How can I appeal my property taxes?

Valerie circles back to an important topic discussed last month—tax assessments. She encourages homeowners to take a close look at their assessment notices, specifically examining the appraised value, assessed value, and most importantly, the projected taxes for the upcoming 2023 calendar year. While Valerie mentions that their taxes have seen a modest increase, she acknowledges that some individuals might have experienced significant hikes. For those in such a situation, she provides valuable guidance on making a tax appeal.

Helping You Appeal Your Home Valuation

Has the county recently increased the assessed value of your property? Are you now responsible for additional taxes? Do you disagree with the tax assessor’s increase? If the answer is yes, consider appealing your property value.

STEP 0:

STEP 1 | File Appeal

Three Ways to File Your Appeal:

1. File Online: And Receive Written Confirmation. - or-

2. Take 2 copies of the appeal form down to the tax office where it will be time stamped (Received). Get 2nd copy stamped for your records. - or-

3. Mail via “Return Receipt.” Be sure to include your Property ID Number. (See Step 0)

Select Appeal Method

• County Board of Equalization

  • Value, uniformity, denial of exemption or taxability

• Arbitration

  • Value/high end properties. Costs are associated with this method.

• County Hearing Officer

  • Value or uniformity, on Non-Homestead real property or wireless personal property valued, in excess of $500,000.

Select Grounds For Apppeal

• Value

• Uniformity

  • Valued in fair uniform manner as rest of your neighborhood - treat everyone the same

  • Neighborhood = Neighborhood Tax Code

Select Grounds For Apppeal

• Based on 85% of what you appeal

• 100% of Value - *RECOMMENDED

• Refund on value difference

• Your opinion of value: _ _ _ _ _

  • Amount doesn’t matter; you can put anything

**THEN CLICK SUBMIT

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STEP 2 | Letters You May Receive

• Confirmation of receipt of your appeal letter

• 30 Day Letter - I.E we’ve lowered your value

  • DO NOT ACCEPT VALUE!

    • Reply that you wish to continue to “Go Before the Board of Equalization”

    • This is the only way to ensure you will get freeze for 3 years; Freeze expires if you sell.

    • The BOE is 3-member panel chosen from grand jury list: Citizens/Property Owners, Over 18, Live in your County.

• Letter of hearing date

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STEP 3 | Board of Equalization Hearing with County Appraiser

• Hearings are calendar call on date scheduled and last 10-15 minutes

• Let appraiser go first.

• She/He will hand out a “Market worksheet”

• You present your evidence.

• BOE deliberates while you wait

• BOE decision letter will be received at hearing (Proof if taxes go up next 2 years)

• If you don’t like BOE decision, you can file in Superior Court.

  • Write a letter “Take appeal to Court.” No filing fee.

    • You must be contacted in 30 days with a settlement agreement conference with the appraiser and their supervisor

    • If they don’t lower, you can pay file fee $25, hire attorney.

**If you get any reduction and 3 year lock, it is successful. Final value has 3 year lock.

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3 Ways to get help with comps for your appeal

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Don’t appeal while you already have a freeze.

• Your value can’t be raised if you appeal.

• Don’t bring attention to negative details (i.e, Taxes show extra beds, baths, garage)

• If you just bought, appeal anyway, get the freeze.

• Could lose freeze if you’ve filed permit and city goes to check. Permits are how they get info on improvements.

• Bring in pictures with any negative influence - busy street, flood plain, other exemptions you may be eligible for, such as if you are a senior citizen, veteran, disabled, or other property abnormalities.

• Appraiser has aerial photos of home and other market data we don’t have access to.

• Millage rates will likely rise this year since counties have lost revenues due to Covid-19.

• The millage rate increase is not on the assessment. When the actual bill comes out, it will be too late to appeal.

Valerie emphasizes the significance of understanding the assessment notices and considering an appeal if necessary. Remember, the Vesta Consulting Group Residential Realty team is always here to assist and support you through this process. Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance or any other real estate inquiries.