The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes amendments to §9.4011, concerning appraisal of timberlands. These amendments are to reflect updates and revisions to the manual for the appraisal of timberland. The proposed amended manual may be viewed at https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/rules/index.php.

The comptroller amends the Manual for the Appraisal of Timberland, adopted by reference, to update and revise the manual for the appraisal of timberland that has been in effect since May 2004. The manual sets forth the methods to apply and the procedures to use in qualifying and appraising land used for timber production under Tax Code, Chapter 23, Subchapters E and H. The updates and revisions to the manual generally reflect statutory changes; changes dictated by case law; changes to examples to reference more current prices, expenses and values; changes to organization names and information available from different sources; and the addition of footnotes for citations to Tax Code sections and case law referenced. The proposed amendments also provide that appraisal districts are required by law to use this manual in qualifying and appraising timberland. Pursuant to Tax Code, §23.73(b), these rules have been approved by the Comptroller with the review and counsel of the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Tom Currah, Chief Revenue Estimator, has determined that during the first five years that the proposed amendments are in effect, the amendments: will not create or eliminate a government program; will not require the creation or elimination of employee positions; will not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency; will not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency; will not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rules' applicability; and will not positively or adversely affect this state's economy. This proposal amends the current rule.

Mr. Currah also has determined that the proposed amendments would have no significant fiscal impact on the state government, units of local government, or individuals. The proposed amendments would benefit the public by improving the administration of local property valuation and taxation. There would be no anticipated significant economic cost to the public. The proposed amendments would have no significant fiscal impact on small businesses or rural communities.

You may submit comments on the proposal to Korry Castillo, Director, Property Tax Assistance Division, P.O. Box 13528 Austin, Texas 78711 or to the email address: ptad.rulecomments@cpa.texas.gov. The comptroller must receive your comments no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The comptroller proposes these amendments under Tax Code, §§5.05 (Appraisal Manuals and Other Materials), 23.73 (Appraisal of Timber Land), and 23.9803 (Appraisal of Restricted-use Timber Land), which provide the comptroller with the authority to prepare and issue publications relating to the appraisal of property and to promulgate rules specifying methods to apply and the procedures to use in appraising qualified timberland and restricted-use timberland for ad valorem tax purposes.

These amendments implement Tax Code §23.73 (Appraisal of Timber Land) and §23.9803 (Appraisal of Restricted-use Timber Land).