Property Taxes

Latest Federal Tax Plan Bites Home and Second Home Owners

By Jon Anderson / November 8, 2017 /

Here’s the net-net of the proposed Republican plan to “lower” our taxes. Mortgage interest deductions would be capped at mortgages $500,000 or less (half the current $1 million) for primary residences. Mortgage interest deductions for second homes would simply vanish. You may be thinking this doesn’t sound bad and you may be mostly right.  While…

Dallas ISD Property Tax School Board Meeting Postponed

By Bethany Erickson / August 4, 2017 /

A special Dallas ISD school board meeting scheduled for Saturday to discuss increasing the property tax rate has been postponed, largely because of exorbitant cost estimates for the date picked for a potential vote. “In consultation with Board President Dan Micciche, the called board meeting for tomorrow, Saturday, August 5, has been postponed,” the district…

Good News for Dallas Oldies, Including our Mayor: Senior and Disabled Homestead Exemption Now $90,000

By Candy Evans / June 28, 2017 /

Another positive move by the Dallas City Council this efficient first day of the new council, at least for us oldies: the property tax homestead exemption for seniors and the disabled has been raised from $64,000 to $90,000.  The break was launched and shepherded by Jennifer Staubach Gates. The vote was unanimous, but some worried…

Trump Plan Calls for End to Property Tax Deduction on Federal Tax Returns

By Jon Anderson / April 27, 2017 /

Yesterday, Trump unveiled a single piece of paper “detailing” his tax proposals.  There are no bills or resolutions or research to back any of it up or flesh it out.  So when and how any of this will ultimately be turned into actionable policy is, like the man himself, anyone’s guess.  Color me shocked. It…

Finding Common Ground on Mandatory Sales Price Disclosure with State Rep. Diego Bernal

By Heather Hunter / March 9, 2017 /

If you want to see the temperature rise in a roomful of Realtors, just say the words, “mandatory sales price disclosure.” The topic provides for heated discussion – as does any mention of property taxes, these days. But State Rep. Diego M. Bernal (D-San Antonio) introduced two pieces of mandatory disclosure legislation this session, which…