This bill amends the Tax Code to allow for late applications for the appraisal of land as qualified timber land following the death of the landowner. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that permits the chief appraiser to accept and approve applications submitted after the deadline if certain conditions are met. These conditions include that the land was appraised under the relevant subchapter in the previous tax year, ownership changed due to the death of the owner during that year, and the application is filed by the surviving spouse, child, executor, administrator, or fiduciary by the delinquency date for taxes on the land.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing penalty structure for late applications. While a 10 percent penalty on the tax difference applies for late applications, this penalty will not be enforced for those filed under the new provision for late applications due to the death of the owner. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will only apply to applications submitted after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Tax Code 23.751 (Tax Code 23)