The Benefits of Appealing Your Property Tax With an Appraisal

July 9, 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction

property taxes can be difficult to manage and often take considerable effort to appeal. An appraisal can be an invaluable tool when appealing a property tax assessment, providing the necessary documentation to support a legitimate claim. This blog post will answer questions such as what are the requirements to get an appraisal for appealing the property tax, what is the process for appealing a property tax assessment with an appraisal, and more. It will also provide an overview of the different types of appraisals that are acceptable when appealing a property tax assessment and how they can help.

What is an appraisal and how does it relate to appealing property tax assessments?

An appraisal is an independent and unbiased assessment of a property’s value that is conducted by a qualified and licensed professional appraiser. Appraisers will review the physical characteristics of a property, analyze comparables in the area, and look at a variety of other information to come up with an estimate of the property's fair market value. An appraisal is key when appealing a tax assessment, as it can help to prove that your assessment is inaccurate and that the estimated value provided by the taxing authority is incorrect. By providing a thorough appraisal that includes a detailed market analysis, a property owner can provide the basis for a reasonable appeal of the assessed value of a property. In some instances, this can result in a reduction of the taxes due on a property, often times saving the property owner hundreds of dollars in the process.

What are the requirements to get an appraisal for appealing the property tax?

When it comes to appealing your property tax with an appraisal, the requirements can vary depending on the state and county you live in. Generally, you will need to provide the appraiser with a written request, copies of past appraisals, and evidence that the taxable value of the property is incorrect. Depending on the state, you may also need to provide legal documents or other materials related to your appeal. Your appraiser will work with you to determine the exact requirements for your particular situation. It's important to note that you may need to hire multiple appraisers in order to appeal the property tax. This is due to the fact that many counties and states require appraisals from different types of experts.

What is the process for appealing a property tax assessment with an appraisal?

The process for appealing a property tax assessment with an appraisal begins with contacting an appraiser to schedule an appointment. During the appointment, the appraiser will look at the property, collect data, review sales history and take measurements to determine the value of the property. The appraiser will then create an appraisal report that will be used to support the appeal. The client can then submit the appraisal report to the county assessor with the appeal form. The assessor will review the appraisal report and the client’s evidence and decide if the assessment should be reduced. If the flat fee appraisal was completed, then the appraiser will submit the report and the appeal form to the county assessor’s office. If the assessment is not reduced, the property owner can appeal to the Board of Equalization. This appeals process typically requires a professional appraisal based on more complex analysis. The appraiser will work with the owner to present the facts to the Board in order to have the assessment reduced. By appealing your property tax assessment with an appraisal, you can save money on your property taxes. An experienced appraiser can provide you with the information you need to support your case.

How long does it typically take to get an appraisal for a property tax appeal?

The amount of time it takes to get an appraisal for a property tax appeal varies depending on the complexity of the home and the market conditions. Generally, it takes about 1-3 weeks to get an appraisal, but can take up to six weeks in highly competitive markets. This timeline also depends on how quickly the appraiser is able to obtain the necessary documents and data, and how quickly the appraiser can review the market data and complete the appraisal. An experienced appraiser who is familiar with the local market should be able to complete a property tax appeal appraisal within the required timeframe.

How much does it typically cost to complete an appraisal for a property tax appeal?

The cost of an appraisal for a property tax appeal varies by state and jurisdiction, but it typically costs between $300 and $600. The costs may also be affected by the value of the property, amount of work needed, scope of the project, and type of appraisal. It's also important to keep in mind that the cost of an appraisal is an investment in your property that could lead to significant savings on your property tax bill. Before you hire an appraiser, it's important to make sure you understand their fees, examine their credentials, and look for references. You want to ensure the appraiser you're working with is experienced and knowledgeable about your specific area and jurisdiction. The good news is the cost of an appraisal is usually more than offset by the resulting savings from a lower property tax bill. In some cases, the cost of the appraisal can be paid directly out of your reduced taxes.

What types of appraisals are acceptable when appealing a property tax assessment?

When appealing a property tax assessment, the most commonly accepted appraisal is a form of appraisal known as a Summary Appraisal Report. This type of report provides a professional opinion of market value based on an analysis of comparable sales data, a detailed market analysis, and a physical inspection of the property. A Summary Appraisal Report is commonly used when appealing a property tax assessment since it provides the most comprehensive and accurate appraisal of the property's value. Additionally, other accepted appraisals rely on the comparable sales and market trends included in the Summary Appraisal Report. For example, a Business Valuation or Highest & Best Use Analysis are often requested when appealing a property tax assessment. These types of appraisal are based on the same comparable sales used in a Summary Appraisal Report, but instead provide an estimate of the property's value in relation to the current zoning or planning regulations of the area.

How do appraisals help when appealing a property tax assessment?

A professional appraisal can be a major asset in appealing your property tax assessment. Appraisals provide an unbiased opinion of the value of your property, so you can make sure your assessment is fair. An appraisal can help you identify discrepancies in the assessed value of your property and highlight any unfair or incorrect assumptions used to calculate the assessment. Appraisals also offer comparison values of other properties in the area to give you a better idea of the fair market value of your property. If discrepancies are found, the appraisal can help you negotiate with the assessor’s office to get the best possible result from the appeal process. Ultimately, an appraisal can provide you with the evidence you need to make sure you are paying the correct amount of property tax on your home.

Are there any additional costs associated with appealing a property tax assessment?

Yes, depending on the local jurisdiction, there may be additional costs associated with appealing a property tax assessment. In many cases, the local jurisdiction charges a fee for filing an appeal. This fee may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the potential tax savings. If an appeal is successful, the homeowner may be required to pay for the appraisal and legal fees associated with the appeal. Additional costs may also include the cost of hiring an attorney or an appraiser. Homeowners should take all of these potential costs into account before considering appealing their property tax assessment.

Are there restrictions on who can perform an appraisal for property tax appeals?

Yes, there are restrictions on who can perform an appraisal for property tax appeals. Typically, the appraiser must be a credentialed licensed appraiser located in the jurisdiction of the appraisal. The appraiser must also adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. These standards outline the Ethics, Competency, Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, and Code of Conduct that all appraisers must follow. In addition, some tax jurisdictions may require a certain type of appraisal report or certain credentials for the appraiser depending on the complexity of the assignment. Therefore, it is important to ensure that an appropriate and qualified appraiser is engaged to perform the appraisal.

What should I expect from an appraisal professional when working to appeal a property tax assessment?

When working to appeal a property tax assessment, you can expect a professional appraisal by an experienced appraiser. The appraiser will evaluate the property, research the local market conditions, and assess the value of the property. The appraiser will be able to provide an accurate estimate of what the property should be assessed for in terms of taxes, and if an appeal is necessary, will provide you with evidence to present to your county board. Your appraiser will also be able to walk you through the process of appealing your property tax assessment, step-by-step. They will be able to explain the appeal process to you and provide guidance and advice on the best steps to take. Finally, your appraiser will be able to answer any questions you have and provide additional resources to help with your case.

Conclusion

Appraising a property accurately is key when appealing a property tax assessment. AppraiseItNow is a reliable appraisal company that can help with the entire process. From defining the scope of work to delivering the appraisal report, we provide professional services to help our partners reach their goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with appealing your property tax assessment.

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