Property
tax monies are needed by local government for fire and police
services, schools and the general running of a community. Fair
enough, you say. But why does the amount I pay have to make such
sizable jumps each year? Why is the fellow down the street paying
a $3,000 tax for his home, which seems identical to mine, and I'm
slapped with a $4,500 bill? How can you fight unfair assessments
and taxes?
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Did you know that about half the people who
appeal a tax bill succeed in winning a reduction of at least 10
percent?
What you should not do is rush into the
taxing office screaming, "Look at this bill. This is obscene.
I shouldn't have to..."and on and on and on.
There are two ways you can get your bill lowered:
1. There is
a mistake in your file. Your house is listed as having 2,300
square feet, when it actually has 1,300 square feet
2.
The value of your land is listed higher than other lots in your
neighborhood.
You
cannot appeal the tax rate, as that is set by law. You can,
however, appeal the high rate if similar homes in the area have
lower taxes, but are comparable in lot size, square footage,
number of bedrooms and baths. You might even want to pay for an
independent appraisal to strengthen your case.
How do you handle a full-fledged tax appeal?
- Pay close attention to the tax assessment notice that was mailed
to you. If you want to protest your taxes, this is what you will
be disputing. The notice will probably state that if you want to
complain, you have "X" number of days or weeks to do so.
Then, it will tell you where to report if you want to enter a
protest.
- Call the Assessor's office to see what it offers in the way of
printed material explaining the setting of real estate taxes and
how homeowners can challenge them. Ask the Assessor's staff if
other protests have been filed.
- Visit the Assessor's office to review others' taxes and see if
yours are in line with what others are paying. This is all a
matter of public record, with no secrecy involved.
- You can also order a pamphlet, "How to fight Property
Taxes," published by the National Taxpayers' Union. Order it
online on their website at
http://www.ntu.org/main/store |
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