The Gwinnett County Tax Assessor and his staff are the people responsible for the assessment of the taxable values of real property in their jurisdiction. These taxable values are the basis for the estimated property taxes – and we all know the reluctance many taxpayers have about doing their civic duty and parting with their money.
The tax assessor’s office is a helpful agency that can provide valuable assistance in your desire to perform your civic duty while also practicing good financial management. Here are the five functions that the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor performs that you can tap into for your own benefit.
Property Tax Appraisals
You can use the fair market values determined by the tax assessor in estimating the most profitable selling price for your property. You can request a copy of your real estate property’s most recent appraisal from the office, which can then be used for your own legal purposes. You may even decide on the types of home improvements that can provide the best value for your money upon resale based on the assessor’s property record card.
Property Re-appraisals
The Gwinnett County Tax Assessor and his authorized appraisers will conduct annual inspections so any renovations will be noted. The home improvements will be considered in determining the current fair market value of the property that, in turn, you can use as basis for determining your own estimate for its selling value.
Property Tax Appeals
The matter of appraisal is partly a subjective process as the appraisers must use their own judgment, as honed from years of education, training and work experience, in determining the fair market values of the properties. As a result, you may believe that your property has been unfairly over-assessed do to this subjectivity and your estimated tax is unreasonably high.
Fortunately, you can always appeal the appraisal value as determined by the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor. You will be given 45 days from the date of the annual notice of assessment to file your written appeal, a process that can work in your favor when you are well-prepared for it.
Homestead Exemptions
Ask the assessor or his staff for the application form for the homestead exemption. When approved, you can enjoy a modest property tax break for your property. You can qualify when the property is used as your primary residence, or for veterans, or for green space, or for farmland.
Payment of Property Taxes
Request the assessor and his staff for assistance in the payment of your taxes, such as asking for a copy of the tax assessment and the tax bill as well as the arrangement of a tax payment plan. Payment of the taxes should be at the tax commissioner’s office.
You should know the functions of the Gwinnett County Tax Assessor and his staff. You are then well-advised to contact Fair Assessments, LLC for professional advice on property tax appeals.
