DIY isn’t always the best way to appeal your property taxes

I was at a county tax board hearing recently waiting for my case to be called. As I waited, the board heard an appeal by a taxpayer representing himself. There were renovations to the home, and his assessment was increased. The increase was much more than just the cost of the renovations because the town appeared to take into account a recent sale.

 The town had made a lowball offer to settle (less than $500 in tax dollars), but the taxpayer didn’t want to take the offer. His property’s assessment went from under $900,000 to over $1.2 million (about a $6,200 increase in taxes).

 The taxpayer presented evidence of the value of his property, but there were two big problems. First, his sales were rejected, because they didn’t fit into the board’s “guidelines” for acceptable evidence.

 Second, he may very well have missed a big issue – the assessment increase followed his purchase of the home. If it could be established that the sale, and not the improvements, were the real basis for the increase – whether by showing that the renovations happened well in the past, or by showing a pattern of similar increases, the appeal might have had a better outcome.

 As it was, the taxpayer – who by all accounts was intelligent, prepared and well-spoken - was strong-armed into accepting the town’s lowball offer by the tax board commissioner. The commissioner convinced him that his sales were not acceptable, and that he should simply take the offer and file again in the future. Instead of getting a do-over in Tax Court, this taxpayer’s appeal is over.

 Don’t get me wrong - DIY is great. It works in many circumstances. Still, before you go this route, consult with an experienced property tax attorney to see if you might need help. At The Englert Law Firm, these consultations are free.