The discussion revolves around whether a property tax lawyer is necessary for reducing property taxes on a newly purchased farmhouse. Participants explore various approaches to contesting property tax assessments, including the role of appraisals and the appeals process.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of a property tax lawyer, and multiple viewpoints regarding the appeals process and the role of appraisals are presented.
The discussion highlights potential variations in property tax assessment processes depending on the state or country, as well as the complexity of the appeals process, which may not be universally applicable.
Here is what to do.steve2015 said:I have Recently Buyed a new Farm House and Taxes on that is too high according to the actual price of that property, so to get reduction on my property tax. Do I need a Property tax lawyer?
Please Help…..
In all of the states I've owned homes, property tax was assessed and collected by the county. I guess it must differ by state if yours is handled by the city. He'll need to check for his state. In the county I currently live in, it is a very convoluted appeals process. You can get an independent appraisal, and submit that with your request for appeal, and you can only request an appeal in the 30 days prior to the date of mailing of the valuation notice. There is no guarantee that they will agree with the private appraisal.Greg Bernhardt said:You need to get a home appraiser and then once they give you a value, take it to your city hall and they will adjust your taxes for next year.
How do I file an appeal?
The Appraiser’s Office tries to make the process as simple as possible. The appeal form and instructions are on the back of the Notice of Appraised Value. You can even request an evening appointment or a telephone hearing (available on a limited basis).
By law, you must file your appeal 30 days subsequent to the date of mailing of the valuation notice.
What happens after I appeal?
The first level of an appeal is the informal hearing. You are notified by mail at least 10 days prior of the date of the hearing.
Once you start this appeal, be sure to pursue it to your satisfaction. If you drop it, you cannot appeal later on the same property in the same tax year.
STEP 2
~ Preparing for a Residential Appeal ~
A property owner can prepare for an appeal hearing by reviewing the characteristics of the property as listed on the appraiser’s Property Record Card. Check the square footage of living area, number of baths, and bedrooms, lot size, garages, condition and etc.
Ask the Appraiser’s Office for a copy of the Comparable Sales Sheet and review the other properties listed on the document for differences in characteristics, size, location, style, etc.
If you feel that the sales listed on the comparable sales sheet are very different from your property, the Appraiser’s Office or a local real estate broker can make available the prices of actual sales of homes that have occurred in your subdivision or neighborhood.
Additional evidence that may help to support the value for your residential property is as follows:
A recent appraisal such as those done for a home or commercial loan or refinancing
A signed sales contract
Photographs of any structural damage
Copies of recent estimates for repairs along with photographs and
Data on recent sales in your area for property that is similar to their own.