houston chronicle
Saturday, April 3rd, 2010
houston chronicle
Yesterday’s Houston Chronicle…?
had an article in it that stated the HPD had collected over 6 million in red-light camera fines.
What do you think HPD should do with the money?
I think it should used for bonus for the hard work the police do.
After recently observing the appalling condition of Houston’s intersection control, traffic lighting system, roads and the lack of traffic enforcement I think the money should be used to make sure that those problems are re-mediated.
I drive all over the US and I was really surprised at how poor Houston’s local and freeway setup was. The traffic signals are not timed, they are hung strangely so they are hard to see and are not over the correct lanes (which is the norm in the rest of the country, including other parts of Texas). Houston has poor intersection lighting, the lanes appear and end without warning. I could go on for hours.
Monies made from traffic enforcement should go back to improving traffic.
houston chronicle
Property Tax Protest Deadline the Tax Deadline that cant be extended
Property Tax Protests are the subject of this week’s Tax Tip. As April 15th approaches… it’s a good reminder for all Texas residents that some tax deadlines cannot be extended. A case in point is Texas’s property tax protest deadline for homeowners. Actually there are two deadlines in play here.
The first deadline, for rendering your property which means providing your property tax authority your written opinion on your property’s value is April 15th. The second deadline, the deadline for protesting this year’s value assessment is May 31st for most Texas homeowners.
Let’s look at the earlier deadline, for rendering your property, first. It’s a good idea to for both home owners and business owners to render your property annually. Why, well because if you render the tax authority must send you a written notice of appraised value if their valuation exceeds the amount on your rendition form. If you do not render, they might not be required send you a notice of assessed value and you might forget to protest an increase in your assessment.
The second deadline is the deadline for filing a protest. This deadline is May 31st for most Texas homeowners.
I noticed a strange thing in two recent articles in the Houston Chronicle. Both articles appeared in the paper on the same day. On one page there was a story with an interview of the Harris County Central Tax Appraisal District. The districts taxman was advising homeowners not to bother protesting their tax valuations this year. The logic for the comment was that the Central Tax Appraisal District felt that home values had only fallen 1.5% over the last year so it would be a waste of time for homeowners to file a protest.
I don’t know about you, but as a CPA I always get suspicious when a tax authority gives me friendly advice not to exercise my rights.
In another article in the same day’s paper there was a story from the Houston Association of Realtors citing their study that showed residential property prices had fallen 15% or more in the past year. So let’s think about it…home market values have fallen 15% and the tax authority is telling us not to challenge their assessed valuations. Smells like a rat to me.
The bottom line here is that if you own property that is taxed, whether a residence or your business assets, you need to render and protest their values annually. I have attached the appropriate forms to the bottom of this article. Want to learn more ways to save on taxes?
About the Author
Jim Trippon, a name growing in popularity for offering expert Houston tax representation, deals with any Houston tax problemsand is relied on by individuals, small businesses, big businesses or anyone who has to deal with Houston IRS problems.
Houston Chronicle Endorses Obama, McCain…?
What do you think about this endorsement? If you live in Texas, who are you planning to vote for?
http://www.click2houston.com/politics/15320677/detail.html
The article compare Hillary & Obama and says:
…” However, there is a decisive difference. Obama vows to reach out to independents and Republicans with a message of inclusion and cooperation,” the Chronicle said. “He offers a historic opportunity to elevate national political dialogue to a higher ground. Those who insist on vitriol and obstructionism would be marginalized.”
..sorry for the typo on “the article compares…
I am for OBAMA and I hope the Latinos of TEXAS get on the Bandwagon! Long live those who support the computer use in the Campaign! ;0)
Houston Chronicle Commercial
|
|
iHome iP43LVC Dual Alarm Clock Radio for your iPod/iPhone with Pillow Shaker (Blue) $75.95 iHome IP43 Desktop Clock Radio – Apple Dock Interface IP43LV Clocks… |
|
|
Dual Alrm Clck Rad Iphone/ipod Purple Charge Play Or Wake $91.77 iHome IP43UV Desktop Clock Radio IP43UV Clocks… |
|
|
Alex Super Baking set – 18 Piece Metal and Plastic Set $16.99 Measure, mix, prep, and bake some imaginary treats| This 18-piece set features a loaf pan, bear pan, heart pan, mixing bowl, rolling pin, whisk, measuring spoons and cup, pastry wheel, 2 star cookie cutters, 2 heart cookie cutter, and an oven mitt. Bon Appetit|… |
|
|
Passion of the Christ: Songs (Original Songs Inspired by the Film) $7.00 … |
|
|
Egyptian Hieroglyphs Made Easy $26.50 Learning and understanding of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic language. The hieroglyphic script was the longest lived and earliest form of the Egyptian language. Its use was limited primarily to religious and monumental inscriptions, whereas a more cursive script called hieratic was preferred for administrative and epistolary purposes. Hieroglyphic Egyptian employs pictures of objects, each with… |
|
|
Promised Land [CD-ROM] Queensryche’s follow-up to the double-platinum Empire is something of an acquired taste, but it’s well worth the effort. There’s considerable variety here; the heavy progressive-rock of “I Am I” and the ballad “Bridge” were hit singles, but there’s also the funk-inflected “Disconnected”, the edgy, spooky “Lady Jane”, and the piano-and-vocals “Someone Else?”. The title track is probably the stronge… |
|
|
Yoga Girl – Vinyl Wall Decals Murals Stickers Art Graphic – 25H x 35W – by üBer Decals Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design from uBer Decals. All other sellers are… |
|
|
2.5mm Hands-Free EarBud Headset + Car Kit Vehicle Plug in Adapter + Home Travel Wall Charger for ATT Nokia Mural Grouper 6750 Cell Phone $5.99 Brand new premium quality MP3 Earbud and hands-free headset for your cell / smart / PDA phone. Acoustically tuned speaker for improved sound clarity even in noisy environments. Soft covered ergonomic earpiece for comfort even over extended periods. **Phone & Ear bud features are limited to the phone’s capability and the service provider’s default settings. Please consult with your phone’s user man… |
|
|
Modern Woman 6 – Vinyl Wall Decals Murals Stickers Art Graphic – 39H x29W – by üBer Decals Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design from uBer Decals. All other sellers are… |
|
|
Shawn Interrupted $1.99 … |
|
|
Defending Polygamy $1.99 … |
|
|
America’s Funniest Home Videos: Sports Spectacular $4.06 AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS:SPORT – DVD Movie… |
|
|
Tiger Balm Analgesic Tiger Muscle Rub … |
|
|
Ableware 769450000 Raptor Reacher $13.99 Raptor Reacher Maximum value at a moderate price The Raptor Reacher is a low cost, durable, lightweight, all plastic reacher with a contemporary design unlike other reachers. The jaw opens a full 2 1/2″ (6.3 cm) and provides a tight grip on even the smallest items such as coins or bulky items like newspapers, clothing and cans. A hook-like extension on the front can be used as a dressing aid. The … |
|
|
Gecko Nasal Pad – Large, 4.12 Long $24.85 The Gecko Nasal Pad (formerly the Sleep Comfort Care Pad by Sequal) is intended for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who experience pain and discomfort on or around the bridge of their nose associated with using nasal or full face masks. The pad acts as a cushion between the patient’s face and mask, and is simply placed across the bridge of the nose under the mask. The protective polyme… |
|
|
Kuzy® – AQUA BLUE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $1.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Kuzy – PURPLE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Kuzy – Circles Blue/White Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Omaha Steaks Prime Rib Roasts Prime Rib Roasts… |
|
|
KIKE CALVO photo illustrations FREAKLANCES Collection – Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword – Coffee Gift Baskets – Coffee Gift Basket $44.99 Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword Coffee Gift Basket is measuring 9x9x4. Contains 15oz mug, BONUS free set of 4 coasters, biscotti and 5 blends of gourmet coffee. French Vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate and Italian Roast Espresso elegantly presented in our signature black planet coffee gift box. A very nice and thoughtful gift for any occasion…. |
|
|
Betty Lous Organic Harmony Hippy Happy Apple Bar Case Pack 24 – 683021 $116.33 1.75 oz bar. Vegan. USDA organic. Ingredients: organic apple cinnamon granola [organic oats, organic maple syrup, organic oat flour, organic crisped rice (organic brown rice, malt syrup - GF, sea salt), organic brown rice syrup, organic walnuts, organic sunflower seeds, organic expeller pressed high oleic sunflower oil, organic unsulfured dried apples, organic cinnamon, organic vanilla, sea salt],… |
|
|
Sony ICF-C05iP Clock Radio for iPod (Black) $39.95 With the Sony ICFC05iPBLK Clock Radio you can charge your iPod’s battery while you sleep. This Sony ICFC05iPBLK Clock Radio is the space-saving bedside accessory for iPod® and iPhone® users. Set the alarm to wake to the radio, iPod®, or a buzzer. The charging tray ensures both you and your iPod/iPhone® start the day with a fully charged battery. Plus, The Sony ICFC05iPBLK Clock Radio features … |
|
|
Sharp LC60LE835U Quattron 60-inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED-LCD HDTV, Black Sharp AQUOS LC-60LE835U 60″ 3D LCD TV LC-60LE835U LCD Flat Panel TVs… |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Minimizer Bra #427 $32.00 Experience the elegance of our Lilyette® Simplex Minimizer Bra with Embroidery!Minimizes your bust Elegant embroidery adds femininityNo wire poke throughFlexible fitFabric ContentCups: 69% Nylon, 31% Lycra® ElastaneEmbroidery: 57% Rayon, 31% Nylon, 12% PolyesterBack: 92% Nylon, 8% Lycra® ElastaneImported… |
|
|
Kuzy® – RED Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Plunge Into Comfort Keyhole Minimizer $32.00 AS SEEN ON THE TODAY SHOWOur Lilyette® Keyhole Minimizer Bra’s sexy plunge design provides a V-shape pitch that enhances cleavage while providing a sexy and secure fit on the body! Minimizes size – not shapeEnhances CleavageSexy plunge stylingShimmering fabric appearanceGentle and comfortable on the bodyPrevenets wire poke through Fabric ContentBody: 78% Polyamide, 22% ElastaneCup Lini… |
|
|
KONNET iCrado Original, Stylish Metal Charging Dock / Cradle / Stand for iPhone, iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPod (Black) The KONNET iCrado is an easy to install cradle for your iPhone or iPod. With its unique distinctive design, it demonstrates the userâs personal style. The front is designed with a wide opening to give users the quick convenience of charging the iPhone or iPod without removing the protective case. The iCrado has a dedicated port to fit the Appleâs 30-pin USB cable to charge and sync the i… |
|
|
Centurion CD DVD Storage Library Electronic Organizer PC Controlled 100 Disc Manager $94.51 : The Centurion CD is the most efficient and safest way to store, protect and manage valuable information stored on CD or DVD, whether its data, files, photos or videos. If data is placed on optical media, then the Centurion CD can eliminate clutter, help prevent scratches and dust and keep a work area neat and organized. It is a fully automated organizer that catalogues and keeps all media safe a… |
|
|
Permatex 82606 Pro Strength Brake & Parts Cleaner (not for resale in California) $5.99 Quickly dissolves and removes oil, grease, brake fluid and oxidized oils from all types of brake systems and metal surfaces. Dries without leaving residue…. |
|
|
SE Glow-in-the-Dark Brass Compass $1.50 Night Hike? Go ahead. If you’ve got your glow-in-the-dark compass with you, you can find your way back without having to grope around trying to feel the moss on the north side of the trees. In brass, 2″ dia x 1/2″ thick, with a bezel with 2-degree increments and a 13/16″ dia hook on top…. |