Did I screw up?

Had a casual verbal agreement with an aquaintance to do some research with Reeves County as to why I have never received tax bill for small acreage I inherited. Without my permission or knowledge, this person engaged another individual to do the leg work while leading me to believe she made the trip and did the legwork. I have received an exhorbitant invoice for services that she did not perform and no paperwork or receipts to support. I wrote a dispute letter questioning the invoice stating that I would pay any legitimate charges supported by documentation. Did I act too hastily? There is an eyewitness who came forward to let me know that they were with this person during the purported trip and no work was done.

I am just dumbfounded... any information or advice is extremely welcome.

I don't think you acted hastily in disputing the invoice if it was not what you thought you were agreeing to. And, the tax office should have been able to resolve your issue for you for free. I've always found them helpful, especially when they need to be collecting taxes. I'd wait and see what, if any, response you get and go from there.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but in Reeves County, TX you only pay taxes on mineral interest property if you have production.

Linton- that's correct. You will be taxed on royalty interest in producing minerals. I assumed Susan meant that she inherited the real property. If it is just a mineral interest with no well or production, then no tax bill.

Lori, thanks for your answer. When I called the tax office they didn't show me as owner. That is why I was using a third party to go there directly with my paperwork.



Lori Hodge said:

I don't think you acted hastily in disputing the invoice if it was not what you thought you were agreeing to. And, the tax office should have been able to resolve your issue for you for free. I've always found them helpful, especially when they need to be collecting taxes. I'd wait and see what, if any, response you get and go from there.

I did inherit the real property.



Lori Hodge said:

Linton- that's correct. You will be taxed on royalty interest in producing minerals. I assumed Susan meant that she inherited the real property. If it is just a mineral interest with no well or production, then no tax bill.