Software Features

BROKERAGE SERVICES

Software Features

Property Data

Research properties and their owners, compile lists, and more.

MLS Comps

A multiple-listing service comparable tool.

Listings

List your properties with Propelio Realty for incredible savings.

Short Sales

If you have an underwater property, our experts can help.

For Education

Blog

Interesting and valuable articles from Propelio and the industry.

Academy

Real Estate education platform led by a team of professionals.

Propelio TV

A channel that gives daily updated archive of our live video.

Discover Propelio

About Us

Get to know Propelio better – explore our story and mission.

Map Coverage and Brokers

Shows MLS coverage and broker transactions in your state.

Referral Program

Share Propelio with friends and family to earn exciting rewards

Template is not defined.
Play Video

How to Dispute Your Property Taxes

Good morning and welcome to another insightful episode of Real Estate Divas. Today, we are diving deep into a critical topic for homeowners and investors alike: how to dispute your property taxes. If you’re looking to save money and ensure your property tax assessment is fair, this guide is for you.

Understanding Property Taxes

What Are Property Taxes?

Property taxes are levies imposed on property by the government, typically calculated based on the value of the property. These taxes help fund local services such as public schools, roads, and fire departments.

How Are They Calculated?

Your property tax bill is calculated by multiplying the tax rate by the assessed value of your property. The assessed value is determined by the local tax assessor who evaluates your property’s market value.

Importance of Disputing Property Taxes

Disputing property taxes can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year. Given that property values can fluctuate, it’s essential to ensure your home’s assessed value is accurate and fair.

Common Misconceptions About Disputing Property Taxes

Does Not Affect Market Value of Your Home

One of the biggest myths is that disputing your property taxes will lower your home’s market value. This is false. Your tax appraised value and market value are separate.

List of Misconceptions

  • It’s too difficult: The process is simpler than you think.
  • They will increase my taxes if I dispute: This is highly unlikely.
  • My home’s market value will drop: It won’t.

First Step: Online Dispute

Checking County/City Appraisal District Website

Start by visiting your local county appraisal district’s website. They typically have an online portal for submitting property tax disputes.

Submitting Online Dispute

Most appraisal districts now allow you to file disputes online. Simply locate the “Dispute” button and follow the prompts.

Uploading Supporting Documents

Comparable Sales (Comps)

Gather comps of similar properties in your area that have sold recently. These should ideally be within the last three months and have similar features to your home.

Photos of Property Condition

Take photographs of any areas that might lower your property’s value, such as outdated kitchens, bathrooms, or damaged exteriors.

Repair Estimates/Quotes

Obtain quotes for any necessary repairs from professional contractors. These estimates will serve as concrete evidence to support your dispute.

Preparing for In-Person Appeal

Gather Documentation

Comparable Sales Data

Ensure your comps are detailed and directly comparable to your property.

Photographs of Property

Again, photos are crucial. Document anything that detracts from your property’s value.

Repair Estimates/Quotes

Bring all your repair quotes. This includes estimates for updating old systems or fixing any major issues like foundation problems.

Review County’s Appeal Process

Check your county’s guidelines for appealing property taxes. This information is usually available on their website.

Schedule an Appeal Hearing

If your online dispute is rejected, schedule an in-person appeal.

Tips for In-Person Appeal

Arrive On Time

Punctuality shows you’re organized and serious about your dispute.

Be Prepared with Documentation

Have all your documents organized and ready to present.

Be Polite and Professional

Courteousness goes a long way. The board hears many cases and appreciates respectfulness.

Highlight Property Condition Issues

Emphasize any areas that need repair or are outdated.

Discuss Any Unique Factors

Things like nearby power lines, commercial areas, or high traffic can negatively impact your property’s value.

Disputing Land Value

Researching Land Values in the Area

Check land values of other properties in your area. This will help you see if your land is overvalued.

Identifying Any Factors That May Impact Land Value

List of Factors

  • Proximity to power lines
  • Nearby commercial areas
  • High traffic zones
  • Poor drainage or erosion

Providing Evidence of Lower Land Value

Collect any documents or photos that show issues with your land, like poor drainage or proximity to disruptive elements.

Recent Property Sales

Importance of Using Recent Sales Data

Using the latest comps ensures your evidence is relevant and accurate.

Typical Timeframe for “Recent” Sales

Three months is the sweet spot.

Avoiding Outdated or Irrelevant Sales Data

Older sales data might not reflect current market conditions, so focus on recent transactions.

Hiring a Professional

Benefits of Hiring a Professional

A tax consultant can save you time and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Types of Professionals

  • Attorneys specializing in property tax disputes
  • Property tax consultants

Fees and Payment Structures

Some charge a flat fee, while others might take a percentage of the savings.

Choosing a Local Professional

Hiring someone familiar with your county’s appraisal office can make a big difference.

Multi-Family Properties

Specific Considerations for Multi-Family Properties

These properties often require a different approach, focusing more on income and expenses.

Dealing with Depreciation

Document depreciation and any significant maintenance required.

Appealing to Commercial Appraisers

Multi-family properties often fall under commercial appraisals, so prepare accordingly.

Dealing with Unique Situations

Foreclosures

Foreclosed properties are often valued lower, so use this to your advantage.

Foundation Issues

Serious repair issues like foundation problems can significantly lower property value.

Significant Damage or Disrepair

Any notable damage should be well-documented with pictures and estimates.

Continuous Disputing

Importance of Disputing Taxes Annually

Consistent disputes can keep your property taxes fair and manageable over time.

Maintaining Lower Tax Assessment Over Time

Regular disputes can help prevent sudden, dramatic increases in your property taxes.

Avoiding Sudden Increases

By disputing annually, you ensure your property tax assessments remain steady and predictable.

Success Rates and Expectations

Typical Success Rates for Disputes

Many disputes are successful, especially when well-documented.

Reasonable Expectations for Reductions

Expect to see up to a 20-25% reduction if your documentation is solid.

Preparing for Potential Outcomes

Know that the process might require persistence, but it can be very rewarding.

Resources and Additional Tips

List of Helpful Resources

  • Your county appraisal district’s website
  • Local property tax consultants
  • Online forums and communities

Additional Tips for a Successful Dispute

  • Be honest and thorough in your documentation.
  • Keep a calm, professional demeanor.
  • Follow up promptly on any requests from the appraisal office.

List of Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ignoring your tax bill
  • Submitting outdated comps
  • Not documenting property conditions properly

Wrap-Up

Disputing your property taxes is a critical step in ensuring you’re not overpaying. By understanding the process and gathering the right documentation, you can effectively challenge an unfair assessment. Remember to check your county’s guidelines, submit detailed evidence, and consider professional help if needed. 

Consistently reviewing and disputing your property taxes can lead to significant savings over time. Stay proactive, be prepared, and ensure your property tax assessment is fair and accurate. Thank you for joining us on this episode of Real Estate Divas. Until next time, happy investing!

Get started with Propelio and unlock all the tools you need to succeed in real estate. Sign up now for a 14-day FREE trial: Start Free Trial

show less

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Episodes

Play Video
3 minutes

Many have asked how I climbed from wholesaling five years ago to flipping...

Play Video
45 minutes

Welcome to the Real Estate Business Mastery Show! In today’s episode, we recap...

Play Video
62 minutes

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Real Estate Power Hour. Today, we...

Play Video
49 minutes

Good morning, everyone! I’m Robert Kelley, and today I’ve got Kristen Gary Saad...

Play Video
47 minutes

Hey everyone, I’m Ryan from Propelio. Today, we talked with Lolita Shira, also...

Play Video
2 minutes

Do you remember the first time you tried to solve a complex problem?...

Play Video
50 minutes

Understanding the real estate market is crucial for investors looking to thrive and...

Play Video
5 minutes

Hey folks, Blade Johnson here from Finishing Touches in Fort Worth, Texas. Today,...

Play Video
28 minutes

In today’s fast-paced world, staying on top of your health can be a...

Play Video
44 minutes

Hey everyone, good morning! I’m Ryan with Propelio, and today in the studio,...

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">Propelio TV

Do you love learning from your favorite hosts? Subscribe and we will notify you when we release new shows.