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.
But you will still appreciate the following short and sweet tips for a winning appeal. Plus, you can get into a discussion with your tax advisor with a more informed mind and, perhaps, with more suggestions. Indeed, even a small piece of information can go a long way to win a property tax appeal!
Don’t Sweat It Too Much
The tax assessors have the burden of proof whenever a property owner and taxpayer files an appeal. This means that you don’t have to sweat it too much although getting organized and getting good evidence are still a must to win your appeal. You can let the assessors prove that their assessed values are fair, uniform and equitable, in comparison to your proposed value.
Do Include Comparable Sales
Keep in mind that recent sale prices of comparable properties may be persuasive. Sales of similar properties give an indication of the appropriate price levelfor your property and the neighborhood as a whole. Sales prices aren’t the only controlling factors in a property assessment appeal however. The tax assessors values on comparable properties, whether recent sales or not, are an indication of the uniformity, or equity, of the tax assessors values. Inequities are a valid argument to make in a property tax appeal.
Don’t Include an Independent Appraiser’s Report
While independent appraisals can be of use in your appeal, these aren’t always necessary to win a property tax appeal. In fact, savvy property tax advisors strongly advise against it for many reasons. You can present an independent appraiser’s report, of course, but you don’t have to commission it just for appeal purposes – unless, you already have it in connection with a refinancing, for example. You may even be hurting your chances of success if you present it – ask your tax advisor about it first.
Do Become a Nosey Neighbor
But don’t do it to become an obnoxious neighbor with the intent of meddling in other people’s business. Instead, you become a nosey neighbor so that you can win your appeal. You should confine your nosiness into these matters:
- The settlements made by your neighbors on their own property tax assessment appeals. You will then have evidence that the tax assessors or the Board of Equalization think that values in the neighborhood may be too high. If you can find out how much they were reduced you can ask for a similar reduction.
- You may know which of your neighbors have the same model house as yours, or those constructed by the same builder, are the same quality of construction, and even which neighbor’s houses are similar to yours in condition. This is good information to have when building an equity argument.
Do Be Nice
We just cannot overemphasize the importance of being nice to the tax authorities even when you’re fuming mad at the injustice. Keep in mind that board members, hearing officers, arbitrators, and judges are sick of angry property owners. You will be better off adopting a calm, cool and collected attitude when dealing with them so that your side can be better heard.
Conclusion
As your property tax advisor will tell you, less can achieve more to win a property tax appeal. You can focus more on what you can control and less on what you cannot control. Your life as a property owner and taxpayer will be less stressful too.
