When you have property taxes and you believe that something is wrong, you, fortunately, have the option to appeal your taxes. However, you will want to make sure that you appeal your property taxes by the deadline and speak with a property tax attorney as soon as possible.
How Property Tax Appeals Work
Your property taxes are calculated by taking a set tax rate and multiplying it by the value of your property. While you are not able to appeal the property tax rate, you are able to appeal the appraisal of your property if you believe that it is overvalued. However, you will want to sit down with a great real estate tax attorney.
DIY Tax Appeals
You are allowed to appeal your tax appraisal online in some cases. You will be able to draft a filing and can modify it later if you have made any mistakes or need to include any updates. You can upload attachments at any time. You also always have the option of carrying out the appeal process by mail and there may be an option over the phone.
The type of attachments you can include are appeals, photos, and comparable properties. However, you do not want to make a mistake because you may have your appeal denied and this may lead to you being forced to pay more expensive taxes. Therefore, rather than receive a rejection in the mail, make sure to consult with a real estate tax attorney.
The Role of a Tax Attorney
Your tax attorney will go over all your tax-related documents to find out if there is anything that you missed. For example, you might actually have less square footage than what is recorded.
Your attorney will also look at the taxes that have been paid on your property in the past before you owed it and the taxes that similar properties pay. If your taxes are 15% higher than what would normally be paid, your attorney might recommend that you file an appeal.
Your In-Person Hearing
If your appeal by mail or online is denied, you may attend the hearing with your lawyer to have a second chance. You will be asked to present evidence that the original assessment of your property taxes is erroneous. For example, it might be stated that your property has a swimming pool so you may show photos of your property with no pool. Your attorney will assist you in presenting the right evidence and represent you.
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