Is it Even Worth it to Fight a Property Tax Assessment in the First Place?
Adam Ciboch | May 31, 2011The market is not strong in this day and age. Homes are still losing their value quite rapidly, despite there being hope that in the near future market rates will increase with a strong economy. There is a silver lining, despite it being an unfortunate situation in the first place. You might have less property taxes to pay out each year if your property assessment is lowered due to a drop in home values.
What should you do if you think you received too high of an assessment? Would it benefit you to fight it at all? There is a possibility it would be.
First, it is useful to understand how the county assesses the value of your home. Comparables and replacement or rebuilding value are two of the most popular ways to do this. Homes that are similar to your own and have recently been sold are what comparables are, and they’re also known as “comps.” Assessors are able to value your home according to how much each of these other homes sold for. On the other hand, replacement or rebuilding value relates to how, based on the cost they think it would take to replace your home, a bank appraises your home’s actual value.
You must first build yourself a case for a lower property assessment if you believe your home was valued too high. If you meet with an assessor and inform him or her of your believe that you were assessed too high, you’re part of the way there already. Your next step is to file an appeal. You should note any time limit for filing an appeal, since most locations have them. Be sure to check what the actual time limit is where you live so you don’t miss your opportunity, but 60 days tends to be about average. You will go through an appeal board and given an eight to ten minute presentation during the appeal. Bring as much evidence as you can, including pictures with comps, and all the data you have that supports your case, like floor plans for the comps you’ve researched.
While there are other ways to fight your property assessment, doing your research and filing an appeal is the most direct and uncomplicated. During your appeal presentation, dress and act professionally, laying out the facts that support your side in a clear and concise manner. You have a good shot, if you’ve done your homework. In that case, fighting your assessment and consequently reducing your annual property taxes is definitely worth the time and effort.
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