Q: I am renting property for my business. Why did I receive a tax bill?

A: All businesses are taxed on their personal property such as furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, inventory and vehicles used to generate income. Most likely, the tax bill that you received is for your business personal property and not for the real estate itself. The real estate owner will receive the property tax bill. Questions about personal property should be directed to the county appraisal office: Harris County Appraisal District (713) 957-7800 or Galveston Central Appraisal District 1-866-277-4725.

Q: I am still receiving tax bills on my closed business. How do I get this corrected?

A: If you operated your business on January 1 of a tax year you will still owe business personal property tax for the entire year. Business personal property taxes are not prorated. It is important that you notify the county appraisal district to close your tax records when you close your business. If you fail to notify them,  your business may remain on future tax rolls. The county appraisal office is the only authority to remove an account from the tax roll not the tax offices. Harris County Appraisal District (713) 957-7800 or Galveston Central Appraisal District 1-866-277-4725.
     

Q: The value you show for my business property is too high or you have property on my bill that I do not own , how do I get this corrected?

A: Tax Offices use the value and property descriptions provided to them by the county appraisal district to bill the taxpayer. You must contact the county appraisal district to have a correction made to the account or set up a protest hearing.  If a correction is made, the appraisal office will certify the change and notify each tax office of the change. The tax office in turn will rebill the account reflecting these changes. This notification process can take anywhere between 4-12 weeks. If the account is paid when we receive a correction, a refund will automatically be issued for overpayment. If the tax is unpaid on February 1, we will make the correction and rebill you for the tax , penalty and interest if applicable. Please remember that taxes are due January 31 even if you are waiting for a change.  Harris County Appraisal District (713) 957-7800 or Galveston Central Appraisal District 1-866-277-4725.

Q: I was charged a Late Rendition penalty, what is this?

A: Chapter 22, Texas Tax Code, requires owners of business personal property to file a rendition describing the property with the chief appraiser by April 1 of each year and also prescribes the penalty for failure to comply. The rendition penalty is a penalty created by the Texas Legislature on those businesses failing to file their business personal property rendition, or filing their rendition late, to their County Appraisal District. The rendition penalty is generally equal to 10% of the amount of property taxes ultimately imposed on the property.

Q: How do I get this Late Rendition Penalty removed?

A: You must contact your county appraisal district. Our office does not have any authority over this matter. Please contact the Business Personal Property Department of your county appraisal district: Harris County Appraisal District (713) 957-7800 or Galveston Central Appraisal District 1-866-277-4725.

Q: If I do not pay the Late Rendition Penalty, what happens?

A: You will be subject to civil action for collection in the courts.