Discussion On How To Appeal Property Tax

By Catherine Parker


Among the cons of living in a capitalist empery is the need to pay taxes. However, youre a contented citizen and couldnt really care less. Unless, of course, if youre being duped. As it is, an estimated thirty to sixty percent of taxable properties are said to have an inflated assessment. If it seems that youre included in this statistic, its time to know how to appeal property tax in Georgia.

These taxes are also called house or millage rates. They are a form of ad valorem tax, or that which is based on the according to the intrinsic value of your land. The levy is carried out by local jurisdictional authorities. Calculating the rate varies, but in the usual sense, its the approximate four percent of the total home value.

Taxed acreages include homes, farms, business premises, and literally every realty, subsuming every appurtenance and fixture located therein such as buildings and other improvements. The factors looked at to establish the value of an estate include and are not limited to its size, location, use, and nature such as if it is residential or commercial or if it has buildings or is mere bare land. The improvements and amenities present, and the desirability of the property are also factored in. Its accessibility and utility, such that if its fertile or flood prone, are taken into account as well.

The tax is assessed through multiplying tax rate and current market values. These are not automatic decisions. Rather, they are established by local government officials who can inevitably make mistakes. Therefore, its acceptable and justifiable to question certain assessments that may seem faulty to you.

These local officials appraise the worth of properties in more ways than one. Usually, its based on the so called fair market value. This is the negotiated price in the transaction between the seller and buyer. Its likewise important to note that revaluation is a commonplace occurrence. Property worth naturally changes with time, so they also must be officially reassessed, most advisably in three years or so.

If you think that your home has been assessed far too astronomically, you can challenge it, and fast. As it is, proprietors usually have less than thirty days to appeal. Dont be rash, though. You must be circumspect in your moves. First, decide if an appeal is actually worth your time. The process can both be long and expensive, and it may not be viable or else cost more than its worth.

Also, consider that an appeal will lower just your real estate assessment and not the rate at which youre taxed, per se. Therefore, the difference can still be negligible in that you are only able to save, say, twenty dollars while you have taken all expensive legal recourses and even wasted valuable time. Also, there might be the slightest chance that instead of being lowered, the valuation is actually raised because of some appurtenances overlooked by the appraiser. And, lastly, its up to you if youre too honest for your own good, but reduction in assessments will inevitably hurt your houses sale price.

If you have already crossed out these caveats, its time to proceed with your appeal. You should first off check the accuracy of given facts and figures. The assessment should outline the dimensions of your house, the area, the number of rooms, and certain amenities and appurtenances present. The assessor might not have been able to factor in all the fixtures that are broken down and unviable, and the age of the house, which will considerably narrow down your houses value. Get comps, about three or five properties that are essentially the same with your own in all aspects but have been charged lower. Write an official missive to the board of review. The decision is usually received in three months or less. If you dont like the review, you may appeal to an independent board and get the help of a lawyer.

Paying property taxes is requisite if you dont want your house seized or sold for compensation. It is also important for the public weal, since its being used form some or other municipal projects. However, for your own peace of mind, its also important to only pay whats due.




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