower Mound says that he recently met with Hall. Parker points out that House Speaker Tom Craddick recently named a special committee to study property taxes and the tax appraisal system. We can only hope that as the panel goes about its work, its members display an accurate understanding of that system and not just a desire to pander to people who want lower taxes.
The system must be fair, and the only way for it to be fair is to base it on accurate appraisals of full market value.
TO APPEAL IN TARRANT COUNTY
An appeal form is printed on the back of the valuation notice. Check the reason for the appeal, complete the form and mail it back. You may also go to the Web site ( www.tad.org) and call up your property; there's a PIN number on your notice, and you will have to enter that. Appeals must be filed by June 2 or no later than 30 days after receiving the notice of appraised value, whichever is later. If you did not receive a notice, you can file by including your name, address or other property identification, the reason for the protest and a contact address and phone number on a piece of paper mailed to Appraisal Review Board, P.O. Box 185519, Fort Worth, Texas 76181-0519.
On the Web: www.tad.org/WebPages/protest_process.cfm
