When storms roll through, they leave behind more than just fallen trees and debris. For property owners in Bell County, the aftermath of the May 22nd tornados and windstorms is more than ‌a cleanup effort—it’s a financial concern as well. Fortunately, there’s some relief on the horizon. The Tax Appraisal District of Bell County is offering a temporary property tax exemption for individuals with major property damage. Gill Construction is here to guide you through this process, ensuring that you maximize your potential savings and get your property back in top shape.

What You Need to Know About the Temporary Exemption

On May 26th, 2024, the Governor declared a disaster, opening the door for homeowners with storm-damaged property to apply for tax relief exemption. This exemption is specifically for properties that experienced physical damage, and here’s what that means for you:

• To qualify for tax relief, your property’s physical damage needs to be at least 15% of its 2024 market value. This includes any structural damage to your home, commercial building, or business property. While damage to trees or landscaping alone doesn’t qualify, if a fallen tree caused structural damage, that counts!
• How to Calculate Your Damage: Not sure if your damage meets the 15% threshold? Here’s a simple formula to help you determine it:

Total Physical Damage ÷ Improvement Market Value = Percentage of Physical Damage

Imagine your property has $30,000 in damage, and its 2024 market value is $200,000. That’s a 15% loss—just enough to qualify for the tax exemption!

• What You Need: To apply, gather some essential documents. Snap photos of the damage, get repair estimates, and collect insurance claims and receipts. These will help the appraisal district understand the extent of the damage and confirm your eligibility.
• Important Deadline: Timing matters! You have until September 9th, 2024—105 days after the disaster declaration—to submit your application. Don’t wait—start organizing your paperwork today.
• How to Apply: Applications are available at www.bellcad.org/Storms. Email your application and documents to customerservice@bellcad.org or mail them to: 

Tax Appraisal District of Bell County

PO Box 390

Belton, TX 76513.

How Gill Construction Can Help

While handling storm damage may feel overwhelming, remember you have support. Gill Construction is well-versed in disaster recovery and knows how to meet your needs during this challenging time.

• Damage Assessment: Our team of experts can help you assess the full extent of the damage to your property. We'll collaborate with you to ensure that we account for all of the damage and document it for your exemption application.
• Repair and Restoration: From minor repairs to major restorations, Gill Construction has you covered. Our skilled professionals can handle all kinds of storm damage, ensuring that they restore your property to its pre-storm condition—or better.
• Insurance Coordination: Navigating insurance claims is difficult, but our team is here to assist. We’ll work with your insurance provider to ensure that you receive the coverage you’re entitled to and that the claims process goes smoothly.
• Exemption Application Assistance: Unsure how to fill out the exemption application? We can guide you through the process, helping you gather the needed documentation to apply on time. Our goal is to make this process as stress-free as possible for you.

Why Act Now?

The clock is ticking on the exemption application deadline, and with every day that passes, the window of opportunity narrows. But beyond the immediate urgency of the deadline, there’s another reason to act quickly: the sooner you address storm damage, the less likely secondary issues will arise. 

Unaddressed damage causes further problems, such as mold growth, structural instability, and more. By taking action now, you prevent these issues and protect the value of your property. Gill Construction is ready to step in and help you take the necessary steps to safeguard your investment.

Don’t Miss Out on Potential Savings

Property taxes are a significant expense, and any opportunity to reduce them is worth exploring—especially in the wake of a disaster. The temporary exemption offered by the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County could save you a substantial amount of money on your 2024 taxes, but only if you meet the requirements and submit your application on time.

Remember, the key to qualifying for this exemption is by providing thorough documentation of your property’s damage. Gill Construction is here to help you with every step of the process, from assessing the damage to completing the application. We understand the importance of accurate documentation, and our experience in dealing with storm damage means we know what the appraisal district is looking for.

Trust Gill Construction for Your Storm Recovery Needs

At Gill Construction, we’re not just about building and repairing—we’re about helping our community recover and thrive. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation that storms cause, and we’re committed to providing the highest level of service to our clients during these tough times.

Whether you need help with your exemption application, require repairs to your property, or want some advice on how to proceed, Gill Construction is here for you. We take pride in our work and in the relationships we build with our clients. When you choose us, you’re choosing a partner who will stand by your side from start to finish.

Conclusion

Storms are unpredictable, but your response to them doesn’t have to be. By taking advantage of the temporary property tax exemption and working with a trusted partner like Gill Construction, you can navigate the aftermath of the May 22nd storms with confidence. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start the process today and let us help you get your property back on track.