By Kathy O'Brien
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta 176981
Tax Assessments for 2016 have now hit your mailbox, and I am sure you are probably considering disputing your assessment in order to lower your taxes. Kathy and Mary are here to help you! The tax assessments are generally calculated by multiplying your home’s assessed value by the tax rate. You will have 45 days from the date on the Notice to file an appeal should you disagree with the value. The county will tell you that the simplest way to file is on line. They do, however tell you there is no guarantee that the website will be functional at all times during the 45 day time period and if you do not get your appeal through, there is no extension. It must be hand delivered or post marked.
Is it Worth It To Appeal
The marketplace has been significantly increasing in value and it’s likely the assessed value has gone up on your home. If you purchased a home last year, they will use that sales data to assess your taxes. However, if your assessed value has increased by more than 15%, the appeal is probably worth it.
Examine your Tax Records
It is important to check out all the specifics about your property on your tax records. Do they have the correct information about square footage, bedrooms, size of the lot and if any of the facts are wrong, it may be beneficial for you to appeal. If the facts are incorrect in the other direction, however, it is unlikely you will be able to get an appeal through the process.
Comparable Properties
Call Kathy and Mary and we will provide you with several properties that have sold within the last six months that are similar to your home. We will give you all the facts that you need to arm yourself for the appeal.
I would recommend not using a website like Zillow because their valuations are usually very different than the actual value of your home. What you want are really good past sales from your neighborhood.
Filing On-Line
Go to your property page at the DeKalb County.
Look up your property and go to Additional Property. Click on that button and then click I want to file an appeal. Most people use the Board of Equalization on the next page after you have clicked on “I want to File an Appeal”.
This is the method for filing on-line, however, I have found that if you fill out the appeal form and actually take it to the tax office on the last day of the appeal, you are more likely to get your appeal approved. The tax office gets so many appeals, that it is difficult for them to meet their deadline. I recommend filling the form out and, of course, taking it to the tax office. Be certain to get it stamped. You can download the Appeal Form here.
Hire a Professional
Hire a Professional There are many professional companies that will work with you to appeal your taxes. Of course, you will pay for this service. There are many respected companies in Atlanta, one of which is Andy Goldstein at 404-822-3643 and you can email him at andy@yourtaxrep.com
Talk to the Assessor's Office
Many of the assessors are willing to talk to you by phone to discuss the value of your home. You should be ready to discuss the past sales that compare to your property and any disputes you have about your tax record that are in your favor. If you are not satisfied, you can request a formal review. Most formal reviews many take anywhere from one to three months and you will receive the decision in writing.
In a Nutshell
- Gather Your Facts
- Call Kathy and Mary for Comparable Properties
- Fill Out Your Appeals Form and Call us if You Need Help
- Call and Talk to the Assessor's Office
- File an Appeal
We are here to help you with this process, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for information about your home and its value. We are experts in the in-town market and can provide you with the information you need for filing your appeal.
Note: Free house photo from free digitalart from freedigitalphotos.net
Note: Tax photo by Stuart Miles from freedigitalphotos.net
FAQs
Evidence can include comparable property values, recent appraisals, and photographs highlighting any issues affecting your property's value. It's also beneficial to familiarize yourself with the appeals process and possibly consult a professional for guidance.
How to appeal property tax assessment in New Jersey? ›
You can appeal an added or omitted assessment by filing Form AA-1 with your County Board of Taxation. NOTE: If the aggregate assessed valuation of the property exceeds $750,000, the appeal may be made directly to the Tax Court of New Jersey.
How do I win a Texas property tax appeal? ›
You should gather all information about your property that may be relevant in considering true value such as:
- Property photographs (yours and comparables)
- Receipts or estimates for repairs.
- Sales price documentation, such as listings, closing statements and other information.
If you are dissatisfied with the judgment rendered by the Tax Board, you will have 45 days from the date your judgment was mailed to file a further appeal with the Tax Court of New Jersey. If your property is assessed for more than $750,000, you may file directly with the Tax Court by April 1 annually.
What not to say during a home appraisal? ›
As a realtor or a homeowner, you should avoid saying things like: – Is it going to come in at this “value”? – I'll be happy as long as it appraises for at least the sales price. – Do your best to get the value as high as possible.
What evidence do I need to protest property taxes in Texas? ›
A copy of the sales contract and the document number of the deed filing may be required. Photographs of your property are also good forms of evidence. See Chapters 41 and 42 Property Tax Code.
How to lower property taxes in NJ? ›
Minimizing Property Taxes in New Jersey
- Request and study your property tax card. Visit your town hall to view or receive a copy of your tax card. ...
- Know your neighbors. ...
- Challenge your tax assessment. ...
- Walk your home with the assessor. ...
- Add-ons might be out.
FILING COMPLAINT WITH TAX COURT
The judgment of the county board of taxation may be appealed to the Tax Court of New Jersey by filing a complaint with the Tax Court Management Office within 45 days from the date of the service of the judgment (date of mailing).
Can an assessor come on my property without permission in NJ? ›
An assessor may enter onto your property if you have not clearly indicated that the property is off limits1. Additionally, if you are renting a property, an assessor may enter onto the property despite “No Trespassing” signs or similar markings if the property owner has given permission.
Is it worth protesting property taxes in Texas? ›
As a state without income tax, Texas relies heavily on property taxes. Rising home values result in rising tax payments later, and one way to save money is to protest the appraisal value with the county appraisal district.
You can just simply file the assessment complaint appeal at the Will Board of Review (BOR). There office is in the Will County Office Building located at 302 North Chicago Street in Joliet, Illinois. They will notify and give the assessor a copy of the appeal.
When you buy a house, are the taxes reassessed in Texas? ›
Are Property Taxes Re-Assessed When You Buy A House in Texas? In short, property taxes are not affected by home sales, so the property will not be reassessed just because it has been sold. Furthermore, if the purchase price was more than the home's market value (or less), this will not change the property taxes either.
Will New Jersey property taxes ever go down? ›
In an effort to keep more seniors here, New Jersey last year came up with a tempting counter-offer: Stay NJ, a law intended to cut property taxes by up to 50% on primary residences for those who are 65 and older and earn less than $500,000 a year, starting in 2026. The maximum benefit would be $6,500.
At what age do you stop paying property taxes in New Jersey? ›
You (or your spouse/civil union partner) were: 65 or older as of December 31, 2022; or. Actually receiving federal Social Security disability benefit payments (not benefit payments received on behalf of someone else) on or before December 31, 2022, and on or before December 31, 2023.
Why are NJ property taxes so high? ›
High education costs in New Jersey are a major factor driving its property taxes, while the tax burden is much lower in Hawaii because property taxes there are mostly paid by tourism. Taxation policies vary so widely that a person might pay $8,000 more in one state versus another for a home of the same price.
What would you do to protest the taxes? ›
Send your protest to the IRS address in the letter you received within the time limit specified in the letter. A formal protest is required in all cases unless you qualify for a small case request, as discussed below, or another appeal procedure.
How can I prevent the IRS from seizing my property? ›
How to Avoid IRS Property Seizures and Tax Liens
- 1.3.1 Work out a payment plan.
- 1.3.2 Request an Offer in Compromise.
- 1.3.3 Prove its not your tax debt.
- 1.3.4 Claim financial hardship.
- 1.3.5 Argue against the seizure.
What Property Tax Exemptions Are Available in Texas?
- General Residence Homestead.
- Age 65 or Older or Disabled.
- Manufactured and Cooperative Housing.
- Uninhabitable or Unstable Residence.
- Temporary Exemption for Disaster Damage.
To maintain a wildlife tax exemption, landowners must conduct at least three of seven wildlife management practices each year. These include habitat control, erosion control, predator control, supplemental water, supplemental food, supplemental shelter, and census counts.
