The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Baylor3217 on May 25, 2013, 01:23:10 PM
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I received a letter today from a lawyer noting how I was paying too much I'm property taxes based on the appraisal of my home.
Of course, they slant the data to look egregious. His fee is 50% of the reduction should I win a reduction.
Have any of y'all tried this?
Why not just go argue it myself?
What data do you use to determine that you are paying too much?
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Ah, the property tax agents. This is something you can do yourself for free. First, call the assessor's office, and find out how property is valued in your jurisdiction and as of what date. Also, what the window is for informally protesting and for filing a formal appeal. Every state has different laws. Then, call your real estate agent and get comparable sales for the pertinent date. Check your assessed value and the values of similar houses in your area to get an idea of the assessed values. Get a copy of your property record from the assessor and make sure the property characteristics are correct.
Try to get a reduction through an informal process. Usually you meet with someone from the assessor's office and present your evidence. If that does not work, pursue the formal appeal. You may have to present your evidence at a hearing, but you may save a few hundred dollars by doing so if you have a case. There are lots of first-hand stories about property tax appeals on blogs and forums, so it's worth searching the internet for property tax appeals in your state.
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Look at what they claimed as the assessed value, then make your strongest case as to why it should be lower. If it will significantly save you money, it may be worth your time to do it.
My taxes are quite reasonable, and I actually think should be higher. If yours is too much, definitely appeal.
Also everything AR said is gold.