File An Appeal

So many people complain about their property taxes, but who actually looks into it? I believe there are more homes valued incorrectly than people think. Mostly because people just collect their government bill and pay it, assuming it to be correct. Please don't do that. These people are human too. Besides increases are standard by percentage depending on your location. It is up to the homeowner to show them the error of their ways.

Filing Appeals vary by county and state. My county was fairly easy. I was able to go to their website, print out the instructions and appeal form, prepare my defense and mail in. My county accepts appeals all year long but they only review them once a year. So check with your county on their procedures, you don't want to complete the process to find out you were a day late and have to wait until the following tax year to reap the financial rewards. Remember: THEY DO NOT ADJUST BACKWARDS, if you were over assessed and didn't appeal in time the money is theirs.

My county required me to fill out the form and then show them proof for why I thought there should be an adjustment. Proof such as:

Closing Documents - if recently purchased

3 comparable sales in the same neighborhood in a reasonable time frame

I received notice from the county a couple months ago that my appeal was determined to be accurate and the decreased my assessed value by $65,286. Per my tax bill that I received today this process is saving me $1,655.17 in taxes. Well worth my time and effort.