The Tax Appraisal District of Bell County is informing property owners who suffered physical damage from the tornados and windstorms on May 22nd that they could qualify for tax relief on 2024 property taxes by means of a temporary exemption.

To qualify for this temporary exemption, the physical damage must have been sustained from the storms that resulted in the disaster declaration by the Governor on May 26th, 2024. The physical damage must total at least 15% of the 2024 improvement (house/building) market value.

To determine percentage of physical damage, see formula below:

Total Physical Damage Divided BY Improvement Market Value = Percentage of Physical Damage For example, a property with $30,000 of physical damage and a 2024 improvement market value of $200,000, the percentage of physical damage would be 15% and would qualify for a temporary exemption.

Damages to trees and landscaping aren’t eligible for the exemption, but any damages sustained to the improvements from trees will qualify for the exemption.

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 September 9^th, 2024.

Photographs of physical damage, repair estimates, insurance claims, and /or receipts are required for the appraisal district to approve the temporary exemption.

This temporary 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 can preferably be emailed with all supporting documentation to customerservice@bellcad.org or can be mailed to:

Tax Appraisal District of Bell County PO Box 390  Belton, Tx 76513