It really makes no difference what the value of your property was the prior year. The question is “what is the market value as of January 1^st of this year?” 

NO! The local taxing jurisdictions only ask that we do our work fairly and accurately. The amount of taxes that each of the entities levy for the year is determined by how much money is needed to fund local government services, such as police and fire protection. The governing body of each jurisdiction adopts its own budget, and then sets a tax rate which, when applied to the appraised value of all taxable property, will produce the necessary amount of property tax revenue. The McCulloch County Appraisal District is not involved in this process.

The rates are adopted by the governing body of each jurisdiction. The rates on the Appraisal Notice are the tax rates from the previous year. The rates for each year must be adopted before September 30 of each year.

The property tax system contains numerous checks and balances, one of the most important of which is the right of property owners to file a protest and receive a hearing, if they believe our appraisals are inaccurate or inequitable. Appraisals are also reviewed by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, which conducts and publishes bi‐annual property value study of the level of appraisal of each category of property in each county appraisal district. Additionally, each appraisal district is subject to a Methods and Assistance Program review every other year. This review is also conducted by the Texas Comptroller’s office.

The appraisal district compares properties that recently sold with all other properties in the same area. Adjustments are made for the differences between sold and unsold properties. This adjustment results in the estimate of what the unsold properties would have been worth had they been on the market as of January 1. McCulloch CAD appraisal records contain property information collected during field inspections throughout the district. Our work is done in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) applicable to the mass appraisal process.

According to the Texas Property Tax Code, the definition of “improvement” is any building, structure, fixture or fence, whether moveable or not, and whether new or existing.

Any building, structure, fixture, or fence, WHETHER MOVEABLE OR NOT, is considered an improvement. The fact that a building is on “skids” does not determine if it is taxable or not. If the building is located on your property on January 1, then it is taxable for that year.

The first question is how long ago did you purchase your house. If you purchased your house in a recent open‐market transaction, you can bring a copy of your settlement statement to the McCulloch CAD office, we typically can reduce the value of the home. 

 If you purchased your home in a foreclosure sale, that is not an open‐market transaction. If you purchased your home from a family member, this is not an open‐market transaction. If you purchased your home more than 2 years ago, that is not an accurate reflection of current market values.

The truth is School Districts are the only taxing entities required by the state to grant tax ceilings. When you turn 65 you get a “TAX CEILING” on the school tax ONLY portion. This does not go for the county, city, or any special taxing districts. If you make any additions to your house once you have a ceiling, then your ceiling can also be increased.

We encourage you to visit our website at www.mccullochcad.org or come by our office at 306 W. Lockhart, Brady, TX to find out.