The assessment and property tax process can be an expensive one for many in Fulton County. Because of that, it is not uncommon for a homeowner to challenge the valuation of their property on an assessment slip. In some cases, the owners can speak with an assessor to talk over the situation. However, any changes that might be made have to have evidence behind them. Showing up and complaining that the taxes are too high isn’t enough to see a reduction. The good news is there are some tips that can help you successfully appeal your property taxes.
Basic Tips to Keep in Mind
You must have access to all of the documents related to the value of your property before you can make an argument about its current valuation by the county. This involves looking over the assessor’s information about your property to find any mistakes. Something as small as having an extra bathroom or bedroom on your assessment sheet can cause substantial changes to your property tax. The same applies if the tax was figured wrong, an amenity is listed that doesn’t exist, or square footage is off.
You should also ask the assessor for copies of the comparable sales information that your county assessor used to decide the value of your property. This is also something you should look over carefully and compare the value against other properties nearby. A property tax appeal service can help with this, as an expert will have an eye for what looks incorrect.
Another option for challenging a valuation that might succeed is if there are conditions the assessor isn’t aware of. This could include a cracked foundation, infestation of pests, or something similar. These things lower the value of your property, which also means your appraisal should be lower. Exemptions can also drop the value of the property and lead to paying less in taxes in Fulton County.
Comparing Sales of Property
Your property tax appeal service will likely explain to you that the best evidence you can have for your appeal is a set of comparisons with property in your neighborhood that has sold in the recent past. The great part about this is that it’s public information so you can get ahold of it quickly. However, applying it to your appeal and analyzing the data can be more difficult. You never know exactly why a buyer purchases a property or why a seller chose to move out. There also can be an issue if there have been no recent sales of similar properties in your area for your comparisons. If that is the case, you can check other property that is similar to yours in Fulton County. Think about things like age, location, style, lot size, square footage, and similar items.
Always Follow Proper Procedure
Each state, county, and city has their own methods for how to challenge your tax bill. You need to know these things early because if you do not meet the time limitations and procedures, you will not win the appeal. You should also be aware that in most cases, you will need to continue paying the assessed taxes until the time when you find out the result of your appeal. If you do not follow these procedures, you may end up charged penalties and interest on what you do not pay.
One of the reasons we encourage you to seek out and hire a property tax appeal service is because every state has its own laws and regulations around tax bills, and sometimes these vary considerably. That said, most areas offer either two or four steps of appeals. In Georgia, this is most often two levels. The first is a simple written appeal, while the second is an in-person appeal. If you end up moving to the second appeal, you can present your evidence in the way you see fit.
Unable to Pay the Bills
If you are someone who is having challenges with paying the taxes assessed to your personal property, that isn’t a reason for an appeal. Having a fixed income or being otherwise unable to pay isn’t considered in property taxes in Fulton County. The only thing that truly matters is the value of the property that you own. It doesn’t matter what you bring in as earnings, what disposable income you have, or whether you can pay. However, your property tax appeal service can explain any options you may have in terms of deferrals or hardship exemptions.
Contents of Your Appeal Letter
We have a few tips related to how to write your appeal letter that will be sent to the proper authorities. These can ensure the best results, although only your evidence can guarantee you get the appeal you are owed. When you write the letter, make sure that you phrase the letter as a formal notice of protest. You should also be sure to include any account numbers that you are appealing. The contents of the letter should explain why you believe the assessment is wrong, whether that is because the value is listed too high, the location is no longer in operation, or you have been assessed twice. At that point, you can have your Fulton County property tax appeal service look things over before you sign and send it in.
Make sure that you send in the appeal during the deadline that is listed on your assessment paper. Otherwise, you will be stuck paying the assessed taxes for the next year before you have another chance at your appeal.
If you are interested in more information about property taxes, property tax services, and property tax appeals, Fair Assessments LLC offers resources, answers to common questions, and more. We provide the knowledge needed to handle a commercial property tax appeal in the Southeastern United States.
Speak to an expert or ask questions by calling 404-618-0355, by emailing us at info@Fair-Assessments.com or contacting us by the form on our website.
