Property Tax Records are records which most people find cumbersome to keep and they therefore usually throw them away. However, keeping your records can be the easiest things you will ever do. Not only should you keep your records intact, but you should also keep any other document or receipt that is related to the same. For example, it doesn't make sense to keep your property tax records but throw away the bank receipts used to pay those taxes.
But at times it may appear we are being overcharged or taken advantage of when we look at our property tax bill. Probably most property owners think that their property tax assessment is set in stone and that they have no alternative but to render this amount.
Also, keep records of any property you buy or renovate over the years. This will come in handy when the actual value of the property is needed for a particular reason; say taking a loan or selling the property off. It also helps you in claiming the gain from the tax department when the mature period comes. Otherwise, you will find it hard to convince a financier or even a buyer that the property is worth much more than they think it is. Generally, the shortest time you should keep your copies is 15 years, but keeping them forever is even better.
Lost a Copy? Where to Find Them: Fortunately there are online services that allow you to conduct a current, accurate and quick search and download of information regarding these records. Advancements have alleviated the headache of digging through old dusty files and now you can comfortably come to the rescue from your own home office. Make sure you use an online search database when looking for Property Tax Records that provides clear and concise information.
My advice is that if you disagree with the values set forth by the taxing jurisdiction, then start the process of appeal. Begin by contacting your local assessment office to arrange a meeting with an appraiser from the assessment department to go over your values and data on your property record card.
You can also get a quick idea of these values by visiting sites such as Zillow or Trulia and searching homes in your area. If their values are much lower than yours, that is a good place to begin with appealing your own property tax liability.
Soft Copy Online: You can also keep the records in soft copy online, because it is easier and more convenient. As a matter of fact, more and more people are opting for the option of storing these records in soft copy. However, one major mistake that people make, which has cost some of them a lot, is purely relying on the soft copy method without having any form of back up.
If you do not question your assessment and assume it is correct, you may be making a costly mistake. You could possibly be losing hundreds of dollars of your hard-earned money every year.
But at times it may appear we are being overcharged or taken advantage of when we look at our property tax bill. Probably most property owners think that their property tax assessment is set in stone and that they have no alternative but to render this amount.
Also, keep records of any property you buy or renovate over the years. This will come in handy when the actual value of the property is needed for a particular reason; say taking a loan or selling the property off. It also helps you in claiming the gain from the tax department when the mature period comes. Otherwise, you will find it hard to convince a financier or even a buyer that the property is worth much more than they think it is. Generally, the shortest time you should keep your copies is 15 years, but keeping them forever is even better.
Lost a Copy? Where to Find Them: Fortunately there are online services that allow you to conduct a current, accurate and quick search and download of information regarding these records. Advancements have alleviated the headache of digging through old dusty files and now you can comfortably come to the rescue from your own home office. Make sure you use an online search database when looking for Property Tax Records that provides clear and concise information.
My advice is that if you disagree with the values set forth by the taxing jurisdiction, then start the process of appeal. Begin by contacting your local assessment office to arrange a meeting with an appraiser from the assessment department to go over your values and data on your property record card.
You can also get a quick idea of these values by visiting sites such as Zillow or Trulia and searching homes in your area. If their values are much lower than yours, that is a good place to begin with appealing your own property tax liability.
Soft Copy Online: You can also keep the records in soft copy online, because it is easier and more convenient. As a matter of fact, more and more people are opting for the option of storing these records in soft copy. However, one major mistake that people make, which has cost some of them a lot, is purely relying on the soft copy method without having any form of back up.
If you do not question your assessment and assume it is correct, you may be making a costly mistake. You could possibly be losing hundreds of dollars of your hard-earned money every year.
About the Author:
Harris Smith offers advice on home equity line of credit and obtaining credit. Applying for Debt Consolidation can help.