For business owners and residents of DeKalb County, property taxes are due annually. You’ll receive a letter from the DeKalb County tax assessor stating the taxable value and amount you owe in taxes, and when that payment is due. If you don’t pay the tax by the due date, you are in danger of going into delinquency, and the county can take legal action against you. Of course, property taxes are always a burden, but your burden may or may not be accurate.
High Percentage of Inaccuracy
Understand that the DeKalb County tax assessor uses the same means of determining property values as most other offices across the country. According to a study by the National Taxpayers Union cited by ABC News, up to 60% of properties are over assessed, meaning you’re paying more than you should. If you feel that’s the case in your situation, you can take action. What should you do?
Research
The first step is to determine what your home’s value actually is. That’s easier said than done, unfortunately. You can’t really go by the value your insurance adjuster determines. Instead, you need to research comparable homes in your area and determine what their selling prices were. If that sounds like too much trouble, you can also hire a private appraiser to do the job.
The Next Step
Once you’ve determined what your home’s actual value is, and if it is indeed less than the DeKalb County tax assessor value, your next step is to file a property tax appeal. Understand that filing an appeal is not a guarantee that your tax burden will be reduced. More than half of all appeals are unsuccessful, but only the tiniest fraction of DeKalb County residents and business owners file disputes in the first place. You can dispute the amount in a couple of ways, including arranging for an informal meeting with the DeKalb County tax assessor. You can also file a formal appeal via letter.
For DeKalb County, appeals can be done in one of three ways. You can appeal to the Board of Equalization, go through binding arbitration or appeal to a Hearing Officer (only for non-homestead properties with a value in excess of $1 million).
Be Patient
Once you’ve filed your appeal with the DeKalb County tax assessor office, be patient. It can take many months just for your appeal to be considered. If you receive no relief from the tax assessor's office then you may be heading for a formal hearing. It will take time to get a hearing scheduled, and then additional days before they notify you of the board’s decision. If you receive a negative verdict on your appeal to the Board of Equalization, you can take the matter to Superior Court (you’ll have to foot the bill here, though).
Disputing the amount the DeKalb County tax assessor says you owe in property taxes is a difficult process. Working with an experienced property tax appeals expert is the best way to move forward while ensuring the most positive outcome for your situation. With an expert on your side, you stand the best chance of success.
Sources:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MellodyHobson/lower-property-tax-assessment/story?id=10264606
