Everything is bigger in Texas, including our property taxes. While we enjoy no state income tax, our property tax rates are among the highest in the country. But as stewards of our state’s precious open space, owners of rural Texas land have incentives and opportunities, provided by our state legislature, to significantly reduce those rates. Braun & Gresham attorneys are experts and innovators in utilizing those incentives for the maximum benefit of clients, as well as compassionate advocates for their clients.
Texas has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, but owners of rural Texas land also have options to significantly reduce those tax rates, as well as make sure assessed taxes are justified. The state legislature has provided tax incentives to encourage landowners to maintain their property for open space, and more than a million Texas landowners currently claim open space exemptions. The attorneys at Braun & Gresham are not only experts and innovators in ways to utilize these tax incentives to reduce your property taxes, we also serve as your advocates when you are unfairly taxed. We know the rules and how to use them. We also make sure the taxing authorities follow those rules.
Incentives exist in the property tax code for owners of rural property that may significantly reduce your tax burden in exchange for specific land uses. Special tax appraisals exist for:
- Agricultural (Ag) use
- Wildlife management
- Ecological Laboratory
- Timber use
- Exotic game
- Recreational, park or scenic use (of private land)
- Charitable exemptions
- Endangered species
Braun & Gresham will thoroughly assess your specific situation and goals, and then expertly identify options to create innovative solutions that are best for you and your land.
Even if you are already using these incentives, we can still help by making sure you were treated fairly. Without a doubt, many of our county tax appraisers and assessors are often overworked and underpaid, but there must be accountability for basic techniques and procedures utilized in appraisals. Both your special use and your market value must be correctly appraised each year, and you have the right to protest or appeal if they are not.
The Braun & Gresham Process in a Property Tax Appeal
- Review and analyze the facts and law of your situation and advise you on the likelihood of prevailing in an appeal. This includes a strategic decision about whether to file suit simply to preserve the opportunity to negotiate a settlement. Part of the analysis is an estimate of costs.
- File suit in the appropriate court to preserve your rights.
- Advise you on hiring your own appraisal expert and other consultants to substantiate your case. We can also consult with and manage those experts.
- Negotiate with your appraisal district to try to reach a favorable settlement, without going to trial.
- Appropriately prepare the case for trial, including legal discovery and depositions, which will help with leverage in settlement negotiations.
- If no settlement is reached, we take your case to trial if you so choose.
- Ensure that the final judgment of the court is executed, or we appeal an unfavorable ruling if you so choose.
- Advise you on strategies for avoiding future conflicts with your appraisal district.
