Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Confront High Property Taxes

By JOSHUA ECHOLS

Falling property values could mean higher taxes. Higher homeowners taxes are a nightmare to many. Municipalities unwilling to trim their budgets and reign in expenses are the reason for much of the dilemma.

Government needs to rent expenses and a reduced wage scale needs to mirror the private sector. Some quarters argue that government should be able to choose to levy property taxes on state exempt land that includes hospitals, churches and non-profit organizations, National Guard armories, YMCAs, etc. to defray the cost of providing them with fire and police protection.

Others suggest property tax appraisal caps and government belt tightening. Government often argues for a higher sales tax to dodge the obvious cutback solution. Even other insist on cut backs on conditions for extravagant early retirement conceivable to many after 20 years service.

However, homes' values may be argued. The assessed price of a home is based upon an opinion of value routinely derived from comparable sales. Taxpayers should know they can take action today to save on unjustifiable property taxes.

Many homes are selling below their assessed value, in many instances this is reason of a property tax appeal. The National Taxpayers Union writes that as many as 60% of all homeowners are over-assessed. When comparable properties sell for a lower price, all you need to do is provide evidence that your homes market value does not equate with the assessment the taxing authorities placed on your home.

Your first avenue of appeal is the tax assessor. In many instances, he or she will not budge to make the effort for a fair revaluation. You'll then need to take your case to the board of equalization .

You'll only be given a short period of time to present the facts of the case, so you will want to point out the key facts about the property. Point out the significant negative market factors that influence the market value of the property.

There are a few exemptions that may cut unfair property taxes, but likely nothing as significant as an actual appeal. The property owner will also want to be prepared to respond to any questions that the board of assessment may have about the property. Be sure to use a reliable pathfinder in the form of trusted how-to property adjustment self-help guidebook.

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