ON THE MONEY Saving on Property Taxes

BY JENNY HOFF

As the Austin real-estate market continues to boom, you’ll likely find yourself paying more in property taxes as the value of your home increases. Travis County boasts one of the highest property tax rates in Texas, which is why many people are moving to neighboring counties. While there is no insider secret on paying less in property taxes, there are some steps you can take to make sure you’re not overpaying. And, if you’re currently house hunting, pay attention to more than just the price of the property, as the property tax rate can vary dramatically within a few miles’ radius.

70 | AUSTIN WOMAN | MARCH 2020 1. When considering a location, look for areas with a lower tax rate. The two drivers of your tax bill are what the property is worth and the effective tax rate. If you can find a home that is on the lower end of your budget, you’ll pay less in taxes. If there is a set price you’re looking for, then search various zip codes you’re considering to find their rates; you might be shocked at the difference. When searching for a home, another way to minimize taxes is to look at older developments instead of new ones. “The newer, more recently developed areas tend to have the higher rates because a lot of that has to be funded through property tax bonds,” says John Krueger, CEO of Five Stone Tax Advisers.

2. Protest your property taxes—every year. If you own a home, you’re likely already getting ads in the mail from companies offering to help you get a lower valuation for your home, which will lower your tax payments. These agents usually only charge you if they’re successful and they often are. “Last year, we served 20,000 clients in the Austin area and got relief for 85 percent of them,” Krueger says. According to him, out of the approximately 400,000 homeowners in Austin, one-third of them protest their taxes and the majority win. If hiring a company sounds too daunting, you can also protest yourself. There are forms available on your county’s website to protest online. In some cases, just submitting screenshots of similar houses within a couple miles’ radius that are priced lower (using an app like Redfin or Zillow) will do the trick. Krueger says you should make sure to also request the county’s evidence for the valuation they gave you when protesting—the software they use is not much different from Zillow’s and can be inaccurate.

3. File for every exemption available to you. For most people, the homestead exemption, which gives you some of your tax money back, is the only one they will qualify for. However, you need to make sure you file it every year and on time. (The Travis County deadline for 2020 is April 30.) Also look at your county’s website to see if you qualify for any other exemptions, most notably those for people 65 years and over and disabled veterans.

As you prepare for tax season, use the tools available to keep your property taxes affordable, so as Austin continues to grow, you’ll be able to grow with it.

GETTING YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER IN 2020: MARCH TASK Gather information on all your 401(k)s, stocks and other investments from previous jobs and roll it all into one plan or organize it in an easily accessible binder.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States. Acne most commonly affects teenagers and young adults, however it can affect people of all ages. Even mild acne should be treated early to prevent permanent scarring and the darker discoloration that lingers post breakout called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Studies show that acne can lowerself-esteem and can cause depression.

There are different types of acne including: comedonal acne (i.e. blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, cysts and nodules. You can develop acne anywhere on the body, although it is usually present on the face, chest and back. It is estimated that 40 to 50 million Americans will suffer with acne at some point in their lives. Luckily, there are many effective treatments available to treat this frustrating condition.

Acne occurs when a pore becomes clogged. Our skin cells are constantly turning over and producing new skin cells. This process usually takes between 28 to 40 days. In healthy skin, dead skin cells rise to the surface of the pore and shed. Excess oil, also known as sebum, can accumulate in the pore and mix with dead skin cells. Once trapped within the pore, acne can form. Abacterium called P. acnes can also grow and thrive in this environment causing inflammation.

Many effective topical and oral treatments are available that can clarify the skin and boost self-esteem. Patients with mild acne are typically treated with topical medications that address both the inflammatory and bacterial components of acne. Several acne topicals contain a retinoid which promotes cell turn over and clarification of the pores. Retinoids also help address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is the darker discoloration that lingers after a breakout clears. Topical antibiotics and acids are also commonly used for acne.

Moderate and severe acne typically requires both a topical and oral medication. Most oral antibiotics prescribed for acne address both the bacterial and inflammatory component of acne. Isotretinoin, most known asAccutane, is the only medication available that puts the glands in chronic remission. This means that after a course of isotretinoin, acne usually never goes back to baseline. It is used commonly and is usually very safe if monitored by a dermatology provider. Providers atTru-Skin Dermatology will cater your skin-care regimen to clear your skin quickly and effectively.

Tru-Skin offers many in-office treatments to clear acne. A peel series can clarify skin, as well as treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. OurBellus Medical SkinPen helps address acne scarring. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin tone and texture. There is no better fulfillment as a provider than helping to achieve our patients’ skincare goals.

Tru-Skin Dermatology accepts most medical insurances. Call 512.451.0139 or visit tru-skin.com to schedule your appointment. You can also communicate with us by text at 512.359.3163.

Of the 41 Austin American-Statesman Capitol 10,000 races that Jane Norwood has participated in, there are several that remain vivid in her mind: thick fog obscuring the tops of the downtown buildings; her 10-year-old daughter running by her side in the rain; and experiencing the Congress Avenue course for the first time, with the Texas State Capitol in full, exhilarating view. There was also her first race after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Norwood has lived in Austin since 1976. In her early 30s, she decided it was time to get into shape by establishing a regular exercise program. Running seemed like a good fit for a busy mom of children ages six and three. How hard could it be, she wondered.

After her first run, Norwood was gasping for air and her shins were screaming. Time to regroup. She bought a pair of pink running shoes and set a personal goal of increasing her running distance by half a block each week. In 1978, the Statesman Cap 10K was warming up for its first race. Norwood pictured many of the participants as Olympians: tall, long-legged athletes running three times as fast as anyone else. She didn’t think she was ready to join them—yet.

Norwood continued her running regimen, eventually progressing to three- and four-mile loops around Lady Bird Lake. She and a group of friends traveled to neighboring towns to participate in their 10Ks. By the time of the second Cap 10K in 1977, Norwood was ready.

For the next several years, participating in the Cap 10K became a tradition. She and her friends would enjoy what felt to her like a celebration in the streets of Austin: runners in creative costumes; spectators lining the course, clapping and cheering; volunteers offering water and encouragement; bands playing their hearts out to keep the runners going.

After each triumphant finish, Norwood and her friends would celebrate with Mexican food and mimosas. At some point, she realized she was on a streak and that she had better keep it going. Decades later, her streak remains unbroken, despite her Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2014. Since then, running the Cap 10K every spring has taken on greater personal significance. “The Cap 10K is a marker in my year that tells me how I am doing in the battle to keep Parkinson’s at bay,” says Norwood. “There is no cure. While prescription drugs can ameliorate the symptoms, exercise is the only evidence-based method of slowing the disease’s progression. Exercise is crucial to maintaining strength, range of motion and stamina. It increases one’s ability to carry on with life.” In addition to running, Norwood takes Power for Parkinson’s classes. The local nonprofit organization provides multiple free exercise, dance and singing classes in Austin and the surrounding communities as well as globally through a home video series. “We laugh a lot,” says Norwood of the classes. Norwood also stays active in other ways. Although she’s retired from her position as director of professional development for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, she continues her long career in social services by working remotely for a social-service agency in California. She applies her decades of experience and advanced degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward’s University to analyze data on state and federal reporting. Norwood’s family keeps her busy, too. “I’m married to a wonderful man, Larry Norwood. Between us, we have four children and four grandchildren. They are a great joy in our lives,” says Norwood.

She and her husband also enjoy volunteering in a clothing room for those experiencing homelessness. Norwood manages to find time to sing alto in her church choir, too. Last summer, she felt privileged to go on a concert tour in Italy, which included a memorable performance in St. Peter’s Basilica. Like every year, Norwood is looking forward to the upcoming Cap 10K, which has grown into the largest 10K in Texas. She encourages all to participate in the hometown race on April 5. Whether you’re a professional or serious runner, or a costumewearer and people-watcher, this race has something for everyone. “Cap 10K race day is a happy day,” she says. “Participants, observers and volunteers are glad to be there. I see lots of smiles. It’s truly an in-the-moment experience. Since the addition of the stroller division, it’s become a family event for us. We now have a third generation of Cap 10Kers!” While Norwood acknowledges that receiving the diagnosis of Parkinson’s was difficult, “it’s not the end of life as you know it.” Here’s to your 42nd Cap 10K, Jane, and many more. IT’S TRULY AN IN-THE-MOMENT EXPERIENCE.

To register for the 43rd Statesman Cap 10K on April 5, 2020, presented by Baylor Scott & White, visit Cap 10K.com.

Jane Norwood, her daughter and granddaughter at the 2017 Cap 10K, the first year that all three generations participated in the Cap 10K