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A Message from chief appraiser

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By Chad Hill

Polk County property owners,

As most may be aware, the real estate market in Polk County has seen tremendous growth with sale prices increasing year-over-year. The demand for housing, vacant land and commercial properties remains incredibly high. New construction has reached record levels, increasing by 70% in the last year alone. Thirty percent of all properties in Polk County have transferred in the last three years.

In the next several days, you will receive appraisal notices by mail. The property value increases will be larger increases than normal. These changes in market value are based on current market data and verified sales information.

Property Valuation

By law, appraisal districts are required to appraise all properties at 100 percent of market value, or what the property would sell for as of Jan. 1 of that year. We review recent sales of comparable property, local cost data, and income and expense information, where applicable, to determine property values.

Appraisal district values are tested every other year by the State Comptroller’s office to ensure appraisal accuracy for school funding purposes.

Protesting your value

If you believe your property’s market value is incorrect, you have the right to protest your value. Polk Central Appraisal District will make every effort to make this process as easy as possible. Appraisers will be available for informal in-person meetings daily from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1-5 p.m. until May 15. Meetings will be scheduled first come, first served; an appointment is not necessary. To a limited extent, conferences by phone are also possible depending on staff availability.

A property owner can file a protest by mail or online. Through the online portal, you can upload pertinent information, such as photos and other information, and you may settle your protest online.

You may also fill out the protest form included with your notice and mail it to the CAD office mailing address at 114 Mathews, Livingston, Texas 77351.

We recommend that you don’t come to your informal meeting or your formal protest emptyhanded. Any information you have could help resolve any valuation issues. If you have recently purchased your property, you may bring your closing statement. You may complete a sales letter that was sent to you by our office when the property was transferred into your name. If your property is in poor condition, you may bring photos or repair estimates. If your property is currently listed for sale, you may bring your signed listing agreement.

Informal meetings are conducted so that as many protests as possible are resolved before the Appraisal Review Board has to get involved. If you cannot resolve the valuation issue informally, you may protest by the date contained in your notice of appraised value. Appraisal Review Board hearings will begin May 17 and will continue until all cases are resolved.

Exemptions

It is also important to make sure you are entitled to any exemptions you may qualify for. Exemption forms are available on our website www.polkcad.org. For 2023, Polk County has adopted, for the first time, a general homestead exemption that could help reduce your overall tax bill. If you currently have a homestead exemption, the new county exemption should already show up on your appraisal notice.

Polk CAD will make every effort to make the protest process as smooth as possible. For more information, please visit our website at www.polkcad.org or call 936-327-2174.

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Janice Devers · 11 months ago
    Along with PCAD increases, citizens are also dealing with 7-8% PLUS inflation rate, pushing folks to the brink for everyday living.  With all the new tax base quoted, that should be more than covering any substantial increase to individuals property taxes needed.