The Role of Appraisals in Property Tax Appeals
If you believe your property taxes are too high, you may have the option to appeal your tax assessment. One of the most important tools in a successful property tax appeal is a professional appraisal. In this post, we’ll discuss how an appraisal can help reduce your property taxes and guide you through the tax appeal process.
Why Property Tax Assessments Can Be Inaccurate
Tax assessors use mass appraisal techniques to value multiple properties at once, which can lead to inaccurate assessments. These assessments may not account for the specific condition of your home, recent market changes, or unique property characteristics, resulting in higher-than-necessary tax bills.
How a Professional Appraisal Helps Your Case
A professional appraiser provides an independent, accurate valuation of your property. This appraisal can be used as evidence during your tax appeal to demonstrate that your home’s market value is lower than the tax assessor’s valuation.
The Tax Appeal Process
File an Appeal: Most jurisdictions allow you to file a tax appeal if you believe your property has been overvalued. Be sure to check the deadlines and requirements for your area.
Get a Professional Appraisal: Hire a certified appraiser to assess your property’s value.
Present the Appraisal: Submit the appraisal report along with your appeal to the local tax assessor’s office.
Hearing: Attend the hearing where your evidence, including the appraisal, will be reviewed.
Conclusion
A professional appraisal is a critical piece of evidence in a property tax appeal. If you think you’re paying more in property taxes than your home is worth, consider getting an appraisal to support your case and potentially lower your tax burden.
