When you’re comparing several property tax consultants Atlanta, you’re likely overwhelmed by the process. You may even choose the one that has the longest client list, or the one with the lowest fees, or the one with the most affable personality. You’re not doing yourself any favors here because client list, fees, and personality aren’t the best metrics to use. 

Let’s face it. In order to win a property tax appeal, you should hire an experienced property tax consultant to handle the nitty-gritty details of the case. You can rely on a trustworthy tax advisor to gather the valid evidence, file the paperwork as your agent, and present your evidence before the tax authorities, among other services.

Many taxpayers believe that their appeals against the property tax assessment values determined by the Hall County Tax Assessor are already skewed in favor of the government. While the Office of the Tax Assessor may have an inherent advantage considering its easy access to government records and the scope of resources available for its defense, taxpayers now have enhanced rights during a property tax appeal.  Taxpayers can thank Act 431 Taxpayer Bill of Rights, formerly Senate Bill 177, which was signed on April 30, 1999 and became effective on January 1, 2000. 

Keep in mind that effective property tax management isn’t just about paying the property taxes on time. Instead, it means minimizing your property taxes while getting the most value from the use of the property, whether it’s residential or commercial. This is what the best property tax advisors in Atlanta are experts in! 

Contrary to popular opinion, the tax assessors in the State of Georgia aren’t the enemy in the goal to lower property taxes. Keep in mind that as taxing authorities, they are only doing their jobs – to determine the market values on residential and commercial property so that the applicable property taxes can be computed by the Tax Commissioner’s Office. You can see their jobs from their point of view which can help you in your appeal.

Many individuals interested in becoming homeowners have second doubts about following through with their plans, no thanks to the high property tax. This is such as shame considering that while you cannot escape property taxes, you can reduce it by taking preliminary measures.

Many local governments are seeking increases in property tax for commercial via value-in-use taxation. But this isn’t such an advisable step considering the costly changes in the assessment process and the inequities that result. These issues have their greatest impact on commercial property owners. 

In the property assessment appeals process, the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor usually has the spotlight shone on his office during the first few steps.  But there are several other official bodies in the appeals process that every property owner and taxpayer should get acquainted with, so to speak. Here are the three most important bodies.

If the 2016 property tax increase is anything to go by, property owners and taxpayers in DeKalb County will likely be in for another sticker shock in their 2017 annual assessment notices. The county authorities, including the Board of Assessors, Board of Equalization, and Superior Court, may experience an increase in the number of appeals being filed.

While it may already be the 2017, you are well-advised to know more about the changes to the Gwinnett County property tax process brought by the approval of House Bill 202. Keep in mind that with tax laws being as complicated as these are you should work with an experienced property tax consultant. Here a few pieces of information that you can use in 2017 and beyond.