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1. How do I contest the value placed on my property by the Appraisal district?

File a written protest with the district by May 31. A protest form is available, but a notice of protest is sufficient if it identifies the owner, the property that is subject to the protest, and indicates that you are dissatisfied with a decision made by the district. The protest will be heard by an independent panel of the Appraisal Review Board. (These are residents which are not employees of the appraisal district). If you believe the value of your property is too high, examples of items to provide the panel are a closing statement if you recently purchased the property or sales price of other homes in your neighborhood if they have recently been sold.

2. I purchased a home last year, what exemptions are available to me?

If you own your home on Jan. 1 and it is your primary residence the city grants a 20 percent exemption on the value. If you are 65 on Jan. 1 an additional $30,000 exemption on the value may be applied for at the appraisal district. You may also be eligible for a disabled or disabled veteran exemption and should contact the Financial Services Department.

3. If I am late filing for my homestead or age 65 exemption what happens?

If the district processes the application before the tax roll is certified in July, then the original tax bill will reflect the correction. If not, then a corrected statement will be sent to the taxpayer when it is processed. If a mortgage company was sent the original bill, they will probably pay the higher amount and the city will refund the difference after receipt of the payment. In some instances the application may not be processed by Jan. 31, then you should pay the amount on the original bill or contact each taxing entity and have them calculate an anticipated corrected bill. If no payment is made, late charges will be incurred even if the district subsequently submits the correction.

4. Can the late charges be waived?

State law permits the waiving of late charges only if an act or omission by the tax entity or the appraisal district causes the taxpayer to be late. Failure of the Postal Service to cancel an envelope on Jan. 31, even though the payment was placed in a mail box on Jan. 31, is not sufficient for a waiver.

5. What happens if I don't pay my taxes on time?

In February, the Dallas County Tax Office will send a delinquent tax notice. The notice will include late penalty and interest charges of 7 percent on the unpaid, balance. Each month thereafter that the bill remains unpaid additional penalty and interest charges are added. State laws provide that the penalty charges can be as much as 12 percent, and interest is accrued at the rate of 1 percent per month. There is no maximum amount of interest. Outside attorneys hired to collect delinquent taxes can charge an additional 20 percent penalty to cover their fees. In addition, if a delinquent tax lawsuit is filed, then court costs will be incurred by the taxpayer.In February, the Dallas County Tax Office will send a delinquent tax notice. The notice will include late penalty and interest charges of 7 percent on the unpaid, balance. Each month thereafter that the bill remains unpaid additional penalty and interest charges are added. State laws provide that the penalty charges can be as much as 12 percent, and interest is accrued at the rate of 1 percent per month. There is no maximum amount of interest. Outside attorneys hired to collect delinquent taxes can charge an additional 20 percent penalty to cover their fees. In addition, if a delinquent tax lawsuit is filed, then court costs will be incurred by the taxpayer.