SB 1951 - Stops hidden tax penalties

SB 1951 aims to strengthen transparency and fairness in how personal property tax penalties are handled by appraisal districts. Currently, taxpayers may unknowingly pay late rendition penalties that were never clearly communicated to them, and appraisal districts have a financial incentive to impose these penalties. This bill fixes those issues by requiring certified notice of penalties, mandating clear disclosure on tax bills, and eliminating the 5% kickback appraisal districts previously received. These reforms protect taxpayers from hidden fees, reduce the potential for abuse by local government entities, and promote clear communication. It’s a taxpayer-first approach that reduces government overreach, discourages revenue-driven penalty practices, and enhances accountability at the local level.