The key to a winning appeal against the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor is a cost-efficient, results-driven game plan that can involve many things such as getting to know the tax assessor to planning the appeal. You will find that good preparation and organization can mean the difference between a winning and losing appeal so start on your game plan now!
Building Rapport
Know thy enemy – or at least, gather as much information about the Tax Assessor as you possibly can without breaking any laws. Basically, you want to build good rapport with the Tax Assessor so as to determine the best manner of conducting the interview, presenting the evidence, and refuting the valuation method used, among other activities.
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In this regard, you want to get answers about the Tax Assessor’s knowledge, skills, and attitude as well as his analysis of the property (i.e., cursory or extensive). By keeping your interactions with the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor as friendly as possible, you are also in the best position to find out about his strengths and weaknesses, perhaps even determine whether a settlement is possible. Keep in mind that while the formal appeals process is available, a settlement will likely entail less time, effort and money.
Presenting of Evidence
During your initial discussion and presentation with the Tax Assessor, you should be able to present the following information regarding your property under appeal:
First, the company. You have to provide a concise yet clear description of your company to enable the Tax Assessor to understand your company’s corporate structure, general operations, and reporting units.
Second, the industry. You must provide an overview of the industry in which your company operates in that, in turn, will become the basis for discussions about related valuation issues.
Third, the property. You have to include both the land and the structures present on it, which will set the stage for discussions about the valuation methods used for the subject property.
Fourth, the issues. You should translate the discussions about the industry and subject property into a series of well-organized specific valuation points. You are essentially guiding the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor into looking at the matter from your own point of view.
The more organized your evidence, the more likely that you can persuade the Tax Assessor about the merits of your case.
Following Up
Usually, there will be an informal information exchange between the taxpayer and Tax Assessor after the preliminary discussion and presentation. You should be careful about the transfer of information as even an apparently simple mistake in the process can have unintended and undesirable consequence against your case. You should ideally hire an experienced tax consultant to ensure that the information exchange will largely work in your favor, thus, contributing to a winning appeal.
You will also find it handy to practice your negotiation skills. You may, for example, highlight the strengths of your valuation including the experience of your independent appraiser; underscore your willingness to work with the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor but also your willingness to take your case to other venues of appeal; and to show appreciation for the challenges that the office must deal with in your case.
