Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Texas

Property Taxes on home transferred after death

My father and step mother passed away in 2003. The estate attorney had the house tranferred legally into my name, but as far as I know the Harris County Texas tax records were never changed. My mother and stepfather have lived in the house since 2004 and they pay the taxes. I reside in a different state. My question is this: If the Tax assessor never received the property owner change and there is an over 65 exemption on the home (my step father and mother are over 65 as well) am I going to be penalized when I change the property tax info? I wrongly assumed that my attorney had taken care of all of this in 2003.


Asked on 9/11/08, 6:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cheryl Rivera Smith The Smith Law Firm

Re: Property Taxes on home transferred after death

Technically, there isn't a penalty, it is called a rollback. You will be billed for the difference in taxes had the exemption not been given from 04 thru 07. (2008 tax bills don't come out until October.) It is best to contact the tax dept immediately to see if they will waive any penalty and interest that may be charged due to the oversight. They will not waive the difference in taxes.

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Answered on 9/12/08, 10:49 am


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