Documents obtained by The Dallas Express have raised questions about Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector Wendy Burgess’ use of special tax exemptions.
Burgess, who previously attempted to pursue more aggressive collections against citizens who unlawfully used special property tax exemptions, may have questions to answer about her use of homestead exemption services.
Homestead exemptions are special tax benefits that reduce the amount homeowners pay in property taxes for their principal residence.
As the Texas State Comptroller website states, “only a homeowner’s principal residence qualifies [for the homestead exemption].”
However, multiple county records indicate that Burgess took a homestead exemption for two homes, one in Tarrant and one in Erath County.
A deed indicates that Burgess purchased a home in Tarrant County in the summer of 2013. Tarrant County records show that a homestead exemption was used for this property during a period running from 2018 until 2021. Documents indicate that this property was sold in 2021.
Another deed shows that Burgess co-owned a property in Erath County purchased in 2015. Erath County records show that a homestead exemption was used for this property during a period running from 2017 until 2020. Documents indicate this property left Burgess’ ownership in 2020.
These records indicate that Burgess claimed homestead exemptions on two properties — both as if they were her principal place of residence — for several years.
It is unclear what legal mechanisms, if any, allowed Burgess to claim these exemptions.
Burgess is facing former Tarrant County GOP Chairman Rick Barnes in the Republican Primary for her seat on March 5.
Burgess’s candidacy has faced difficulties in recent weeks as she has faced questions about her relationships with donors and her alleged slurring of her words caught on an audio recording while presiding over an official Tarrant Appraisal District proceeding, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The Dallas Express reached out to Burgess’ office for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
