Within this site you will find general information about the District and the ad valorem property tax system in Texas, as well as information regarding specific properties within the district. Howard Central Appraisal District is responsible for appraising all real and business personal property within Howard County. The district appraises property according to the Texas Property Tax Code and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP).
Howard Central Appraisal District is responsible for the fair market appraisal of properties within each of the following taxing entities. Additional responsibilities include change of address and public information requests.
Thanks for visiting with us and we hope you’ll find all the information you need right here on the site, but please don’t hesitate to email, call or come by – we’re here to help!
Property owners have certain rights that may reduce their property tax burden.
Persons who own their residence may claim their home as a residential homestead. The filing of this document is only necessary if the homeowner has changed homesteads, the appraisal district has requested an updated application, or the owner has become eligible for additional exemptions since last year. A copy of a current driver’s license must accompany the application. Persons who purchase their home during 2024 and the home purchased does not have an existing homestead exemption from the prior owner, the new owner may receive a prorated homestead. The proration is from the date the homeowner qualifies. Details may be obtained from your local appraisal district. Homeowners may also defer the portion of the tax on their residence homestead if the value of the home was raised more than 5% above the previous year. Although the tax collection is deferred, interest continues to run on the unpaid portion of tax at a rate of 8% per annum and the deferred tax remains a lien on the property. To apply for the deferral, the owner should contact the appraisal district which appraised the property in question and complete an application.
DISABLED PERSONS
Persons who are disabled under Social Security law are entitled to additional exemptions on their residential homestead. Disabled applicants must apply with the appraisal district and furnish a determination letter from Social Security. Disabled persons receive all benefits on their home that are available to over 65 persons (see below).
PERSONS WHO ARE OVER 65 YEARS OF AGE-EXEMPTIONS AND DEFERRAL
Persons who are over 65 years of age or disabled persons may file for additional exemptions and a ceiling on school taxes for their residential homestead if they became 65 during 2023 or will be 65 during 2024. Over-65 persons should apply for this exemption at the appraisal district office in their county. Over-65 persons are also eligible to defer paying the tax on their residential homestead if they wish. The taxes continue to accrue during the deferral plus interest, but no attempt will be made to force payment during the deferral. Details and an application may be obtained from any appraisal district or the State Comptroller.
Persons who have been declared disabled by the Veteran’s Administration are eligible for additional exemptions on property they own. The declaration letter from VA is mailed annually, but the appraisal district only needs a copy in the first year of eligibility or if the percentage of disability changes. In certain situations where the disabled vet is 100% disabled, unemployable and receiving 100% disability compensation, their homestead may be completely exempt. An annual reapplication for the 100% exemption may be required by the Chief Appraiser.
Farmers and ranchers may be entitled to receive an alternate method of appraisal determined by the farm income to the property. This method is available to farms and ranches commercially raising crops or livestock or which are used as a wildlife habitat under State guidelines. An application for agricultural use value and additional information is available from your appraisal district. Re-filing is only necessary if requested to do so by the Chief Appraiser.
Exemption applications for all property tax exemptions including total exemptions for charitable, religious, and other total exemptions may be obtained from an appraisal district or through the State Comptroller’s Office at 1/800-252-9121 or from their website at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/02-forms.html
State law requires the filing of a rendition declaring what types of business personal property that a person or company owns. Failure to file the rendition will result in a 10% penalty. If a fraudulent rendition is filed, a 50% penalty is mandated. A rendition can be obtained from the appraisal district office where the property is located. Deadline-April 15. A 30-day filing extension is available by written request.
PROTESTING PROPERTY VALUE
Taxpayers whose property value increases by at least $1000 will be mailed a reappraisal notice stating the proposed value. The taxpayer may file a protest of the value change by completing the protest form that will be included in the notice. An informal hearing will be available to taxpayers, and if not satisfied, the taxpayer may have a formal hearing before the Howard County Appraisal Review Board.
If you have questions about any of these topics, please contact the Howard Central Appraisal District at (432) 263-8301 or come by our office at 315 S Main, Big Spring, Texas. Other information may also be available on the Comptroller’s website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/
Appraisal district chief appraisers and appraisal review boards (ARBs) may communicate electronically through email or other media with property owners or their designated representatives. Written agreements are required for notices and other documents to be delivered electronically in place of mailing.
How does it work? Certain guidelines must be followed for this local option communication:
For more information, contact HOWARD CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT- 315 S Main St. Big Spring, TX 79720, Phone-432-263-8301 Email-cad@howardcad.org
Some property owners will be receiving a letter from the Howard Central Appraisal District requesting a current application for 1-D-1 (Open Space) Agricultural Use Appraisal.
The Appraisal District is in the process of updating its records and needs to obtain the most current information on these properties in order to be in compliance with State requirements regarding these forms. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause our property owners and would like to insure everyone that the Appraisal District staff will be available to assist with questions or concerns regarding the reapplication process. Please do not hesitate to contact our office at (432) 263-8301 or come by 315 Main St, Big Spring, TX 79720. It is our goal to make this process as simple as possible for those property owners affected by this request.
Avoid this SCAM
If you’ve gotten a letter recently telling you about a great opportunity to declare your property as a homestead and receive a tax exemption, it’s time to read the fine print. If you ever receive letters or documents that appear to be from legitimate businesses, but you’re concerned they sound too good to be true, don’t hesitate to use all the resources at your disposal to verify their authenticity. Howard Central Appraisal District office can also help you to avoid scams related to home and property taxes.
In recent months, residents in Howard County have reported receiving letters from a company that prepares homestead forms to get a property designated a homestead in exchange for a fee. Unfortunately, a homestead designation is NOT the same thing as a homestead exemption. Homestead designation is a form submitted in order to declare a property a homestead for the public record. This can protect a home from forced sale, but it’s not legally necessary to have your property designated a homestead in the public record in order to receive a homestead tax exemption. You can receive help to apply for exemptions free of charge from your local Howard Central Appraisal District.
County Taxing Entities: |
| Howard County |
| Borden Independent School District |
| Sands Independent School District |
| Big Spring Independent School District |
| Coahoma Independent School District |
| Forsan Independent School District |
| Stanton Independent School District |
| City of Coahoma |
| City of Forsan |
| City of Big Spring |
| Howard County Junior College District |
| Permian Basin Water Conservation District |
Courteously And Respectfully Serve
The Public And It’s Entities
By Providing An Equal And Uniform
Appraisal Roll In An Accurate
And Timely Manner
While Preserving And Ensuring The
Rights Of Property Owners
