Appraisal notices mailed to taxpayers

By Melinda L. Lucas

Tax appraisal notices for county property were mailed out recently, according to Clayton Snyder, chief appraiser of the Shackelford County Appraisal District (CAD). 

“The appraisal district physically reappraised Albany ISD property outside of the City of Albany for this year,” said Snyder. “The district also updated the cost schedule, provided through Marshall and Swift, used for appraising in 2020 for all taxing jurisdictions within the county boundaries.”

He explained that the cost of building materials continues to increase but not as substantially as in the previous three years.

“Sales prices for single family residential properties in the county remain strong and are consistent overall with the prior year,” said the chief appraiser.  

Again this year, standardized methods of depreciation, put into place several years ago, were used by the local office, based on age and condition of each property. 

Snyder added that industrial and business personal values are expected to be down because of the economic downturn. 

“The goal of the district is to find the accurate market value of all taxable property in the county, and to ensure equality and uniformity of those values so that everyone pays a fair share,” Snyder said. “Local governments and schools depend on accurate appraisals.”

After notices are mailed, citizens have 30 days to protest their value. The protest form is included with the notice. 

For notices mailed locally, the deadline for real property and personal property is June 30. 

The deadline for appraisals performed by Capital Appraisal Group for industrial personal property and minerals is June 11.

“Taxpayers need to read their notice of appraised value to find which deadline they need to adhere to,” said Snyder. “If you feel that your property is appraised at a level greater than market value, you need to file a protest,” Snyder said. 

Protests can be filed online through the CAD website, shackelfordcad.com, or by mail by sending them to Shackelford CAD, PO Box 2247, Albany TX 76430.

“If you would like to discuss your property values in person, please call or email to schedule an appointment in order to practice safe distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Snyder.

He added that the staff is open to discussing taxpayers’ values, but they need to provide evidence of problems that would keep their property from selling at the value the district has set. 

Examples of evidence include pictures of problem areas, bids on repairs, a certified appraisal, or sales information.

If protesters are still not happy with the informal appeals process, they may appeal to the Appraisal Review Board, a group of local citizens who hear taxpayer complaints and value disputes. 

To request an informal protest or to schedule an appointment, taxpayers can contact the CAD office at 325-762-2207.

Snyder also explained that taxpayers over 65 or disabled are protected from increases on their homesteads. 

Also, taxes cannot be increased more than 10 percent per year on any homestead.