Supporting Fairness and Due Process in Property Tax Appraisals

Posted by · April 03, 2025

The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) supports House Bill 329, which would require appraisal review boards to accept certified independent appraisals submitted by property owners as the official valuation in property tax protests. This bill protects property rights and limits arbitrary government power in line with Libertarian values.

Defending Property Rights Against Government Overreach
HB 329 ensures that property owners can defend their property value using a certified appraisal conducted within a reasonable timeframe. LPTexas believes property rights are inherent and must be protected from infringement or interference by the state. Shifting power away from centralized appraisal districts and toward individuals reinforces those rights.

Promoting Due Process and Accountability in Tax Disputes
By accepting certified third-party appraisals, HB 329 increases transparency and fairness in property tax protests. LPTexas opposes systems that presume government valuations are superior to individual documentation and supports reforms that favor taxpayers, not bureaucracies.

Limiting Coercive Taxation and Government Waste
LPTexas believes taxation is theft and that every dollar coerced from individuals is subject to mismanagement and abuse. Allowing property owners to challenge inflated valuations with legitimate, independent evidence is a step toward minimizing the damage caused by compulsory taxation.

Conclusion
The Libertarian Party of Texas urges the Legislature to pass HB 329 and strengthen the rights of Texans to protect their property and challenge arbitrary taxation. Government must serve individuals, not undermine them—and this bill helps restore that balance.