Assessment or Property Tax Appeal Appraisals

Most cities determine your property tax burden based on an ad valorem assessment of the property's value. Sometimes as a property owner you get an unwanted surprise in the mail telling you your taxes are going up, and sometimes it may seem as though your assessment is too high.

Often matters like this can be resolved with a phone call. However, if after discussing your assessment with your local taxing authority you still feel as though your property was overvalued, a professional, independent, third-party appraiser is often your best bet in proving your case.

There are as many different procedures for appealing assessments as there are property taxing districts, so it's important to enlist the help of a professional appraisal firm that's experienced and trained in the ins and outs of your particular jurisdiction. 

It does make sense to do your own research before determining whether to go forward with a property assessment appeal, especially before you make the decision to hire a professional appraiser. Often the savings in annual property taxes will be several times more than the one-time cost of such an appraisal. When you hire an appraiser for a property tax appeal you're commissioning an independent professional who knows the local market and can best provide you with the comparable information you will need to file your appeal. 

DO NOT PAY ANY COMPANY THAT CLAIMS IT WILL COMPLETE THE WHOLE APPEAL PROCESS FOR YOU FOR A FEE. Often the appeal form is a one page form and usually can be completed by the average homeowner, along with competent comparable sale data only a local appraiser can provide. 

 

Please feel free to contact us regarding any questions you may have about property tax appeal appraisals, or the process for appealing your property taxes in general. We'll be glad to offer our professional opinion with absolutely no obligation, and at minimal cost to you. 

 

"Advice is Cheap. Insight is Precious." ™

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