Friday, April 26, 2013

Challenge Property Assessments

By George Evers


High property tax burdens as a percentage of home values is usually an ever increasing heavy load to homeowners. Overhaul of state property tax increases, including a possible ballot issue to cut property taxes for homeowners whose home values have dropped, are a hot potatoes issue. It's harder for people to pay property taxes in today economic environment..

Often scare tactics of cuts in service are employed. A governor of NJ threatened to close the beaches and parks, even the casinos if his state sales tax was not passed. He wouldn't look into actual cutting the fat and excesses out of the budget and by using this stong-armed scare tactic, got his tax increase passed. This govener named Florio turned out to be a gay blade showing no love or compassion for the taxpayer; not a public servant at all.

Private sector employees traditionally work 65 years before they retire. With Federal and State union conditions early retirement is likely by many after 20 years service. This practice only increases county and state liabilities by placing an excessive burden on taxpayers

However, homes' values may be argued. The assessed price of a home is based upon an opinion of value normally derived from comparable sales. Taxpayers should know they can take action today to save on inequitable property taxes.

Many homes are selling below their assessed value, in many instances this is reason of a property tax appeal. The National Taxpayers Union writes that as many as 60% of all homeowners are over-assessed. When comparable properties sell for a lower price, all you need to do is provide evidence that your homes market value does not equate with the assessment the taxing authorities placed on your home.

Even in good times routinely a higher error rate exists in property tax assessments. The National Taxpayers Union writes that as many as 60% of all homeowners are over-assessed and not in line with their home value. ("How To Fight Property Taxes" 2004 p.1). This fact alone gives one pause to check their property taxes. It also presents and excellent home based business opportunity.

Your assessment could go up if the assessment did not include an addition built without a building permit for an office or spare bedroom, air conditioning, patio, outbuildings and other improvements. If these improvements were not previously noted they could actually increase the appraisal assessment but that is a rarity

There are a few exemptions that may cut inequitable property taxes, but likely nothing as significant as an actual appeal. The property owner will also want to be prepared to respond to any questions that the board of assessment may have about the property. Be sure to use a reliable monitor in the form of trusted how-to property adjustment self-help book.




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