Penalty for unimproved lot?

[ellebal]

I purchased a small lot in a resort area in Texas about 4 years ago. My taxes kept coming and I noticed that on an appraised value of only $3000, my taxes were over $200. I noted a place on the tax statement that had a charge of $120 but no explanation. When I called the appraisal district, they told me this was a penalty charge for not improving the lot. My taxes would otherwise be about $80/yr. Is this legal? Can they really charge me this penalty? On top of taxes, I pay $216/yr for property owners dues. So essentially, I'm paying more than $400/yr on a lot which has been appraised at $3000, but I know for a fact that I would have trouble getting $500 for it right now because they are just not selling. Do I have legal recourse? I am currently trying to sell the lot, otherwise I am giving it away. I figure if I can't get $1000 for it now, in about two years, I will have paid that much more money in taxes/dues by then, so what is the difference?

 

[HomeGuru]

The difference is; you did not read the real property tax ordinances before you bought the property.

 

[ellebal]

Thanks

Guru,

Thanks for your quick response. It really was a relief to someone who thought he could get a clear answer to his question when he stumbled across this site a few days ago. You have quickly disproved that theory. Is everyone here as insulting as you? I'll take my questions elsewhere.

 

[curtisd]

re;radeck,if you don't agree with the "advice",and thats what it is -just read the disclaimers-given by a particular member than go on to the next one.but i think you should consider the member you are referring to has over 12,000 posts which should be respected.and please don't answer with a justification otherwise i'll have to refer to you as "redneck".have a good day.