Are your property taxes too high? If you are like most people out there, you are sure that you are simply paying too much in property tax each year, and you want to do something about it. However, you need to make sure you are really paying too much if you hope to have a reduction in your taxes. If you are concerned that the latest Fulton County property tax assessment for your home was incorrect and placed the value of your home too high, it’s time that you did something about it. Too many people are complacent and simply believe exactly what the letter of assessment says and then pay their taxes without every double-checking to make sure it is accurate.
You Could Be Paying Too Much
There is a chance that you are paying too much on your property taxes. It happens more often than many might think. Each year, the Fulton County property tax assessor will determine, or assess, the value of your home. They will then use that information to determine just how much you are supposed to be paying in property taxes.
The assessor utilizes a range of factors when they are determining how much you should be paying for your taxes. Some of the elements they consider include the size, condition, and location of the property. They factor in the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, the land, and how the property is used. For example, is it a residential property? Is it a rental property?
They will also check to see if there have been any improvements made to the property, such as an addition, which could push the property taxes higher. They are also supposed to consider issues with the property, such as repairs that have been made or are needed, and if the rental property is vacant. In those cases, it could help to lower your assessment, so you pay less in taxes.
It is important that homeowners always take the time to read the assessment letter that comes to them in the mail each year. You want to look for any changes to the assessment, as this can be a red flag if you have not done anything to improve the property. If you notice any changes that are causing your Fulton County property tax to increase, you will want to make sure you get in touch with a property tax professional who can go over the assessment and determine whether it is accurate or not.
The county property tax assessors are not infallible. They do make mistakes, so you will want to do more than simply look at the overall assessment. Look at the details of the assessment letter to determine whether they have mistakenly put an extra bathroom on the paperwork
When the Assessment Is Too High
If you find that the assessment is too high, you will want to consider filing an appeal. Before you make this decision though, you need to do more than merely look at the numbers. It is also important that you take some time to look at comparable homes in your area that have recently sold. What was the assessment on those properties? When you are looking at comps, it is important to consider more than just the size of the property and the number of rooms it has available. You will also want to make sure that you consider the condition of the property. If a home similar to yours is in good condition or is newer, then the value is likely to be higher if you have a property that’s older and that might need some repairs.
Regardless of the reason you feel your property taxes are too high, you should consider filing for an appeal. Depending on just how much your home was overvalued at the time of the assessment, you could be getting a substantial break on your property taxes. The exact amount will vary from one person and property to another, of course. Whether they are savings of a few hundred dollars or a couple thousand dollars, it can make a big difference in your life.
You Have the Right to Appeal
Some people never both questioning their taxes because they do not realize that they have the right to make an appeal when something seems out of line. If you are worried that your taxes are not fair based on the assessment, you need to speak up about it and talk with someone who knows and understands Fulton County property tax. It is your right to make sure you are being treated fairly when it comes to your taxes.
Work With a Property Tax Professional
If you want to file an appeal on your property tax assessment, you will need to go through the county assessor’s office to do so. While it might be possible for you to undertake the task on your own, you will find that it becomes much easier when you are working with a property tax professional who has plenty of experience in the field.
When you are choosing a professional to help you with the process, you need to make sure they have experience with the type of property you own. If you are a homeowner and you are appealing the property tax on your home, you want someone who has worked with residences before. If you are trying to appeal the tax assessment of a commercial property, you want someone who has experience with commercial properties, naturally. Fortunately, you will find that many who can offer Fulton County property tax help have experience in both, so you can find just what you need.
The professional can help to provide you with the true valuation of your home and may be able to help you reduce the property taxes that you owe. They can guide you through the appeal process and make sure you have the best possible results for your case.
