Expert Appraiser: Trusts, Divorce, Property Tax

Property Tax Reductions

Following is a brief supplement to what your local county assessor provides on their website.

1. Make sure you are aware of what date the tax is based on. Is it January 1, 2010, or January 1, 2009? Going in with a list of recent sales from your trusted Realtor, means you will be tossed out in a New York Minute. Sometimes the cut-off date may be up to 90 days after the date of value. For example, the tax is based on January 1, 2010, then you can use sales from all of 2009, PLUS sales that closed Jan-Feb Mar 2010. But not one day later.  Check with your office.
2. Get them to send you a copy of their report, showing how they developed the values they used. Since it may have been done automatically each year, this then requires them to manufacture a specific report for you. You are entitled to it, before you go to any hearings. And not just the night before, but 10-15 days before.
3. Make sure you understand all the steps in the process, as it varies from county to county. You can send in their paper form, with your data on it. And they will most often say "NO!". Then you can schedule a hearing with one person, really the most effective step. Do not go in without a strong advocate. They take great pride in their ability to pull out unusual rules, right under your nose. Often therre is a third step, appearing before the three person Assessment Appeals Board. This is  the most intimidating. You are actually presenting your appeal before the board, maybe their attorney, several members of the county assessor’s office and the general public as well. Better have your data and research ready!
4. They often say that you can just fill out their form and submit it yourself, and that you do not need professional help. This is like the Los Angeles Lakers challenging you and your high school team to a high stakes, $10,000 basketball game. They have the firepower, the intimidation, the data, AND the home court advantage. Do not believe this for a minute.
5. Call around to find a strongly assertive senior appraiser to help assemble your case. In my most recent project, I re-wrote our report for them three times, but it was well worth it. We won 75% of what we were shooting for, saving $6,500 each year.
6. Contact me for any further questions: 310 505 5916.