Parts 1 and 2 of this series discussed the basics of successfully challenging your property tax assessment. Reducing the assessed value of your property is your right by law. There are services available in high-tax states that will file a grievance for you. Generally, they charge an appraisal fee for your property and fees that average 50% of your tax savings for the first year if successful. While procedures and dates may vary in different geographical areas, the strategies outlined are a good road map for assessment practices.
Since real estate appraisers do appraisals, fees for this service can vary in price. Inspections can cost anywhere from $50 and up. Reviews are not always necessary but can help you win your case. Evidence may be obtained from local real estate agents to support your claim. They will gladly help you with data about sales in your area. These sales should have occurred within 1/2 mile of the subject property. Try to get at least three comparable sales. Properties that most closely match yours in size, style, age, and proximity will be the best ones to bolster your case. Photos of the properties help prove your case and show errors that the assessor may have made.
The first thing to know is the day that grievances must be filed. If you miss this day, you must wait until the following year to file. The paperwork is not too difficult to fill out. If you have a problem, the assessors’ office will usually help you with the calculations. Be sure to read over the filing requirements, the basis for the filing, and the deadline for your submission. There are specific grounds that are acceptable for filing a case. These are outlined on the forms you filled out when filing your claim.
If the case reaches that level, some localities will require a small filing fee, either the initial filing or court fees. Most jurisdictions will not require you to use a lawyer, even in court. I have found that the judges are very helpful to homeowners and will try to guide them properly in submitting their evidence, Blog Express.
The municipality that has assessed your property will be at the hearing to explain the estimated valuation that has been placed on the property. They often offer a reduction if the evidence is compelling at the local hearing or court. You may accept the offer, make a counteroffer, or let the judge decide. If you let the judge decide, you must wait several weeks for his determination. I usually recommend that my clients negotiate a settlement with the assessor rather than wait for the judge. If you have done your homework, you should be successful in reducing your assessment. Remember that any reduction in the evaluation will not take effect until the following tax year.
One tip that can save you money is that if you have a house built, try to delay the completion until after taxable status day. This date can be found by calling the assessor’s office. This is the date that is used to determine the state of properties as far as assessable status. In other words, whatever state the property is in at that date is the status for assessment purposes. If the house is not completed until after that day, you will not be assessed for its value until the following year since it is not on the tax rolls for that year. You will only pay taxes on the land.
Good luck in reducing your taxes. It is your right not to overpay on property taxes.
