Because the deadline set by the Texas Property Tax Code falls on Sunday, Jan. 31, landowners and businesses have until the close of business on Feb. 1 to pay their 2020 property taxes, according to Scott Fair, Chief Appraiser at Gillespie Central Appraisal District. “Gillespie Central Appraisal District
Because the deadline set by the Texas Property Tax Code falls on Sunday, Jan. 31, landowners and businesses have until the close of business on Feb. 1 to pay their 2020 property taxes, according to Scott Fair, Chief Appraiser at Gillespie Central Appraisal District.
“Gillespie Central Appraisal District is aware that people and businesses had a rough year due to COVID-19. We are sympathetic, but we lack authority to change deadlines or penalty and interest on property taxes,” Fair said. “This ability lies at the state level and no accommodations have been made.”
Payments can be made in several ways — dropped off, walked in, mailed and online. See informational box for more details.
The appraisal district advises that residents start the process before the final days to avoid potential problems and lines at the counter.
Every year, taxpayers have accounts go delinquent because of last-minute issues regarding paperwork, postmarks or faulty internet connections, according to officials.
Penalties and interest of 7% will be assessed on Feb. 2 and increase each month thereafter.
Needed
The appraisal district reminds residents to bring a statement or a list of property account numbers to ensure all needed payments are made.
Those who do not have a statement are encouraged to look up their accounts at www.gillespiecad.org.
It is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner to know what accounts they have and make sure the taxes are paid on their property.
Renditions
The appraisal district will soon be mailing confidential personal property renditions to business owners.
Businesses need to complete the rendition by listing the Jan. 1, 2021 business inventories, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, and vehicles and return the rendition to the GCAD office by April 15.
Renditions received after the filing deadline may be subject to additional fees for filing late.
Contact the property appraiser at 830-997-9807 with any questions.
Exemption
“If you acquired a residence in 2020, you might qualify for the Residence Homestead exemption,” Fair said. “The residence homestead exemption will save you up to $263 per year in property taxes. You may apply for a homestead exemption in the appraisal district office or print an application from the appraisal district website and mail it.”
A valid Texas driver’s license, with license and residence addresses matching, is required with the application. For residences owned by a trust, the appraisal district will need to review the trust papers.
Contact the district at 830-997-9807 with any questions or for assistance.
Payments
Drop box – outside on the front door of the Gillespie Central Appraisal District office, 1159 S. Milam St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
Lobby of Gillespie Central Appraisal District office – from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., masks are required.
Mailed – payments must be postmarked on or before the payment deadline. Checks should be made payable to Gillespie Central Appraisal District and addressed to: Gillespie Central Appraisal District, 1159 S. Milam St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
Electronic payment – at www.gillespiecad.org, options are available to pay with a credit card, debit card or e-check. There are fees added to the payments by the credit card companies and servicing vendor. For payments via e-check a fee of $1.50 is assessed, Visa debit cards charge $3.95, all other debit cards and credit cards charge a 2.35% fee.