Ignorant question of Harris County Appraisal District Business Property Tax (lease, mortgage)

[bellaroxio]

Four years ago, I signed a 5-year business lease. Before moving in, due to the economy, I had to close down the company. To keep up my credit, I still make payment on the lease. I am using it as my personal storage. I don't even have signs....
I just received a penalty waiver request from Harris County Appraisal District for business personal property.
Sorry to sound to dumb but what is this? How do I fight this if possible?
Thanks for your help.

[chris_ut]

You might want to get with a cpa.

[crone]

If you any documentation that the business is kaput, file a protest. They will not charge you the taxes.

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by bellaroxio

Four years ago, I signed a 5-year business lease. Before moving in, due to the economy, I had to close down the company. To keep up my credit, I still make payment on the lease. I am using it as my personal storage. I don't even have signs....
I just received a penalty waiver request from Harris County Appraisal District for business personal property.
Sorry to sound to dumb but what is this? How do I fight this if possible?
Thanks for your help.

Originally Posted by crone

If you any documentation that the business is kaput, file a protest. They will not charge you the taxes.

This has nothing to do with a business being kaput. "Business Personal Property" is all the physical goods your company owns. Such as computers, desks, phone systems, etc. It can also include inventory. It does not include vehicles, nor the actual real property (land & buildings). If your business has none of this (goods), you simply need to file a report that states this. Then you will owe no BPP taxes.

Even bankrupt and closed-down businesses owe this. That's why being kaput has no bearing on this. Sending a tax bill for BPP to a kaput business may be like trying to get blood from a stone, but it's still the legal process.

[mufti63]

Last year, I tried to take advantage of Loan Modification program, they sent me a letter and approved me for one Sub program of that Loan Modification in which they wanted me to send at least 03 payments of about $1000.00 for 03 months and then they would put me in that program. I sent the first payment at the start of Dec, 2nd on Start of Jan2011 and now 3rd is due on Feb, 2011.( the payment includes my escrows)

But for the 2010, I did not pay the escrow, but surprisingly, my property tax shows nil for 2010. I do see a note on the Property Tax statment there that states " Our record indicate that your statement has been requested by a mortgage company/tax agent"

Does that mean I do not have to pay this Property tax.

Can somebody help me on this?