Interesting fact: According to the National Taxpayers Union, between 30-60% of taxable property in the U.S. is over-assessed. Even more alarming, it’s usually the middle income taxpayers’ properties that are most often over-assessed, yet fewer than 5% challenge the assessment.

I strive to provide homeowners and future homeowners with useful information that will benefit them in their everyday lives. In this blog, I outline the steps needed to file a property tax appeal and ultimately win. Use this knowledge to keep both your mind and wallet happy!

Step 1: Be Informed! Familiarize Yourself with the Appeal Process in Your State

This sets the foundation for how the rest of the process will flow. Every state has different deadlines, procedures, and protocol when filing an appeal, so it is important to gather as much information as possible before you embark on this journey.

Step 2: Weigh the Costs

As with most things in life, filing a property tax appeal is not free. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $750 for an appeal based on a variety of factors, such as complexity of the project, the market, and the appraiser’s experience level. Additionally, if the appeal goes to the superior court, expect to pay a couple hundred dollars more.

Step 3: Keep EVERYTHING

Keep all assessment records and do your homework. Compare the records to your purchase price and comparable properties that have recently sold. Find out if your county has an online program where you can see the assessments on all of the properties in the county.

Step 4: Comply with All State Laws, Deadlines, and Procedures

To stay one step ahead of the game, make sure you contact local taxing authorities in advance of the deadline for appeals and be prepared to present all necessary documentation. Remember that the time frame to appeal is brief, anywhere from 15 to 45 days from the assessment date. Also, chances are you will only get 1 shot per year to file your property tax appeal, so make sure you’re ready!

Step 5: Work Outside the System

Homeowners can improve their chances of appealing their property tax assessment by hiring a certified independent appraiser. Having a third-party expert provide a credible, reliable opinion of the home’s value can help when it’s time to present the appraisal report to the local assessor. And since the end goal is to win, every tool in your arsenal helps!

Looking into South Florida real estate? Then contact Bozena Kaluza for all of the information you need!