Advisement On How To Appeal Property Tax

By Catherine Parker


One of the drawbacks in living in capitalist dominion is paying taxes. This is all fine and dandy, however, if only theyre not just so overcharged. Statistics back this up, in a sense that about fifty percent of properties are supposedly over assessed. If youre suspicious of being included in the unfortunate demographic, you should see about how to appeal property tax in Georgia.

These taxes are also called house or millage rates. They are a form of ad valorem tax, or that which is based on the according to the intrinsic value of your land. The levy is carried out by local jurisdictional authorities. Calculating the rate varies, but in the usual sense, its the approximate four percent of the total home value.

The tracts charged include houses, farms, commercial premises, and similar realties. It takes into account the fixtures and amenities located in the acreage. The aspects factored in are the size, location, utility, and its nature, for example if its used as a commercial or residential space and also if it has fixtures and some such amenities. The desirability of your land is also considered, as well as its accessibility and other particularities.

The tax is calculated by multiplying the tax rate by the current market value of the land. The determination of these values are not automated in any way. Rather, they are assessed by local officials who are every bit as human as the rest of us, and can therefore make mistakes. Accordingly, faulty assessments may be justifiably disputed by the property owners.

These local officials appraise the worth of properties in more ways than one. Usually, its based on the so called fair market value. This is the negotiated price in the transaction between the seller and buyer. Its likewise important to note that revaluation is a commonplace occurrence. Property worth naturally changes with time, so they also must be officially reassessed, most advisably in three years or so.

If you think that your lot has been over assessed, thats no issue since you can appeal it. Usually, the proprietors are granted one month to appeal their tax bills, which are sent biannually. However, one should be circumspect and not at all impulsive. There are cases wherein an appeal is virtually not worth your time. The proceedings can be protracted and costly, and it may take more than its even worth.

There are also considerations to keep in mind, such that its the realty assessment and not the rate per se which the review board can change. Therefore, the difference made can be really negligible and, in some cases, even detrimental since it can potentially devaluate your property. That can be disadvantageous if youre planning to resell it.

If you have already crossed out these caveats, its time to proceed with your appeal. You should first off check the accuracy of given facts and figures. The assessment should outline the dimensions of your house, the area, the number of rooms, and certain amenities and appurtenances present. The assessor might not have been able to factor in all the fixtures that are broken down and unviable, and the age of the house, which will considerably narrow down your houses value. Get comps, about three or five properties that are essentially the same with your own in all aspects but have been charged lower. Write an official missive to the board of review. The decision is usually received in three months or less. If you dont like the review, you may appeal to an independent board and get the help of a lawyer.

Taxes are useful for the public weal. Its being used to pay for public amenities and services. However, it follows that you must only pay whats worth. That will only be fair and fitting to you as a responsible taxpayer.




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