Challenge Property Assessments

January 30th, 2009 | by admin |

Falling property values could mean higher taxes. Higher property owners taxes are a nightmare to many. Municipalities unwilling to cut their budgets and reign in expenses are the reason for much of the dilemma.

Basically it is a motion of bringing in transparency into government by cutting expenses as well as insisting that government perks, pay and benefits mirror the private sector.

Private sector employees typically work 65 years before they retire. With Federal and State union conditions early retirement is anticiapated by many after 20 years service. This practice only increases county and state liabilities by placing an excessive burden on taxpayers

However, homes’ values may be argued. The assessed price of a home is based upon an opinion of value usually derived from comparable sales. Taxpayers should know they can take action today to save on one-sided property taxes.

The appeals process is always in place for property owners who believe their values are too high. Numerous areas for price adjustment exist when comparing your home to another home’s sold data. Changes in square foot data, age of home, location, condition, number of garages are some the area that can be adjusted for

Even in typical times normally a higher error rate exists in property tax assessments. The National Taxpayers Union writes that as many as 60% of all homeowners are over-assessed and not in line with their home value. (“How To Fight Property Taxes” 2004 p.1). This fact alone gives one pause to check their property taxes. It also presents and excellent home based business opportunity.

Your assessment could go up if the assessment did not include an addition built without a building permit for an office or spare bedroom, air conditioning, patio, outbuildings and other improvements. If these improvements were not previously noted they could actually increase the appraisal assessment but that is a rarity

Property owners have the right to formally appear in front of a board of equalization to share their information and state their case. At any rate the first course of appeal would be to contact the property tax assessor and give compelling evidence. Be prepared for deaf ears, few listen well.

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