BELL COUNTY, Texas — Was your home damaged in the storms that pummeled Central Texas this May? You may be able to qualify for relief on your property taxes.
According to the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County, property owners who suffered physical damage from the tornadoes and windstorms on May 22 could qualify for relief on their 2024 property taxes through a temporary disaster exemption.
“From the tornados and the associated windstorms, many properties in Bell County sustained major physical damage," Said Chief Appraiser Billy White. "For those that suffered these damages, we want to let them know they could qualify for a disaster exemption that will help them reduce their 2024 property taxes. Owners of properties that sustained physical damage to structures on their property, or to any business personal property, may apply for this exemption."
To qualify for the exemption, the Appraisal District says physical damage must have been sustained from the storms that resulted in the disaster declaration by the Governor on May 26 and must total at least 15% of the 2024 improvement (house/building) market value.
White says damage to trees and landscaping is not eligible for the exemption, but damages sustained to the improvements from trees could qualify.
The Appraisal District says the temporary exemption application must be received no later than 105 days from the date of the disaster declaration. Applications are due to the appraisal district no later than Sept. 9, 2024.
Photographs of physical damage, repair estimates, insurance claims and/or receipts are reportedly required for the appraisal district to approve the temporary exemption. The appraisal district says the exemption can be applied to all properties, including residential, commercial and business personal property.
Applications can be found online at www.bellcad.org/storms and emailed with all supporting documentation to customerservice@bellcad.org, or mailed to Tax Appraisal District of Bell County PO Box 390 Belton, TX 76513.
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