If passed, this bill would amend the Texas Tax Code, specifically by adding Section 11.137 to establish these exemptions. The intent is to lessen the property tax burden on veterans who have incurred disabilities while serving, acknowledging their sacrifices and aiming to support their reintegration into civilian life. The survival spouses' inclusion in the bill is particularly significant, ensuring continued financial relief even after the veteran's passing, which can alleviate some financial strains during a challenging time.
Summary
House Bill 202 aims to provide an ad valorem tax exemption for the residence homestead of partially disabled veterans, as well as their surviving spouses, based on the veteran's disability rating. Specifically, the bill proposes that veterans with a disability rating of at least 10% but less than 100% will receive a tax exemption equivalent to their disability rating percentage on the appraised value of their residence homestead. Furthermore, surviving spouses who have not remarried would be entitled to the same exemption percentage applicable to the property during the veteran's lifetime, provided certain conditions are met.
Contention
While the bill is expected to garner strong support among legislators and veterans' advocacy groups, there may be concerns raised about the potential fiscal impact on the local governments. Critics might argue that the loss of tax revenue could hinder essential services funded by property taxes, prompting discussions about who bears the cost of these exemptions. The need for a constitutional amendment to authorize the exemptions could also be a point of contention, as it places the onus on voters to approve it during an election, shaping the bill's journey through legislative processes.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the appraised value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of such a veteran based on the disability rating of the veteran.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the appraised value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of such a veteran based on the disability rating of the veteran.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the appraised value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of such a veteran based on the disability rating of the veteran.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a qualifying condition or disease.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of such a veteran based on the disability rating of the veteran.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of such a veteran based on the disability rating of the veteran.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of such a veteran based on the disability rating of the veteran.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation by certain taxing units of a portion of the appraised value of the residence homestead of the parent or guardian of a person who is disabled and who resides with the parent or guardian.
Relating to the authority of a taxing unit other than a school district, county, municipality, or junior college district to establish a limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes that the taxing unit may impose on the residence homesteads of certain low-income individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
Relating to providing for a reduction of the appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes for the first tax year in which the owner qualifies the property for a residence homestead exemption based on the amount by which the limitation on increases in the appraised value of a residence homestead reduced the appraised value of the owner's former residence homestead for the last tax year in which the owner qualified the former residence homestead for a residence homestead exemption.
Establishes pilot program in Division of Taxation to provide income tax credits for the opening of certain homesteads to hunting activities in areas with high number of wildlife incidents.