Re: [A/S] Joys F250 SD Diesel Oil Filter and . . .

["Tom Patterson" <pattersontom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It had to do with Proposition 14 in the last election.  Here is what
appeared in the Houston Chronicle on December 8, 2001.

......................................

Travel trailers may haul taxes into county /State law to end exemptions on
Jan. 1

By STEVE BREWER
Staff



Harris County residents pulling travel trailers could be hauling heavier
property tax bills next year, thanks to a state law that goes into effect
Jan. 1.

The Harris County Appraisal District released an analysis of the law, which
required a change to the Texas Constitution approved by voters Nov. 6, on
Friday.

Jim Robinson, HCAD's chief appraiser, said travel trailers had been exempt
from property tax unless they were affixed to land or used by a business.

But counties, cities, school districts and other taxing entities can begin
collecting taxes on the trailers starting next year, Robinson said.

"Travel trailers are popular in Texas, and this will be a major change that
will apply to people who own them," Robinson said. "I don't think it will be
a significant addition to the local tax base, but we'll have a better feel
for that in a couple of weeks."

Robinson said his office will search vehicle registration records to see how
many travel trailers are owned locally.

Taxing entities other than school districts can choose not to collect the
trailer tax by exempting them before setting tax rates, Robinson said.

Taxpayers will be able to get a standard homestead exemption on a travel
trailer if it's affixed to land, serves as their primary residence and if
they don't have the exemption on another property, he said.

The new tax applies only to travel trailers , not to camper shells, pickups
or recreational vehicles like motor homes.

Anyone with questions about the law can call HCAD at 713-957-7800.

-Tom