Some call it the necessary evil. We all know we have to pay for schools, fire departments, police protection, roads, and the list goes on unfortunately. So in the case of an emergency its nice to know our tax dollars are at work and these services would be readily available.
Property taxes are based on the value of your home multiplied by the current tax rate. When you make improvements or additions to your home, your local government can reassess the value of your home and raise your property tax liability accordingly. Likewise, with many property values dropping across the country, property owners have the right to request a property value review called a reassessment. This reassessment can be done by a private firm or by your local government. Often, requesting this service from your local government will cost less or even have no cost.
Any additions to the property such as improvements to the land Land itself Any structures that are not permanent to the property
Since I have been an appraiser for several years and being knowledgeable with the mass appraisal system, I have seen first hand that property owners do not understand that they have the legal right to appeal their property values and also not a clue on the procedure of property tax appeal.
Many times this can negatively affect a property or land owner as the taxes in a specific state can sometimes double or triple in amount and leave the homeowner unable to afford to pay their taxes, forcing them to sell their property or land.
Ask questions and look for incorrect data on your card. If you feel your values are too high, then make an appointment to go before the board of appeals. Ask what you will need to present to challenge your values.
Remember there is commonly a time frame in which to file a property tax appeal. Most jurisdictions have a set time every year to process appeals. So if you're contemplating an appeal to reduce your market value and possibly lower property taxes, then my advice is to find out when are you able to set an appointment. Then begin to research and prepare your case.
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.
Property taxes are based on the value of your home multiplied by the current tax rate. When you make improvements or additions to your home, your local government can reassess the value of your home and raise your property tax liability accordingly. Likewise, with many property values dropping across the country, property owners have the right to request a property value review called a reassessment. This reassessment can be done by a private firm or by your local government. Often, requesting this service from your local government will cost less or even have no cost.
Any additions to the property such as improvements to the land Land itself Any structures that are not permanent to the property
Since I have been an appraiser for several years and being knowledgeable with the mass appraisal system, I have seen first hand that property owners do not understand that they have the legal right to appeal their property values and also not a clue on the procedure of property tax appeal.
Many times this can negatively affect a property or land owner as the taxes in a specific state can sometimes double or triple in amount and leave the homeowner unable to afford to pay their taxes, forcing them to sell their property or land.
Ask questions and look for incorrect data on your card. If you feel your values are too high, then make an appointment to go before the board of appeals. Ask what you will need to present to challenge your values.
Remember there is commonly a time frame in which to file a property tax appeal. Most jurisdictions have a set time every year to process appeals. So if you're contemplating an appeal to reduce your market value and possibly lower property taxes, then my advice is to find out when are you able to set an appointment. Then begin to research and prepare your case.
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 runs the home equity line of credit website. Debt Consolidation and credit counseling can lower your monthly payments on credit card debt and other unsecured debts and loans.