With House Bill 202 already in effect since January 1, 2016, property owners/taxpayers have been given more rights and responsibilities particularly where the tax assessment and appeal process is concerned. Your enhanced power is such that you even have increased access to the records including the information kept by the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor for the purpose of questioning the appraised and assessed value of your real property. Here’s what you have to know about it so that you can use it for your own benefit.
Within 10 Business Days
In the past, the tax assessor was at an advantage in your appeal because of your general inability to have reasonable access to the records kept by the office. But under HB 202, things have changed in your favor although it must also be said that it is a right that must be used responsibly.
Download the Gwinnett Step-by-Step Guide
Notwithstanding the provisions contained in Code Section50-18-71, you can request access to the public records and information in the custody of the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor. But keep in mind that your access will be limited to documents, both paper and electronic, pertaining to the appraisal and assessment of your subject real property – no more, no less.
In turn, you should be provided with your requested documents within 10 business days. You can request copies of public records including a description of the methods used in the determination of your property’s fair market value; documents used in the assessment; the parcel identification number and complete address of the comparable properties used in the assessment; and other factors considered.
Little to No Additional Costs
While you may be charged a uniform copying fee of not more than 25 cents per page, you should not be charged additional fees for your reasonable search and retrieval of the public records and information. You are not responsible for the administrative costs of these appeal-related activities.Furthermore, you have the protection of the Superior Court since it has jurisdiction in law and equity over the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor specifically in the enforcement of compliance in the abovementioned matters.
Either of the parties – you or the Tax Assessor – should act with due diligence during the appeal process. Otherwise, you may be digging your appeal’s grave by your inability to comply with the provisions contained in HB 202. Your appeal may be ruled against your favor, such as when the three-year lock-in period is waived because of your failure to attend the appeal hearing, or you may end up paying the litigation costs.
Fortunately, you can avoid the pitfalls of non-compliance with the new laws resulting from the approval of HB 202 by hiring an experienced tax advisor. You don’t have to jeopardize your chances at a winning appeal especially with your increased rights in your property tax appeal with the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor.
