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"Local Property Tax Changes: What North Texas Homeowners Should Prepare For"

The Ambassador

In the quiet afterglow of a setting Texan sun, a palpable concern tugs at the serenity that blankets Arlington's neighborhoods. It is not a looming storm cloud or the distant hum of highway traffic, but a shift in the landscape of local property tax that stirs the calm.



The Arlington Stdium of the Cowbows
AT&T Stadium


Like an uninvited guest, this shift promises to disrupt the familiar rhythm of life for homeowners, nudging the needle on the balance scale of financial stability. Last year's property tax bill, a figure etched in the memory of each homeowner, stands on the precipice of change. The average Arlington homeowner, who paid $5,197 in property taxes just last year, now faces an uncertain future.


Arlington's property tax system, a complex machine finely tuned over the years, is on the brink of transformation. This is not just a change in numbers on a balance sheet; it is a change that could reverberate through the corridors of individual households and echo in the broader community.


The reasons behind these changes are manifold, intertwined with government policies, economic factors, and a rapidly evolving housing market. These changes promise to usher in a new era in Arlington's property tax landscape, an era that will see the contours of the system reshape and redefine themselves.


As homeowners, what can you expect from this change? How will it impact your yearly budget, your long-term financial plans, your dreams of a secure future? As residents of Arlington, how will this change shape your community, your city, your shared sense of belonging?


In this article, we will journey together into the heart of these questions. We will navigate the complex maze of property tax, demystify the upcoming changes, and arm you with the knowledge to face this new era with confidence. We will unearth the facts, lay bare the figures, and highlight the concerns, all with a single aim - to help you, the homeowners of Arlington, prepare for the impending property tax changes.


So, as we set off on this journey, let us remember that we are not just talking about changes in tax rates or shifting policies. We are talking about our homes, our neighborhoods, our community. We are talking about us. And as we navigate this changing landscape together, let us do so with understanding, preparedness, and resilience. Let us face the dawn of this new era as one - informed, equipped, and ready.

Unveiling the Truth: Arlington's Property Tax Conundrum


In the heart of the Lone Star State, the city of Arlington buzzes with life, bolstered by its robust economy and vibrant community. However, beneath this thriving facade, a financial puzzle is taking shape, centered around the complex world of property taxes. In an effort to untangle this fiscal knot, we delve into the current tax structure, its implications for Arlington residents, and the broader impacts that are rippling through the community.


The Arlington City Council recently approved a $597 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2023, which included a significant property tax rate reduction - the largest seen in 30 years. This move was coupled with increases in residents' water rates, garbage collection rates, and stormwater fees. Although the city aims to utilize the additional revenue to fund public safety, maintain city streets, buildings, and other public infrastructure, and support Arlington's award-winning parks and recreation amenities, the impact of these changes is more multifaceted.


As we delve further, the implications of these tax adjustments become more apparent. Despite the City Council's continuous efforts to lower the property tax rate for the seventh consecutive year, residents are feeling the pinch. The property tax rate has been reduced to $0.5998 per $100 of assessed value, down from $0.6198. On the surface, this appears to be a win for homeowners. However, the reality is more complex.


The city has simultaneously reauthorized a variety of residential property tax exemptions, including the largest homestead exemption permitted by state law, which stands at 20% of the property value. Additionally, the city offers a senior tax freeze and $60,000 exemptions for those over 65, disabled veterans, and disabled persons. These exemptions are also extended to the surviving spouses of U.S. Armed Forces members and first responders who are killed in action. Despite these apparent benefits, the city's tax structure is causing distress among homeowners.

Even with the reductions in property tax rates and the availability of exemptions, homeowners in Arlington and the broader Tarrant County are feeling the pressure. The cost of living in the area has been steadily increasing, with property taxes being a significant contributor.


As Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare pointed out, property taxes have been increasing relentlessly. "Every single person who owns a home or owns business property will tell you the same story -- taxes continue to go up and up," he said.


The issue at hand is not just the tax rate, but also the property appraisals. These appraisals have seen a 209% increase since 2018, leading to higher taxes despite the lowered rates. It's an alarming trend that is causing distress among homeowners, especially given the current economic climate. "When our economy is not doing as well as it has in the past few years, when inflation is through the roof the way it is, I think it’s grossly irresponsible to increase taxes on people," added O'Hare.


As the situation stands, Texas ranks sixth in the country for high property taxes paid, and within the state, Tarrant County is among the top 10 for property tax rates. Homeowners are feeling the impact, with many seeking advice from professionals and protesting their property appraisals. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming, and results are not.

The Rising Cost of Homeownership: Unmasking the Property Tax Dilemma in Arlington, Texas


The city of Arlington, Texas, is caught in a dichotomy of rising property taxes and increasing property values, with homeowners bearing the brunt of the impact. While local authorities are making efforts to alleviate the financial pressure on residents, such as reducing property tax rates and offering exemptions, the city's broader economic situation is causing property taxes to continue to rise.


As we unravel the complexities of the tax system, one thing becomes clear: the situation is far from black and white. While the city is trying to balance its budget and fund essential services, homeowners are feeling the pinch. With rising costs and increased valuations, the lowered tax rate may not offer as much relief as it seems on the surface. Although the city is making efforts to support residents by offering various exemptions and maintaining lower water and sewer rates, the increased costs in other areas are leading to an overall rise in living costs.


The role of various taxing entities is also crucial to understanding the tax puzzle. Interestingly, the members of the Tarrant Appraisal District board of directors, who play a significant role in property valuations, are not directly elected by taxpayers. Instead, they are appointed by the taxing entities that make up Tarrant County, which includes city councils, school boards, and county commissioners. This structure has drawn criticism, and recently, Kathryn Wilemon, the chairperson of the TAD board of directors, resigned after the Keller City Council initiated a recall. The city had worked to lower the tax burden for residents, but they felt that the appraisal district wasn't making the same progress.


The impacts of the current tax structure extend beyond the immediate financial burden on homeowners. As taxes continue to rise, it threatens the affordability of the city, potentially pushing residents out of their homes. "Nobody should ever have to move out of Tarrant County, or anywhere else for that matter because they can’t afford property taxes." expressed by Judge Glen A. O'Hare, the presiding judge of the Tarrant County Criminal District Courts in Texas. He made the statement at a county commissioner meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2023, as they discussed the rising cost of property taxes in the county.


O'Hare's statement reflects the growing concern among many Tarrant County residents about the rising cost of living in the area. The median home value in Tarrant County has increased by more than 20% in the past year, and property taxes have followed suit. This has made it difficult for some residents to afford to stay in their homes and has led to an increase in the number of people who are being forced to move out of the county.

With the current system under scrutiny, the question arises - what can be done to alleviate the burden on homeowners? One potential solution is to continue to cut tax rates, but this must be balanced against the need to fund essential services and infrastructure. Judge O'Hare urges the public to voice their concerns to local officials and every taxing entity, highlighting the need for collective action to bring about change.


For homeowners struggling with their property taxes, selling their property to an investor could be a potential solution. Companies like Direct Tax Loan offer a fast process, with the ability to sell a property for cash in as little as 3 to 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks). This option can provide a quick exit for those facing financial hardship due to property taxes or other financial issues, such as loss of income, tax liens, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and costly repairs.


The situation in Arlington and Tarrant County highlights the complexities of property tax systems. While local governments strive to balance the need for revenue to fund essential services with the burden on homeowners, the escalating property values and tax rates place an increasing strain on residents. Changes to the system may be necessary to ensure long-term affordability for residents while ensuring the city's needs are met. Whether these changes come from tax rate adjustments, appraisal system reforms, or other policy shifts remains to be seen. In the meantime, residents may need to explore all options available to them, including selling their homes to investors if the burden becomes too great.

Through our investigation into Arlington's property tax conundrum, several key findings have emerged. The current tax system, while attempting to strike a balance between revenue generation and homeowners' financial well-being, has placed a considerable burden on residents. Despite efforts to lower the property tax rate, increasing property valuations and rising costs in other areas have offset the perceived benefits.


Homeowners in Arlington and Tarrant County are grappling with the effects of escalating property taxes, making the affordability of the city a growing concern. The property appraisals, which have seen substantial increases in recent years, have led to higher tax bills, putting a strain on residents' budgets. With Texas ranking sixth in the nation for high property taxes paid, and Tarrant County among the top 10 for property tax rates, the financial pressure on homeowners cannot be ignored.


The impacts of the current tax structure extend beyond the immediate financial burden. The potential displacement of residents due to unaffordable property taxes threatens the fabric of the community. It is crucial for local officials, taxing entities, and homeowners to engage in dialogue and collaborative efforts to find viable solutions.


In light of our investigation, it is clear that further reforms may be necessary to alleviate the burden on homeowners. Possible solutions include a continued focus on reducing tax rates, addressing the appraisal system's shortcomings, and exploring innovative approaches to funding essential services and infrastructure without disproportionately burdening homeowners.



Appeal Tarrant County Taxes
Arlington Property Tax


To achieve meaningful change, homeowners must actively voice their concerns and engage with local officials, city councils, school boards, and county commissioners. Collective action and open dialogue can pave the way for policy adjustments that strike a better balance between meeting the city's needs and ensuring the long-term affordability of homeownership.


In closing, the property tax challenges in Arlington require ongoing attention and action. It is imperative for stakeholders to work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions that preserve the city's vitality while ensuring that homeowners are not forced to bear an undue financial burden. By addressing these challenges head-on, Arlington can create a fair and equitable tax system that supports both the needs of the community and the financial well-being of its residents.

As the author and publisher of this investigative article, we are committed to continuing our ongoing investigation into this and many other issues and challenges that our local community is facing. Together, let us strive for a better understanding and resolution of these important matters.

References:


$597 million - This is the amount of the Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget for Arlington City Council. It includes the largest property tax rate reduction in the past 30 years, and increases for residents’ water rate, garbage collection rate, and stormwater fee 1 .



$0.6198 per $100 of assessed value - This was Arlington City’s previous property tax rate. The City Council voted to lower the rate for the seventh consecutive year 2 .



$0.5998 per $100 of assessed value - This is the new property tax rate for Arlington City, lowered from the previous rate of $0.6198 per $100 of assessed value 3 .



20% of the property value - This is the largest homestead exemption authorized by the Arlington City Council. There are also other exemptions available for certain demographics 4 .



$1.18 a month, or about 2.02% - The average residential water and sewer bill in Arlington will increase by this amount due to increases in debt service, chemical and equipment costs, and other operational costs 5 .



$32.04 or 5.26% each month - Commercial customers who use 50,000 gallons of water and 50,000 gallons of wastewater in Arlington will have to pay an additional amount of this much per month 6 .



$3.29 per month - The garbage collection rate in Arlington will increase by this amount starting from October 1 due to wage and fuel increases 7 .



Fifty cents per month - The stormwater rate in Arlington will increase by this amount 8 .



10% increase - This was the increase in the appraised value of property according to a tweet from Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare 9 .



209% increase since 2018 - According to Judge Tim O’Hare, there has been this increase in appraised property values since 2018 10 .




In this article we briefly referenced the company “Direct Tax Loan” who has no association at this time with “The Roofer”. We are committed to delving even deeper into the practices of companies like Direct Tax Loan and others that may be engaging in predatory lending. Our intent is to shed light on their operations and uncover any potential exploitative practices. Through ongoing research and investigation, we will continue to expose and address these concerns, ensuring that our community is informed and protected.


However, during our research, we did uncover information on how companies like Direct Tax Loan typically operate. These companies specialize in buying properties in any condition for cash, often targeting individuals who are facing financial hardships such as being behind on payments, facing foreclosure, bankruptcy, divorce, or costly repairs. The selling process usually involves the property owner reaching out to the company, scheduling an appointment, accepting an all-cash offer, and finally receiving payment upon the closing of the transaction. While this information provides insight into their operations, it also emphasizes the need for further scrutiny to ensure fairness and protection for vulnerable homeowners.

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