In an on-going effort to foster a better flow of information from the San Saba County Appraisal District and perhaps provide answers to questions the public may have, Chief Appraiser, Jan Vanderburg, will address frequently asked questions in this and upcoming articles.

Also in this article will be noteworthy happenings, upcoming deadlines, etc. at the Appraisal District.

If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact the Appraisal District during business hours at 325.372.5031.

This week’s question is:

What is a rendition and why should I file one?

A “rendition” is a report to your county appraisal district that lists all the taxable property you owned or controlled on January 1 of this year.

You must file a rendition if you own tangible personal property that is used to produce income – such as the inventory and equipment used by a business. If you render late, don’t render or file an incomplete or false rendition, a 10% to 50% penalty may be imposed.

When you file a rendition, there are advantages:

• You give your opinion of your property’s value. The appraisal district must notify you in writing of any value change and explain how you can protest that value to the appraisal review board.

• You record your correct mailing address so your tax bills will go to the right address. If your bill is mailed to the wrong address, the law still holds you responsible for paying your taxes on time or paying extra charges for late payments.

• You can also file a “report of decreased value” to notify the appraisal district of significant depreciation of the value of your property in 2012. The district will look at your property before assigning a value in 2013.

The last day for filing 2013 renditions is April 15. You can get an automatic extension to May 15 (or the next business day if a weekend) if you ask for it in writing on or before the April 15 deadline. The chief appraiser may grant an additional 15 days after May 15 for an owner who shows good cause in writing.

File your renditions with the appraisal district at: San Saba Appraisal District–423 E. Wallace San Saba, Texas 76877