When you’re comparing several property tax consultants Atlanta, you’re likely overwhelmed by the process. You may even choose the one that has the longest client list, or the one with the lowest fees, or the one with the most affable personality. You’re not doing yourself any favors here because client list, fees, and personality aren’t the best metrics to use.
Instead, you should choose your property tax consultant in Atlanta based on these six metrics.
Areas of Specialization
Many, if not most, property tax consultants choose an area of specialization, a career move designed to establish their niche in the competitive market. Your job then is to choose the property tax consultant with specialization in your present and future tax-related services needs. You may, for example, choose a tax consultant well-versed in the county’s assessment appeal process.
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In general, nonetheless, property tax consultants Atlanta also have the knowledge, skills and resources to provide the following services:
- Assist individuals and organizations to create tax strategies
- Advise and consult with clients regarding tax legislation, particularly in minimizing taxation incidence
- Advise on property transactions including acquisition, sale and assessment appeals
- Calculation on tax liability and formulation of tax compliance systems
Regardless of the area of specialization, you should benefit from the services provided. Value for your money is a must here, too.
States They Work In
Keep in mind that property tax laws vary between the states, even between the counties in Georgia in certain provisions. But not all property tax consultants Atlanta will not work in every state, which means that you may be limited by their limited knowledge. You may, for example, want somebody who will be useful for your expansion program into the neighboring state.
Industries They Work In
You must consider not just the area of specialization but the type of industry the property tax consultants work in. You must hire somebody who’s familiar with the industry you’re in and, thus, who has a comprehensive understanding of your unique property management needs.
Size of Managed Property
You want a property tax consultant with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the size of your property portfolio. You want him to actually have the resources – time, staff, and computerized system, among others – to provide effective and efficient property tax management services.
Appeal Success Rate
You will likely appeal the assessed values of your residential and/or commercial property, especially as the local assessors appear to like over-assessments. You should hire a property tax consultant with a high appeal success rate. You can ask the consultants for client references, for example.
Average Assessed Value Reduction
But it isn’t just about the appeal success rate. You should also ask about the amount saved in property taxes attained by the property tax consultant for his clients. You have to consider the costs of hiring the consultant against the benefits – tax savings – that can be derived from it.
Conclusion
Of course, you should also be able to work with the one you hired from among the three to five property tax consultants Atlanta on your shortlist. You’re well-advised to look for a courteous, respectful and accommodating consultant for this purpose. You will make the right choice in all of these six metrics with Fair Assessments!
