Dealing with Property Tax: When do you need a lawyer?
Dealing with Property Tax: When do you need a lawyer
?
As our country's stock market has lowered, lots of people's home values are doing the same. While yourhouse losing value isn't desirable, solace mightbe taken in the fact that a lower value will likely be reflected inthe property taxes. But what if they haven't lowered? Or worse, even went up! A property's tax bill is found by multiplying the property value by the local tax rate. So a lower value would net a lower tax bill.
If you feel that your property tax is too high, don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves and do some math homework. You may find your work will save you a lot of money. Lots of people are scared off from appealing the property tax because they dislike doing the dirty work or don't understand the process. If you feel in over your head by protesting, there are property tax lawyers that specialize in this area.
When you decide to appeal (a formal appeal is called a protest), you will wantto determine your window to file an appeal. You will have a limited window to protest, varying from 30 to 120 days. You'llneedto collectthe data that the assessor has used to value your home. An assessor does not personally visit each home to declare a value. They might only visit a small number of homes and simply compare data of comparable homes. Due to this, they may misjudge a particular part of your home. A screened in porch would be not be a year-round living space, since you likely do notput it to use during winter. Or your homes square footage may have been over-reported a very long time ago and you've been paying for it ever since. You will also want to ensure your value is in line with similar homes in your neighborhood. Compare together with your neighbors, and maybe you can all save money.
After you have compiled the pertinent information, look it all over and see if you feel you have a case. If you feel that your property tax is too high, call your regional assessor's office and arrange an informal meeting. The initial stage of an appeal is an informal meeting with an assessor. Present your facts in a clam and informational manner, being rude will not get your taxes lowered. Many report a successful and quick outcome of a lower assessment.
If you can't reach an agreement in an informal meeting, you can protest the assessment and will head to a hearing. There are deadlines and rules pertaining to hearings, you will need to ensure you follow all of them for your case to be heard. Compile all your facts in a professional and simple to understand manner for presentation. If you feel your case is simply too big for you to handle, remember there are property tax lawyers, Houston and the surrounding areas have many excellent lawyers. You are given a right to appeal your property tax, don't let it slip by!
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/dealing-with-property-tax-when-do-you-need-a-lawyer-4513704.html
For Those Interested in Investing in Property, Brazil Offers Great Opportunities Drip Investing: An Overview Income Investing Secrets Review and Coupon Discount Consulting Green card lawyer - best way to get permanent residency A Fast Evaluation To The Work Of Compensation Lawyers As Fosamax Femur Lawyers Continue to File Suits, Merck Requests MDL Two Cases for a Fairfax Criminal Lawyer Sexual Harassment Lawyer Riverside End the Confusion How to find best criminal defense lawyer? When do you require a good lawyer's assistance? Kansas City DUI Lawyer – Does Experience Matter? Diversifying and Laddering Are Two Ways to Protect Your Retirement Income Your Intellectual Property Lawyer and How To Protect Your Invention