Appraisal Information
Property Tax Appraisals are required for any tangible type of property. In Bell County these property types are described as Residential, Commercial, Land, Agricultural and Business Personal Property.
Appraisal methods and procedures are described in Chapter 23 of the Texas Property Tax Code which requires Appraisers to conform with mass appraisal standards to determine market value, which must comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (aka: USPAP) as described in Sec 23.01(b) of the tax code as:
The market value of property shall be determined by the application of generally accepted appraisal methods and techniques. If the appraisal district determines the appraised value of a property using mass appraisal standards, the mass appraisal standards must comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. The same or similar appraisal methods and techniques shall be used in appraising the same or similar kinds of property. However, each property shall be appraised based upon the individual characteristics that affect the property’s market value, and all available evidence that is specific to the value of the property shall be taken into account in determining the property’s market value.
Below is a timeline of the appraisal cycle by phase of the year. Each appraisal department is responsible for valuation and tasks to be accomplished within the cycle.
- During fieldwork staff is responsible for gathering data, measuring new improvements, and verifying existing records.
- During Analysis & Valuation staff is responsible to analyze the data gathered and to value properties using sales information.
- Protest Phase begins with staff working with property owners informally in April and May. For those that are needed, appraisers will begin formal protests hearings in June, continue in July and into the first part of August.
During July the CAD will have met the certification requirement and certify the appraisal roll to the Taxing Units who begin the Collections Phases.
