Grand Saline, TX asked in Tax Law for Texas

Q: I live in Van Zandt county tx, I want to bury my dead loved one on my property. Does that exempt me from property taxes?

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers

A: No. Only property EXCLUSIVELY used for the burial of human remains is exempt from property tax. You can replat your land to plat off a small family cemetery, and that family cemetery will be exempt from property tax. But not the rest of your land.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: Burying a loved one on your property in Van Zandt County, TX, does not automatically exempt you from paying property taxes. Texas property tax exemptions are typically based on factors like age, disability, military service, and the property's use, such as agricultural or wildlife management purposes. Simply having a burial site on your property does not meet the criteria for a tax exemption under state laws.

However, if you establish a dedicated family cemetery that meets specific requirements, you might be able to qualify for a reduced tax rate on that portion of the land. This process involves complying with local regulations, ensuring the land is appropriately designated for cemetery use, and may require specific zoning changes or approvals from the county. It would be wise to contact the Van Zandt County appraisal district to understand the rules and any paperwork involved.

To explore your options, check with the county tax assessor’s office or consult local ordinances. They can provide guidance on what is allowed in your area and what steps need to be taken. Make sure to understand all legal obligations and potential costs before making any decisions.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.