For Immediate Release
Non-profit organizations may be totally exempt from
property taxes, but to qualify, they must apply to the county appraisal
district no later than April 30, 2009.
The April 30 deadline also applies to businesses
that are receiving tax abatements granted by taxing units; to firms that ship
inventory out of
Property tax exemptions are available to non-profit
charitable, youth development organizations, religious organizations,
non-profit private schools, cemeteries, veterans’ organizations, historical and
archeological sites and other organizations. Requirements vary for different
types of organizations. Non-profit organizations may receive a property tax
exemption immediately upon buying or acquiring a property during the year and
meeting the exemption qualifications.
Once granted an exemption, cemeteries, charitable
organizations, youth development organizations, religious organizations and
non-profit private schools do not have to reapply annually unless the chief
appraiser asks them to file again. However, they must reapply if their exempt
property changes ownership, if their qualifications for exemption change or if
they acquire new property. The law requires annual application for all other
types of exempt organizations.
Property owners with mineral property or business
personal property worth less than $500 are exempt from property taxes on those
small amounts of property. No exemption application is required.
For more information about property tax exemptions
that are available to businesses and non-profit organizations contact Brazoria
County Appraisal District at (979) 849-7792 before April 30. Details are also
available from the Property Tax Division of the state Comptroller’s office.
Visit the Web site at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax
or call (800) 252-9121.