The Orange County Appraisal District sent out notices this week and most property owners saw a large increase in property values. After many calls and social media posts, the OCAD sent out the following explanation.
“The Orange County Appraisal District (CAD) would like to take a moment to explain the increase in values this year. We have seen misleading information and would like to clarify. The Texas State Comptroller conducts a property value study in every county in the state. They use recent sales data and appraisals in the county to determine what the CAD should be appraising values at. If the CAD does not come within 5% of the Comptrollers values for two years in a row, then the school districts are penalized financially. This year, all five school districts combined are in jeopardy of losing an estimated $8 million dollars in state funding because the CAD has not been within the 5% margin of error the last two years. People are paying much more for houses which in turn sets a much higher market value.
With that being said, the CAD is only one piece of the puzzle. The increase in values does not necessarily mean increased taxes. Your local entities vote on a tax rate every year after the CAD’s values are certified to the state. At that time, rates can be increased or decreased. Just like the taxpayer can protest their values at the appraisal district, the public is welcome to attend the meetings that set the tax rates.
While the CAD is responsible for assessing values in the county, the Tax Office is responsible for the actual tax dollars collected. The appraisal district is more than happy to help anyone that has questions or concerns regarding value and/or exemptions. You are welcome to come visit us in person at 9157 Interstate 10 East, by phone at 409-745-4777 or through the online protest portal on our website at www.orangecad.net.
Beginning August 7th, you can visit www.texas.gov/PropertyTaxes. This website will host local information regarding your property taxes including the amount of taxes that each entity will impose if the entity adopts the proposed tax rate. This website will be updated regularly during August and September as local elected officials propose and adopt the property tax rates. You can also keep up with meeting dates and times through this database as well. If you have specific questions regarding your actual tax dollar amount, please either refer to www.texas.gov/PropertyTaxes in August or direct your questions to the Orange County Tax Office at (409)882-7971.”
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