subject: Property Tax: Fight It With A Good Lawyer [print this page] Property Tax: Fight It With A Good Lawyer
Theproperty tax that you pay depends on the value of your property. So, paying exorbitant rates when the value of your property has decreased over time definitely does hurt. So, if the value of the property that you own is, at present, much lower than what it was when you had bought it, you can actually pay lesser tax on it. However, for this you need to make a proper appeal. If this appeal is not made, the government will continue charging higher tax on your property. You can appeal for lowered taxes by yourself but it is always advisable to opt for professional help and hire a tax consultant who has specialized in taxes on properties.
If you want to hire a capable property tax consultant, you need to find a local tax consultant who has expertise in taxes on property. It is not difficult to find a lawyer who specializes in propertytax appeals. You can ask your friends and colleagues whether they know of any such person. You can also check the local business directories on the internet. It is important that you read the feedbacks posted by previous clients before you make decisions about a particular firm.
You also need to talk to a propertytax lawyer in your area to find out what is the exact cost you need to bear for the appeal on taxes for property. Most consultants work on the basis of consultancy fee and this means that the amount that you will be required to pay depends on the outcome of your case. The lawyer is likely to charge something between $200 and $400 upfront and get half of the tax savings. You may also be required to pay an appraisal fee of something in the region of $1200. You should also check out the assessment organizations that the property tax lawyers belong to. Make sure that the lawyer you are interested in is a part of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO).
You will also have to make sure whether the property tax lawyer you have in mind attends the hearing of the case personally or does his co-workers attend it. It has to be ensured that the same person attends the hearings of your case. Even the minutest of details should not be left out during the proceedings. See, whether you need to be present during the hearing or not. In most cases, the person filing the case need not be present in the court. You should also check out the communication policy of the property tax lawyer of your choice. See whether you will be charged extra for contacting them any time with a question or a request. Always opt for a lawyer who is available when you need him.
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