Sec. 23.01. Appraisals Generally.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, all taxable property is appraised at its market value as of January 1.

(b) The market value of property shall be determined by the application of generally accepted appraisal techniques, and the same or similar appraisal techniques shall be used in appraising the same or similar kinds of property. However, each property shall be appraised based upon the individual characteristics that affect the property's market value.

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Sec. 23.02. Reappraisal of Property Damaged in Natural Disaster Area.

(a) The governing body of a taxing unit that is located partly or entirely inside an area declared to be a natural disaster area by the governor may authorize reappraisal of all property damaged in the disaster at its market value immediately after the disaster.

(b) If a taxing unit authorizes a reappraisal pursuant to this section, the appraisal office shall complete the reappraisal as soon as practicable. The appraisal office shall include on the appraisal records, in addition to other information required or authorized by law:

(1) the date of the disaster;

(2) the appraised value of the property after the disaster; and

(3) if the reappraisal is not authorized by all taxing units in which the property is located, an indication of the taxing units to which the reappraisal applies.

(c) A taxing unit that authorizes a reappraisal under this section must pay the appraisal district all the costs of making the reappraisal. If two or more taxing units provide for the reappraisal in the same territory, each shall share the costs of the reappraisal in that territory in the proportion the total dollar amount of taxes imposed in that territory in the preceding year bears to the total dollar amount of taxes all units providing for reappraisal of that territory imposed in the preceding year.

(d) If property damaged in a natural disaster is reappraised as provided by this section, the governing body shall provide for prorating the taxes on the property for the year in which the disaster occurred. If the taxes are prorated, taxes due on the property are determined as follows: the taxes on the property based on its value on January 1 of that year are multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is 365 and the numerator of which is the number of days before the date the disaster occurred; the taxes on the property based on its reappraised value are multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is 365 and the numerator of which is the number of days, including the date the disaster occurred, remaining in the year; and the total of the two amounts is the amount of taxes on the property for the year.

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Sec. 23.11. Governmental Action That Constitutes Taking.

In appraising private real property, the effect of a governmental action on the market value of private real property as determined in a suit or contested case filed under Chapter 2007, Government Code, shall be taken into consideration by the chief appraiser in determining the market value of the property.

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Sec. 23.12. Inventory.

(a) Except as provided by Sections 23.12A and 23.12D of this code, the market value of an inventory is the price for which it would sell as a unit to a purchaser who would continue the business. An inventory shall include residential real property which has never been occupied as a residence and is held for sale in the ordinary course of a trade or business, provided that the residential real property remains unoccupied, is not leased or rented, and produces no income.

(b) The chief appraiser shall establish procedures for the equitable and uniform appraisal of inventory for taxation. In conjunction with the establishment of the procedures, the chief appraiser shall:

(1) establish, publish, and adhere to one procedure for the determination of the quantity of property held in inventory without regard to the kind, nature, or character of the property comprising the inventory; and

(2) apply the same enforcement, verification, and audit procedures, techniques, and criteria to the discovery, physical examination, or quantification of all inventories without regard to the kind, nature, or character of the property comprising the inventory.

(c) In appraising an inventory, the chief appraiser shall use the information obtained pursuant to Subsection (b) of this section and shall apply generally accepted appraisal techniques in computing the market value as defined in Subsection (a) of this section.

(d) Subsections (b) and (c) of this section apply only to an inventory held for sale, lease, or rental.

(e) A person who owns an inventory to which Subsection (b) of this section applies may bring an action to enjoin the chief appraiser from certifying to a taxing unit any portion of the appraisal roll that lists an inventory for which the chief appraiser has not complied with the requirements of Subsection (b) of this section.

(f) The owner of an inventory other than a dealer's motor vehicle inventory as that term is defined in Section 23.121 of this code or a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory as that term is defined in Section 23.12D of this code may elect to have the inventory appraised at its market value as of September 1 of the year preceding the tax year to which the appraisal applies by filing an application with the chief appraiser requesting that the inventory be appraised as of September 1. The application must clearly describe the inventory to which it applies and be signed by the owner of the inventory. The application applies to the appraisal of the inventory in each tax year that begins after the next August 1 following the date the application is filed with the chief appraiser unless the owner of the inventory by written notice filed with the chief appraiser revokes the application or the ownership of the inventory changes. A notice revoking the application is effective for each tax year that begins after the next September following the date the notice of revocation is filed with the chief appraiser.

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Sec. 23.121. Dealer's Motor Vehicle Inventory;Value.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Chief appraiser" means the chief appraiser for the appraisal district in which a dealer's motor vehicle inventory is located.

(2) "Collector" means the county tax assessor-collector in the county in which a dealer's motor vehicle inventory is located.

(3) "Dealer" means a person who holds a dealer's general distinguishing number issued by the Texas Department of Transportation under the authority of Article 6686, Revised Statutes, or is authorized by law or interstate reciprocity agreement to purchase vehicles in Texas without paying the motor vehicle sales tax. The term does not include:

(A) a person who holds a manufacturer's license issued by the Motor Vehicle Board of the Texas Department of Transportation;

(B) an entity that is owned or controlled by a person who holds a manufacturer's license issued by the Motor Vehicle Board of the Texas Department of Transportation; or

(C) a dealer whose general distinguishing number issued by the Texas Department of Transportation under the authority of Article 6686, Revised Statutes, prohibits the dealer from selling a vehicle to any person except a dealer.

(4) "Dealer's motor vehicle inventory" means all motor vehicles held for sale by a dealer.

(5) "Dealer-financed sale" means the sale of a motor vehicle in which the seller finances the purchase of the vehicle, is the sole lender in the transaction, and retains exclusively the right to enforce the terms of the agreement evidencing the sale.

(6) "Declaration" means the dealer's motor vehicle inventory declaration form promulgated by the comptroller as required by this section.

(7) "FDeaf Smitht transaction" means the sale of five or more motor vehicles from a dealer's motor vehicle inventory to the same business entity within one calendar year.

(8) "Motor vehicle" means a towable recreational vehicle or a fully self-propelled vehicle with at least two wheels which has as its primary purpose the transport of a person or persons, or property, whether or not intended for use on a public street, road, or highway. The term does not include a vehicle with respect to which the certificate of title has been surrendered in exchange for a salvage certificate in the manner provided by law.

(9) "Owner" means a dealer who owes current year vehicle inventory taxes levied against a dealer's motor vehicle inventory.

(10) "Person" means a natural person, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity.

(11) "Sales price" means the total amount of money paid or to be paid for the purchase of a motor vehicle as set forth as "sales price" in the form entitled "Application for Texas Certificate of Title" promulgated by the Texas Department of Transportation. In a transaction that does not involve the use of that form, the term means an amount of money that is equivalent, or substantially equivalent, to the amount that would appear as "sales price" on the Application for Texas Certificate of Title if that form were involved.

(12) "Subsequent sale" means a dealer-financed sale of a motor vehicle that, at the time of the sale, has been the subject of a dealer-financed sale from the same dealer's motor vehicle inventory in the same calendar year.

(13) "Total annual sales" means the total of the sales price from every sale from a dealer's motor vehicle inventory for a 12-month period.

(14) "Towable recreational vehicle" means a nonmotorized vehicle that is designed for temporary human habitation for recreational, camping, or seasonal use and:

(A) is titled and registered with the Texas Department of Transportation through the county tax assessor-collector;

(B) is permanently built on a single chassis;

(C) contains one or more life support systems; and

(D) is designed to be towable by a motor vehicle.

(b) For the purpose of the computation of property tax, the market value of a dealer's motor vehicle inventory on January 1 is the total annual sales from the dealer's motor vehicle inventory, less sales to dealers, fDeaf Smitht transactions, and subsequent sales, for the 12-month period corresponding to the prior tax year, divided by 12.

(c) For the purpose of the computation of property tax, the market value of the dealer's motor vehicle inventory of an owner who was not a dealer on January 1 of the prior tax year, the chief appraiser shall estimate the market value of the dealer's motor vehicle inventory. In making the estimate required by this subsection the chief appraiser shall extrapolate using sales data, if any, generated by sales from the dealer's motor vehicle inventory in the prior tax year.

(d) Except for dealer's motor vehicle inventory, personal property held by a dealer is appraised as provided by other sections of this code. In the case of a dealer whose sales from dealer's motor vehicle inventory are made predominately to dealers, the chief appraiser shall appraise the dealer's motor vehicle inventory as provided by Section 23.12 of this code.

(e) A dealer is presumed to be an owner of a dealer's motor vehicle inventory on January 1 if, in the 12-month period ending on December 31 of the immediately preceding year, the dealer sold a motor vehicle to a person other than a dealer. The presumption created by this subsection is not rebutted by the fact that a dealer has no motor vehicles physically on hand for sale from dealer's motor vehicle inventory on January 1.

(f) The comptroller shall promulgate a form entitled Dealer's Motor Vehicle Inventory Declaration. Except as provided by Section 23.122(l) of this code, not later than February 1 of each year, or, in the case of a dealer who was not in business on January 1, not later than 30 days after commencement of business, each dealer shall file a declaration with the chief appraiser and file a copy with the collector. The declaration is sufficient to comply with this subsection if it sets forth the following information:

(1) the name and business address of each location at which the dealer owner conducts business;

(2) each of the dealer's general distinguishing numbers issued by the Texas Department of Transportation;

(3) a statement that the dealer owner is the owner of a dealer's motor vehicle inventory; and

(4) the market value of the dealer's motor vehicle inventory for the current tax year as computed under Section 23.121(b) of this code.

(g) Under the terms provided by this subsection, the chief appraiser may examine the books and records of the holder of a general distinguishing number issued by the Texas Department of Transportation. A request made under this subsection must be made in writing, delivered personally to the custodian of the records, at the location for which the general distinguishing number has been issued, must provide a period not less than 15 days for the person to respond to the request, and must state that the person to whom it is addressed has the right to seek judicial relief from compliance with the request. In a request made under this section the chief appraiser may examine:

(1) the document issued by the Texas Department of Transportation showing the person's general distinguishing number;

(2) documentation appropriate to allow the chief appraiser to ascertain the applicability of this section and Section 23.122 of this code to the person;

(3) sales records to substantiate information set forth in the dealer's declaration filed by the person.

(h) If a dealer fails to file a declaration as required by this section, or if, on the declaration required by this section, a dealer reports the sale of fewer than five motor vehicles in the prior year, the chief appraiser shall report that fact to the Texas Department of Transportation.

(i) A dealer who fails to file a declaration required by this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Each day during which a dealer fails to comply with the terms of this subsection is a separate violation.

(j) A dealer who violates Subsection (g) of this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Each day during which a person fails to comply with the terms of Subsection (g) of this section is a separate violation.

(k) In addition to other penalties provided by law, a dealer who fails to file a declaration required by this section shall forfeit a penalty. A tax lien attaches to the dealer's business personal property to secure payment of the penalty. The appropriate district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney shall collect the penalty established by this section in the name of the chief appraiser or collector. Venue of an action brought under this subsection is in the county in which the violation occurred or in the county in which the owner maintains his principal place of business or residence. A penalty forfeited under this subsection is $1,000 for each month or part of a month in which a declaration is not filed after it is due.

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Sec. 23.122. Prepayment of Taxes by Certain Taxpayers.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Aggregate tax rate" means the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing units authorized by law to levy property taxes against a dealer's motor vehicle inventory.

(2) "Chief appraiser" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(3) "Collector" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(4) "Dealer's motor vehicle inventory" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(5) "Declaration" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(6) "Owner" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(7) "Relevant taxing unit" means a taxing unit, including the county, authorized by law to levy property taxes against a dealer's motor vehicle inventory.

(8) "Sales price" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(9) "Statement" means the Dealer's Motor Vehicle Inventory Tax Statement filed on a form promulgated by the comptroller as required by this section.

(10) "Subsequent sale" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(11) "Total annual sales" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(12) "Unit property tax factor" means a number equal to one-twelfth of the prior year aggregate tax rate at the location where a dealer's motor vehicle inventory is located on January 1 of the current year.

(b) Except for a vehicle sold to a dealer, a vehicle included in a fDeaf Smitht transaction, or a vehicle that is the subject of a subsequent sale, an owner or a person who has agreed by contract to pay the owner's current year property taxes levied against the owner's motor vehicle inventory shall assign a unit property tax to each motor vehicle sold from a dealer's motor vehicle inventory. The unit property tax of each motor vehicle is determined by multiplying the sales price of the motor vehicle by the unit property tax factor. On or before the 10th day of each month the owner shall, together with the statement filed by the owner as provided by this section, deposit with the collector a sum equal to the total of unit property tax assigned to all motor vehicles sold from the dealer's motor vehicle inventory in the prior month to which a unit property tax was assigned. The money shall be deposited by the collector in or otherwise credited by the collector to the owner's escrow account for prepayment of property taxes as provided by this section. An escrow account required by this section is used to pay property taxes levied against the dealer's motor vehicle inventory, and the owner shall fund the escrow account as provided by this subsection.

(c) The collector shall maintain the escrow account for each owner in the county depository. The collector is not required to maintain a separate account in the depository for each escrow account created as provided by this section but shall maintain separate records for each owner. The collector shall retain any interest generated by the escrow account to defray the cost of administration of the prepayment procedure established by this section. Interest generated by an escrow account created as provided by this section is the sole property of the collector, and that interest may be used by no entity other than the collector. Interest generated by an escrow account may not be used to reduce or otherwise affect the annual appropriation to the collector that would otherwise be made.

(d) The owner may not withdraw funds in an escrow account created pursuant to this section.

(e) The comptroller shall promulgate a form entitled a Dealer's Motor Vehicle Inventory Tax Statement. A dealer shall complete the form with respect to each motor vehicle sold. A dealer may use no other form for that purpose. The statement may include the information the comptroller deems appropriate but shall include at least the following:

(1) a description of the motor vehicle sold;

(2) the sales price of the motor vehicle;

(3) the unit property tax of the motor vehicle if any; and

(4) the reason no unit property tax is assigned if no unit property tax is assigned.

(f) On or before the 10th day of each month a dealer shall file with the collector the statement covering the sale of each motor vehicle sold by the dealer in the prior month. A dealer shall file a copy of the statement with the chief appraiser and retain documentation relating to the disposition of each motor vehicle sold. A chief appraiser or collector may examine documents held by a dealer as provided by this subsection in the same manner, and subject to the same provisions, as are set forth in Section 23.121(g) of this code.

(g) Except as provided by this subsection, the requirements of Subsection (f) of this section apply to all dealers, without regard to whether or not the dealer owes vehicle inventory tax for the current year. A dealer who owes no vehicle inventory tax for the current year because he was not in business on January 1:

(1) shall file the statement required by this section showing the information required by this section for each month during which the dealer is in business; and

(2) may neither assign a unit property tax to a motor vehicle sold by the dealer nor remit money with the statement unless pursuant to the terms of a contract as provided by Subsection (l) of this section.

(h) A collector may establish a procedure, voluntary or mandatory, by which the unit property tax of a vehicle is paid and deposited into an owner's escrow account at the time of processing the transfer of title to the motor vehicle.

(i) A relevant taxing unit shall, on its tax bill prepared for the owner of a dealer's motor vehicle inventory, separately itemize the taxes levied against the dealer's motor vehicle inventory. When the tax bill is prepared by a relevant taxing unit for a dealer's motor vehicle inventory, the assessor for the relevant taxing unit, or an entity, if any, other than the collector, that collects taxes on behalf of the taxing unit, shall provide the collector a true and correct copy of the tax bill sent to the owner, including taxes levied against the dealer's motor vehicle inventory. The collector shall apply the money in the owner's escrow account to the taxes imposed and deliver a tax receipt to the owner. The collector shall apply the amount to each relevant taxing unit in proportion to the amount of taxes levied, and the assessor of each relevant taxing unit shall apply the funds received from the collector to the taxes owed by the owner.

(j) If the amount in the escrow account is not sufficient to pay the taxes in full, the collector shall apply the money to the taxes and deliver to the owner a tax receipt for the partial payment and a tax bill for the amount of the deficiency together with a statement that the owner must remit to the collector the balance of the total tax due.

(k) The collector shall remit to each relevant taxing unit the total amount collected by the collector in deficiency payments. The assessor of each relevant taxing unit shall apply those funds to the taxes owed by the owner. Taxes that are due but not received by the collector on or before January 31 are delinquent. Not later than February 15 the collector shall distribute to relevant taxing units in the manner set forth in this section all funds collected pursuant to the authority of this section and held in escrow by the collector as provided by this section. This section does not impose a duty on a collector to collect delinquent taxes that the collector is not otherwise obligated by law or contract to collect.

(l) A person who acquires the business or assets of an owner may, by contract, agree to pay the current year vehicle inventory taxes owed by the owner. The owner who owes the current year tax and the person who acquires the business or assets of the owner shall jointly notify the chief appraiser and the collector of the terms of the agreement and of the fact that the other person has agreed to pay the current year vehicle inventory taxes owed by the dealer. The chief appraiser and the collector shall adjust their records accordingly. Notwithstanding the terms of Section 23.121 of this code, a person who agrees to pay current year vehicle inventory taxes as provided by this subsection is not required to file a declaration until the year following the acquisition. This subsection does not relieve the selling owner of the tax liability.

(m) A dealer who fails to file a statement as required by this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $100. Each day during which a dealer fails to comply with the terms of this subsection is a separate violation.

(n) In addition to other penalties provided by law, a dealer who fails to file a statement as required by this section shall forfeit a penalty. A tax lien attaches to the owner's business personal property to secure payment of the penalty. The appropriate district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney shall collect the penalty established by this section in the name of the chief appraiser or collector. Venue of an action brought under this subsection is in the county in which the violation occurred or in the county in which the owner maintains his principal place of business or residence. A penalty forfeited under this subsection is $500 for each month or part of a month in which a statement is not filed after it is due.

(o) An owner who fails to remit unit property taxes due as required by this section shall pay a penalty of five percent of the amount due. If the amount is not paid within 10 days after the due date, the owner shall pay an additional penalty of five percent of the amount due. Notwithstanding the terms of this section, unit property taxes paid on or before January 31 of the year following the date on which they are due are not delinquent. The collector, the collector's designated agent, or the county or district attorney shall enforce the terms of this subsection. A penalty under this subsection is in addition to any other penalty provided by law if the owner's taxes are delinquent.

(p) Fines collected pursuant to the authority of this section shall be deposited in the county depository to the credit of the general fund. Penalties collected pursuant to the authority of this section are the sole property of the collector, may be used by no entity other than the collector, and may not be used to reduce or otherwise affect the annual appropriation to the collector that would otherwise be made.

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Sec. 23.123. Declarations and Statements Confidential.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Collector" has the meaning given it in Section 23.122 of this code.

(2) "Chief appraiser" has the meaning given it in Section 23.122 of this code.

(3) "Dealer" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(4) "Declaration" has the meaning given it in Section 23.122 of this code.

(5) "Owner" has the meaning given it in Section 23.121 of this code.

(6) "Statement" has the meaning given it in Section 23.122 of this code.

(b) Except as provided by this section, a declaration or statement filed with a chief appraiser or collector as required by Section 23.121 or Section 23.122 of this code is confidential and not open to public inspection. A declaration or statement and the information contained in either may not be disclosed to anyone except an employee of the appraisal office who appraises the property or to an employee of the county tax assessor-collector involved in the maintenance of the owner's escrow account.

(c) Information made confidential by this section may be disclosed:

(1) in a judicial or administrative proceeding pursuant to a lawful subpoena;

(2) to the person who filed the declaration or statement or to that person's representative authorized by the person in writing to receive the information;

(3) to the comptroller or an employee of the comptroller authorized by the comptroller to receive the information;

(4) to a collector or chief appraiser;

(5) to a district attorney, criminal district attorney or county attorney involved in the enforcement of a penalty imposed pursuant to Section 23.121 or Section 23.122 of this code;

(6) for statistical purposes if in a form that does not identify specific property or a specific property owner; or

(7) if and to the extent that the information is required for inclusion in a public document or record that the appraisal or collection office is required by law to prepare or maintain.

(d) A person who knowingly permits inspection of a declaration or statement by a person not authorized to inspect the declaration or statement or who discloses confidential information contained in the declaration or statement to a person not authorized to receive the information commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor.

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Sec. 23.12D. Dealer's Vessel and Outboard Motor Inventory; Value.

(a) In this section:

(1) "Chief appraiser" means the chief appraiser for the appraisal district in which a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory is located.

(2) "Collector" means the county tax assessor-collector in the county in which a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory is located.

(3) "Dealer" means a person who holds a dealer's and manufacturer's number issued by the Parks and Wildlife Department under the authority of Section 31.041, Parks and Wildlife Code, or is authorized by law or interstate reciprocity agreement to purchase vessels or outboard motors in Texas without paying the sales tax. The term does not include a person who is principally engaged in manufacturing vessels or outboard motors or an entity that is owned or controlled by such a person.

(4) "Dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory" means all vessels and outboard motors held for sale by a dealer.

(5) "Dealer-financed sale" means the sale of a vessel or outboard motor in which the seller finances the purchase of the vessel or outboard motor, is the sole lender in the transaction, and retains exclusively the right to enforce the terms of the agreement evidencing the sale.

(6) "Declaration" means the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory declaration form promulgated by the comptroller as required by this section.

(7) "FDeaf Smitht transaction" means the sale of five or more vessels or outboard motors from a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory to the same business entity within one calendar year.

(8) "Outboard motor" has the meaning given it by Section 31.003, Parks and Wildlife Code.

(9) "Owner" means a dealer who owes current year vessel and outboard motor inventory taxes levied against a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory.

(10) "Person" means a natural person, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity.

(11) "Sales price" means the total amount of money paid or to be paid for the purchase of:

(A) a vessel as set forth as "sales price" in the form entitled "Application for Texas Certificate of Number/Title for Boat/Seller, Donor or Trader's Affidavit" promulgated by the Parks and Wildlife Department; or

(B) an outboard motor as set forth as "sales price" in the form entitled "Application for Texas Certificate of Title for an Outboard Motor/Seller, Donor or Trader's Affidavit" promulgated by the Parks and Wildlife Department. In a transaction involving a vessel or an outboard motor that does not involve the use of either form, the term means an amount of money that is equivalent, or substantially equivalent, to the amount that would appear as "sales price" on either the Application for Texas Certificate of Number/Title for Boat/Seller, Donor or Trader's Affidavit or the Application for Texas Certificate of Title for an Outboard Motor/Seller, Donor or Trader's Affidavit if either form were involved.

(12) "Subsequent sale" means a dealer-financed sale of a vessel or outboard motor that, at the time of the sale, has been the subject of a dealer-financed sale from the same dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory in the same calendar year.

(13) "Total annual sales" means the total of the sales price from every sale from a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory for a 12-month period.

(14) "Vessel" has the meaning given it by Section 31.003, Parks and Wildlife Code, except such term shall not include:

(A) vessels of more than 65 feet in length, measured from end to end over the deck, excluding sheer; and

(B) canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, rubber rafts, or other vessels under 14 feet in length when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown.

(b) For the purpose of the computation of property tax, the market value of a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory on January 1 is the total annual sales from the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory, less sales to dealers, fDeaf Smitht transactions, and subsequent sales, for the 12-month period corresponding to the prior tax year, divided by 12.

(c) For the purpose of the computation of property tax on the market value of a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory of an owner who was not a dealer on January 1 of the prior tax year, the chief appraiser shall estimate the market value of the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory. In making the estimate required by this subsection, the chief appraiser shall extrapolate using sales data, if any, generated by sales from the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory in the prior tax year.

(d) Except for the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory, personal property held by a dealer is appraised as provided by other sections of this code. In the case of a dealer whose sales from the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory are made predominantly to dealers, the chief appraiser shall appraise the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory as provided by Section 23.12 of this code.

(e) A dealer is presumed to be an owner of a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory on January 1 if, in the 12-month period ending on December 31 of the immediately preceding year, the dealer sold a vessel or outboard motor to a person other than a dealer. The presumption created by this subsection is not rebutted by the fact that a dealer has no vessels or outboard motors physically on hand for sale from a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory on January 1.

(f) The comptroller shall promulgate a form entitled "Dealer's Vessel and Outboard Motor Inventory Declaration." Except as provided by Section 23.12E(l) of this code, not later than February 1 of each year or, in the case of a dealer who was not in business on January 1, not later than 30 days after commencement of business, each dealer shall file a declaration with the chief appraiser and file a copy with the collector. The declaration is sufficient to comply with this subsection if it sets forth the following information:

(1) the name and business address of each location at which the dealer owner conducts business;

(2) each of the dealer's and manufacturer's numbers issued by the Parks and Wildlife Department;

(3) a statement that the dealer owner is the owner of a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory; and

(4) the market value of the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory for the current tax year as computed under Subsection (b) of this section.

(g) Under the terms provided by this subsection, the chief appraiser may examine the books and records of the holder of a dealer's and manufacturer's number issued by the Parks and Wildlife Department. A request made under this subsection must be made in writing, delivered personally to the custodian of the records, must provide a period not less than 15 days for the person to respond to the request, and must state that the person to whom it is addressed has the right to seek judicial relief from compliance with the request. In a request made under this section the chief appraiser may examine:

(1) the document issued by the Parks and Wildlife Department showing the person's dealer's and manufacturer's number;

(2) documentation appropriate to allow the chief appraiser to ascertain the applicability of this section and Section 23.12E of this code to the person;

(3) sales records to substantiate information set forth in the dealer's declaration filed by the person.

(h) If a dealer fails to file a declaration required by this section, or if, on the declaration required by this section, a dealer reports the sale of fewer than five vessels or outboard motors in the prior year, the chief appraiser shall report that fact to the Parks and Wildlife Department.

(i) A dealer who fails to file a declaration required by this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Each day during which a dealer fails to comply with the terms of this subsection is a separate violation.

(j) A person who violates Subsection (h) of this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Each day during which a person fails to comply with the terms of Subsection (h) of this section is a separate violation.

(k) In addition to other penalties provided by law, a dealer who fails to file a declaration required by this section shall forfeit a penalty. A tax lien attaches to the dealer's business personal property to secure payment of the penalty. The appropriate district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney shall collect the penalty established by this section in the name of the chief appraiser or collector. Venue of an action brought under this subsection is in the county in which the violation occurred or in the county in which the owner maintains his principal place of business or residence. A penalty forfeited under this subsection is $1,000 for each month or part of a month in which a declaration is not filed after it is due.

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Sec. 23.12E. Prepayment of Taxes by Certain Taxpayers.

(a) in this section:

(1) "Aggregate tax rate" means the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing units authorized by law to levy property taxes against a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory.

(2) "Chief appraiser" has the meaning given it in Section 23.12D of this code.

(3) "Collector" has the meaning given it in Section 23.12D of this code.

(4) "Dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory" has the meaning given it in Section 23.12D of this code.

(5) "Declaration" has the meaning given it in Section 23.12D of this code.

(6) "Owner" has the meaning given it in Section 23.12D of this code.

(7) "Relevant taxing unit" means a taxing unit, including the county, authorized by law to levy property taxes against a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory.

(8) "Sales price" has the meaning given it in Section 23.12D of this code.

(9) "Statement" means the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory tax statement filed on a form promulgated by the comptroller as required by this section.

(10) "Subsequent sale" has the meaning given it in Section 23.12D of this code.

(11) "Total annual sales" has the meaning given it in Section 23.12D of this code.

(12) "Unit property tax factor" means a number equal to one-twelfth of the prior year aggregate tax rate at the location where a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory is located on January 1 of the current year.

(b) Except for a vessel or outboard motor sold to a dealer, a vessel or outboard motor included in a fleet transaction, or a vessel or outboard motor that is the subject of a subsequent sale, an owner or a person who has agreed by contract to pay the owner's current year property taxes levied against the owner's vessel and outboard motor inventory shall assign a unit property tax to each vessel and outboard motor sold from a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory. The unit property tax of each vessel or outboard motor is determined by multiplying the sales price of the vessel or outboard motor by the unit property tax factor. On or before the 10th day of each month the owner shall, together with the statement filed by the owner as provided by this section, deposit with the collector a sum equal to the total of unit property tax assigned to all vessels and outboard motors sold from the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory in the prior month to which a unit property tax was assigned. The money shall be deposited by the collector in or otherwise credited by the collector to the owner's escrow account for prepayment of property taxes as provided by this section. An escrow account required by this section is used to pay property taxes levied against the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory, and the owner shall fund the escrow account as provided by this subsection.

(c) The collector shall maintain the escrow account for each owner in the county depository. The collector is not required to maintain a separate account in the depository for each escrow account created as provided by this section but shall maintain separate records for each owner. The collector shall retain any interest generated by the escrow account to defray the cost of administration of the prepayment procedure established by this section. Interest generated by an escrow account created as provided by this section is the sole property of the collector, and that interest may be used by no entity other than the collector. Interest generated by an escrow account may not be used to reduce or otherwise affect the annual appropriation to the collector that would otherwise be made.

(d) The owner may not withdraw funds in an escrow account created pursuant to this section.

(e) The comptroller shall promulgate a form entitled "Dealer's Vessel and Outboard Motor Inventory Tax Statement." A dealer shall complete the form with respect to each vessel and outboard motor sold. A dealer may use no other form for that purpose. The statement may include the information the comptroller deems appropriate but shall include at least the following:

(1) a description of the vessel or outboard motor sold;

(2) the sales price of the vessel or outboard motor;

(3) the unit property tax of the vessel or outboard motor, if any; and

(4) the reason no unit property tax is assigned if no unit property tax is assigned.

(f) On or before the 10th day of each month a dealer shall file with the collector the statement covering the sale of each vessel or outboard motor sold by the dealer in the prior month. A dealer shall file a copy of the statement with the chief appraiser and retain documentation relating to the disposition of each vessel and outboard motor sold. A chief appraiser or collector may examine documents held by a dealer as provided by this subsection in the same manner, and subject to the same provisions, as are set forth in Section 23.12D(g) of this code.

(g) Except as provided by this subsection, the requirements of Subsection (f) of this section apply to all dealers, without regard to whether or not the dealer owes vessel and outboard motor inventory tax for the current year. A dealer who owes no vessel and outboard motor inventory tax for the current year because he was not in business on January 1:

(1) shall file the statement required by this section showing the information required by this section for each month during which the dealer is in business; and

(2) may neither assign a unit property tax to a vessel or outboard motor sold by the dealer nor remit money with the statement unless pursuant to the terms of a contract as provided by Subsection (l) of this section.

(h) A collector may establish a procedure, voluntary or mandatory, by which the unit property tax of a vessel or outboard motor is paid and deposited into an owner's escrow account at the time of processing the transfer of title to the vessel or outboard motor.

(i) A relevant taxing unit shall, on its tax bill prepared for the owner of a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory, separately itemize the taxes levied against the dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory. When the tax bill is prepared by a relevant taxing unit for a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory, the assessor for the relevant taxing unit, or an entity, if any, other than the collector, that collects taxes on behalf of the taxing unit, shall provide the collector a true and correct copy of the tax bill sent to the owner, including taxes levied against a dealer's vessel and outboard motor inventory. The collector shall apply the money in the owner's escrow account to the taxes imposed and deliver a tax receipt to the owner. The collector shall apply the amount to each relevant taxing unit in proportion to the amount of taxes levied, and the assessor of each relevant taxing unit shall apply the funds received from the collector to the taxes owed by the owner.

(j) If the amount in the escrow account is not sufficient to pay the taxes in full, the collector shall apply the money to the taxes and deliver to the owner a tax receipt for the partial payment and a tax bill for the amount of the deficiency together with a statement that the owner must remit to the collector the balance of the total tax due.

(k) The collector shall remit to each relevant taxing unit the total amount collected by the collector in deficiency payments. The assessor of each relevant taxing unit shall apply those funds to the taxes owed by the owner. Taxes that are due but not received by the collector on or before January 31 are delinquent. Not later than February 15, the collector shall distribute to relevant taxing units in the manner set forth in this section all funds collected pursuant to the authority of this section and held in escrow by the collector as provided by this section. This section does not impose a duty on a collector to collect delinquent taxes that the collector is not otherwise obligated by law or contract to collect.

(l) A person who acquires the business or assets of an owner may, by contract, agree to pay the current year vessel and outboard motor inventory taxes owed by the owner. The owner who owes the current year tax and the person who acquires the business or assets of the owner shall jointly notify the chief appraiser and the collector of the terms of the agreement and of the fact that the other person has agreed to pay the current year vessel and outboard motor inventory taxes owed by the dealer. The chief appraiser and the collector shall adjust their records accordingly. Notwithstanding the terms of Section 23.12D of this code, a person who agrees to pay current year vessel and outboard motor inventory taxes as provided by this subsection is not required to file a declaration until the year following the acquisition. This subsection does not relieve the selling owner of the tax liability.

(m) A dealer who fails to file a statement as required by this section commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $100. Each day during which a dealer fails to comply with the terms of this subsection is a separate violation.

(n) In addition to other penalties provided by law, a dealer who fails to file a statement as required by this section shall forfeit a penalty. A tax lien attaches to the owner's business personal property to secure payment of the penalty. The appropriate district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney shall