You received a recent notice of a new property assessment from the DeKalb County Tax Assessor and you didn't like what you saw when you opened the envelope. Maybe it was a figure that you felt was far too high, or perhaps it was the opposite and ended up too low for your liking. Either way, you automatically wondered if there were any way to ask the DeKalb County Tax Assessor for a new or revaluation on the residential or commercial property.
The short answer: Yes!
However, there are a few caveats to that answer, and some very important details to know. The most significant of the factors is that you cannot appeal at just any time. You can appeal within 45 days of getting your new assessment from the DeKalb County Tax Assessor. If you wait, and allow the 45 days to pass, you have to wait for the new assessment letter to come several years from the current date. While that might not seem so bad, in many instances, it can amount to hundreds (and in some cases, thousands) of dollars going towards an unfair tax burden.
So, don't hesitate to ask the DeKalb County Tax Assessor for the appeal. However, do so politely. After all, the office staff of the DeKalb County Tax Assessor never incorrectly valuate properties intentionally. There are many factors that contribute to that final figure and if there is misinformation, typographical errors or no visit paid to the property prior to a valuation, it is easy for an inaccurate assessment to occur.
The Factors Used by the DeKalb County Tax Assessor
Just consider, your commercial or residential property is given the assessment value it received by adding up information such as:
- The size of the lot of land
- The square footage of the building
- The presence of any outbuildings or structures like swimming pools
- If it is a residence, they will consider if a basement is finished
- How many baths are in the residence, and more
In addition to this basic data, the DeKalb County Tax Assessor also looks at comps or comparison properties. These are properties in the same neighborhood and usually of similar size. What did you pay for the house? What are the current values in the neighborhood? These are things they consider.
However, and as is the case with most assessor's offices around the country, a physical examination of the premises may not have occurred. This is often due to a lack of time to go from building to building and do individual assessments. Instead, they use the most accurate data and make a reasonable calculation.
If you feel it is too high or too low, it is entirely in your right to question it. Too high, and as we said, you pay too much in taxes. Too low, and you might have to knock down the asking price on a property. That's why you can always appeal.
How It Works
So, what has to happen if you want to appeal the assessment you received from the DeKalb County Tax Assessor. Keep that 45-day deadline for appeals in mind, because you must have everything submitted within that time frame. The "everything" in question is always going to vary, but usually includes documents like:
- A professional appraisal - This means paying a third party, but it is usually one of the best ways to prove the point that a valuation is inaccurate
- Land surveys or tax maps - Human error might show you as owning 12.5 acres when you own 1.25. Having a map showing exact acreage is a great way to show inaccuracy
- Architectural renderings - You have two floors and 2.5 baths, but maybe the appraisal says three full baths? The professional renderings are helpful to disprove that inaccuracy.
- Contractor's reports - If your home or building was damaged or suffered changes that drove the value up or down, using a contractor's report with the cost of uncompleted repair work is helpful.
- Comps of your own - Just as the DeKalb County Tax Assessor will use comparison properties, you can too. Dig around and find at least five similarly sized properties with lower (or higher) valuations to serve as evidence.
You are probably shaking your head and thinking, I just won't have the time to do all of that! The good news is that you don't have to. There are professionals ready to step up the moment you get in touch and assemble the appeal for you. Of course, you might worry that it isn't worth all of the effort. Again, we'd disagree.
In one online article, a homeowner explained that their property taxes decreased by a whopping 23% (around $2k) because they appealed a new valuation. That same article indicated that between 30-60% of properties are over assessed (nationally). So, it is always a good idea to question the valuation, and particularly if you feel it is off in any substantial amount.
In fact, if you just do the math on your own bill, going with that 23% average, you'd see how much sense it makes. Yet even as little as ten to 15% is enough to warrant a second look at the recent assessment on your home or your commercial real estate.
If you are eager to question the DeKalb County Tax Assessor about your most recent valuation, and it is within 45 days of first receiving it, you can do so. The experts of Fair Assessments, LLC are an ideal resource at such times. They have more than 20 years of experience in such matters and work for commercial clients in GA and FL as well as residential customers throughout the entire Atlanta metro area. They can do all the data gathering and get your documents submitted on time, saving you the headaches and eventually the money on your tax bills.
