Q. How is my property value determined?
A. The Chambers County Appraisal District identifies property to be taxed, determines its appraised value, whether to grant exemptions, the taxable owner and address, and which taxing jurisdictions may tax the property. For information on VALUES, EXEMPTIONS, OWNERSHIP or ADDRESS, please contact the Appraisal District during business hours at (409) 267-3795.
Q. What if I don't receive a tax statement?
A. The tax statements are mailed on or near October 15 of the current year. If you do not receive a statement it is your responsibility to research the reason. Check with our office to see if your statement has the correct address. Failure to receive a tax statement does not affect the validity of the tax, penalty, interest, due date, the existence of a tax lien, or any procedure instituted to collect a tax.
Q. What if my mortgage company is supposed to pay my taxes?
A. If your property taxes are paid by your mortgage company and you receive a tax statement, write your loan number on the statement and forward it to your mortgage company for payment.
Q. When are taxes due?
A. Tax statements are mailed each October and are due upon receipt. Payment of taxes must be postmarked by January 31 in order to avoid any penalty or interest. The official United States Mail postmark is the legal date in considering if payment was on time. Any amount due February 1 will be subject to penalty and interest, and subject to possible lawsuit. By law, the Tax Assessor-Collector cannot dismiss taxes, waive penalty and interest on delinquent taxes, adjust values or ignore deadlines as set forth in the Texas Property Tax Code.
Q. What if I sold my property last year?
A. At the closing of the property sale, taxes should have been prorated by the title company. Ask your title company about any taxes you will be responsible for.
Q. What exemptions do the School District offer taxpayers? How do I apply?
A. Exemptions reduce the taxable value of your property. This lowers your tax amount.
Exemptions Offered by Barbers Hill ISD are:
- Residence Homestead -- The property owner must occupy the property as the owner’s primary residence and the residence homestead exemption cannot be claimed by the property owner on any other property.
- Over-65 – If a taxpayer turns 65 during the tax year, this exemption may be taken in addition to the homestead exemption on their residence. Homeowners over the age of 65 may also arrange for a Tax Affidavit Deferral. With this deferral, you may choose to postpone the payment of taxes if you own and occupy your residence and taxes are delinquent. However, a tax lien remains on the property and interest of 8% a year continues to accrue.
- Disabled Homestead -- Can be taken in addition to the homestead exemption, but is only available to those who qualify according to specific guidelines.
- Disabled Veteran -- Can be taken in addition to the homestead exemption, according to a disability rating. This exemption can be taken on any property in Texas and it is not limited to the homestead property.
The Chambers County Appraisal District is responsible for administering exemption applications.
Please contact the Chambers County CAD with any questions about qualifying for any of the above exemptions at (409) 267-3795.
Q. Where do I find the properties that are being offered through a tax sale or tax resale?
A. Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins and Mott LLP, BHISD's tax attorney, handle all tax sales and resales. All properties are posted on their website at http://www.PBFCM.com. Please contact Mike Darlow at 713-862-1860 with PBFCM for bidding information.
