Have you ever gotten your bill from the DeKalb County tax assessor, and panicked at the large amount due? This is something that many property owners face each year, and even if you were prepared for the large amount, it’s still nice to find that you can save some money. Your tax bill could very well be too high, and you do have the right to appeal that bill. The appeals process is a lengthy one, and it takes a lot of work to ensure that you have a convincing case.
When you work with us to appeal your tax bill, we can assist you at every step of the way. We’ll file the tax appeal letter, gather all the research you need to prove that your property was over-valued, negotiate with the DeKalb County tax assessor, and prepare your argument for the hearing. But even when you have experts helping you, you will still have to appear at the hearing yourself.
And if you choose to not work with an expert, there are even more areas where you may make one of these eight mistakes. If you are preparing to appeal your tax bill, here are some things to avoid.
1. Don’t miss the hearing date.
If you miss your appeals hearing, your appeal is automatically withdrawn, and you cannot re-appeal for that year. You will have to pay this year’s tax bill and the next time you can try again is the following tax bill. By helping you gather your argument and research, and attending the hearing with you, we can ensure that you don’t make this first mistake.
2. Be sure you gather enough proof that your home’s value was incorrectly assessed.
There are many pieces of information that can help you prove the value of your home. For example, the value of nearby homes that recently sold can be helpful. The DeKalb County tax assessor will also look at things about your house itself, such as how new it is, how big your lot is, and so on. You’ll also need to take into account the area you live in – the crime rate, the local amenities, the schools, and so on, can all have an affect on the value of homes. The best way to get a good idea of a home’s value in your area is to look at what other homes in the area are currently selling for, but that may not be the only information you need to have.
3. However, don’t gather too much information.
There is something to be said for keeping your argument concise and to the point. The hearing board for the appeals have to see every appeal in DeKalb County in a very short time period, and they are much more likely to judge in your favor if they aren’t getting weary looking at spreadsheets where you’ve complied a lot of insignificant data. Get the most relevant information, present it in a strong way, and keep your argument to the point.
4. Be ready to appeal again if you get denied.
If your first appeal is denied, you do have the ability to go through a second appeal. This can actually work in many cases, but you have to be prepared so that you don’t miss any of the deadlines. Be sure you are aware of when you can appeal the first decision and be ready for that.
5. Remain calm and collected during your hearing.
When you are in your hearing, the DeKalb County tax assessor, their representation, and the board itself, will be asking you questions. They’ll be trying to prove that their evaluation of your home was correct, and they are looking for ways to trip you up when you present your case. It’s important that you maintain your calm. Getting upset will get you thrown out of the room, and your case will be denied.
6. Keep your eye on the big picture, not the small details.
One argument that rarely works in these appeals is talking about the value of your home per square foot. The tax assessor gives their estimation of value based more on the state of your home, the local market, and other factors. The square footage of your home isn’t the most convincing argument – you could have a tiny condo with luxury amenities and a great view, so it’s worth a lot more than a large family home that is old, outdated, and next to a noisy train station.
7. Don’t let yourself settle for what they offer.
Before you get to the hearing for the appeal, the DeKalb County tax assessor may try to negotiate with you. During the hearing, they may offer to reduce the bill to a certain amount. Unless the amount is what you believe your house is truly worth, don’t settle. You can win your appeal if they show signs of admitting that your house is being over-valued.
8. If you aren’t a tax professional, consider working with the professionals.
Finally, one thing we often see is homeowners representing themselves at these appeals. The problem with that is that this is a complex legal process, and you may not be aware of all the minute things that must be done in a certain way. If you want to ensure that you have a good chance of getting your tax bill reduced, we recommend working with the pros. We can not only help you get your tax bill lowered, we may also be able to find exemptions and other savings on your bill.
Learn More from the Tax Experts at Fair Assessments Today
If you want to avoid these mistakes and have the best chance of success, contact us at Fair Assessments. We have over two decades of experience, and a success rate of over 80%. We can be reached at 404-618-0355, or online. You can also email us at info@Fair-Assessemnt.com. We look forward to helping you save!
