May 7, 2024 - The last several years, Shelby County has experienced increased growth regarding real estate values. Every two years, the State of Texas’ Comptroller’s office, through its Property Tax Division, conducts their Property Value Study. The most recent study conducted was this past year, 2023. What this means is, the State Appraisers will take a random sample of properties within a school district; and then through reported sales and their field appraisals, they determine whether the Appraisal District is valuing properties at 100% market value, according to state law.

April 19, 2024 - One of the easiest ways a homeowner can lower his or her property tax bill is to file a homestead exemption. A homestead is generally the house and land used as the owner’s principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. A person who acquires property after January 1 may receive the residence homestead exemption for the applicable portion of that tax year immediately on qualification for the exemption if the preceding owner did not receive the same exemption for that tax year.

April 19, 2024 - Veterans with a service-connected disability are encouraged to file an exemption application form to have their property taxes lowered. Some veterans may even qualify for a 100 percent tax exemption.

Texas law provides partial exemptions for any property owned by disabled veterans or surviving spouses and surviving children of deceased disabled veterans. An applicant may claim an exemption on only one piece of property the applicant owned on January 1. The applicant must be a Texas resident to qualify for a homestead exemption.

March 28, 2024 - If you own tangible personal property that is used to produce income, you must file a rendition with the Shelby County Appraisal District by April 15.

A rendition is a report that lists all the taxable property you owned or controlled on Jan. 1 of this year. Property includes inventory and equipment used by a business. Owners do not have to render exempt property, such as church property or an agriculture producer’s equipment used for farming.