Property Tax Exemptions

Appraisal district processing relies mostly on homeowners statements, not scrutiny.

Pablo Ornelas Jr. is being hit this month with a sudden increase in property taxes totaling more than $18,000 that he must pay by January 31 or face stiff penalties and steep interest charges. Still, it’s hard to complain when he enjoyed an improper tax break for 15 years on one of the homes he owns.