Property Taxes

[bananas]

Its almost the time of year again when you can protest your property taxes. If anyone would like me to send them comps, just shoot me an email with your property specifics (bedrooms, bath, square feet, upgrades)

[Gloria]

Can you give us more info, ie "how" to do this. The times and places. Can it be done online?

[Miss Fixit]

Gloria, a petition to the Value Adjustment Board is required. The forms are available online at http://www.coj.net/departments/regulatory-boards-and-commissions/value-adjustment-board/petition-process-and-resources---forms.aspx.

The form must be filed by mail or in person and a fee of $15 is required.

After filing the petition you can try to negotiate your assessment with the property appraiser's office. If you are unable to agree, you must appear at a hearing of the Value Adjustment Board and present evidence.

I handle quite a few VAB petitions / hearings for my clients every year, and am usually successful. I'm happy to answer questions about the process.

Christina Parrish

[Gloria]

Thanks Chris.

Every single house could probably fight taxed value given this economy.

[bananas]

Thanks Chris! Mark and I have contested our taxes twice and won both times. Its a very easy process and I am sure there are a lot of people paying monthly mortgages that are more than their house is worth, why pay more for the taxes too. The taxes are something you can do something about.

[JaxUnicorn]

Thanks Chris! Mark and I have contested our taxes twice and won both times. Its a very easy process and I am sure there are a lot of people paying monthly mortgages that are more than their house is worth, why pay more for the taxes too. The taxes are something you can do something about.

I've contested mine twice too and lost both times. I guess I'm not holding my mouth right??

[Miss Fixit]

The process is straightforward but some cases are more complicated than others, jaxunicorn. It's definitely easier for someone with extensive real estate experience but it also depends on the circumstances. Sometimes it helps to be represented by an attorney or an appraiser.

[bananas]

If you want to try again, jaxunicorn, let me know and Ill send you some comparables. If its for your main house, I would think, from what I remember about your house, that you can make an arguement for them to come down. Send me an email and I can help you figure it out privately if you want. Having an attorney to make the arguement can definitely help too!

[movedsouth]

Remember that the money you safe on taxes, you can spent on things that matter in the neighborhood.