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Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector

The Tax Assessor-Collector is the constitutional office directed to assess and collect all ad valorem tax accounts as identified and valued by the Hays County Central Appraisal District. The Hays County Tax Office also collects property taxes for all other taxing jurisdictions (school districts; cities and special districts; beer, wine, and liquor licensing fees; as well as fees for titles and registration of trailers and motor vehicles for the State of Texas). The Tax Assessor-Collector is elected for a four-year term.

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  • Candidate picture

    Jennifer M. Escobar
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Jessica Sanchez
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What education, experience and characteristics qualify you for the position?

What do you see as the top three priorities for the county tax assessor’s office, and how will you address them?

If elected, what, if any, actions would you take to better educate taxpayers about how taxes are set, assessed, and collected?

Please describe how you approach negotiating contracts, evaluating proposals, meeting deadlines and monitoring performance?

I have business degree from Concordia University, Texas and an IRS Enrolled Agent license from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Since 2008, I have co-owned and managed Escobar & Associates LLC, a thriving tax resolution business serving Central Texas. My work at Escobar & Associates requires a mastery of tax issues as well as the ability to manage multiple personnel over a number of disciplines to achieve optimal results for clients with complicated tax matters.
I intend to bring back professionalism and efficiency to the TAC. No more embarrassing and expensive corrections or late bills. Bringing back accountability starts at the top. I intend to vastly improve the TAC office performance on vehicle registrations. The current delays are unacceptable, people shouldn’t have to waste time because of government inefficiency.
Accessible, accountable and transparent, those principles will guide our office. The public must be confident in the work of the Tax Assessor, and my office will be clear and direct from day one.
I have had extensive experience as owner of a tax firm navigating IRS deadlines, penalties, and the complexities of tax law to protect taxpayers' interests. Every decision I make as TAC on contracts, proposals, or deadlines will be to benefit Hays County residents with my sole goal to maintain this unwavering dedication to serve the community effectively.
My 14 years of dedicated service in the Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office, coupled with my accounting degree, uniquely qualify me for this position. I bring a wealth of hands-on experience, ensuring a deep understanding of local tax policies and procedures. Additionally, my commitment to ongoing professional development is evident through my participation in training courses such as Truth in Taxation by the State of Texas Comptroller of Accounts and Tax 101/102 conducted by the Texas association of Appraisal District. These qualifications collectively equip me to navigate complexities of the role effectively.
The top three priorities for the County Tax Assessor's Office are to address everyday issues promptly, instill strong leadership for a more structured environment, and prioritize accountability. I propose a hands-on approach by being present in the office to understand and address daily challenges. As a leader, I will foster a structured environment that better serves our residents. Meeting deadlines proactively, and collaborating with other offices on property issues, will ensure seamless operation and enhanced service to the community.
If elected, I will enhance taxpayer education by establishing a closer relationship with the CAD office. This collaboration will facilitate educational meetings and courses for Hays County residents, providing a comprehensive understanding of how taxes are set, assessed, and collected. I am particularly committed to assisting populations such as seniors, disabled veterans, and new homeowners, ensuring they receive the exceptions they need to lower their taxes. I would host meetings in local libraries or residents' homes to further democratize access to this crucial information.
In negotiating contracts, my approach is to weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering the diverse needs of our community. While recognizing that no single contract can meet everyone's requirements, I will prioritize solutions that benefit the majority. Meeting deadlines ahead of schedule is a non-negotiable principle, accounting for potential errors or system outages. To monitor performance, I believe in hands-on involvement during challenging times, ensuring that the Tas Assessor-Collector's Office operates efficiently and effectively, ultimately serving the best interests of the Hays County community.