How to Challenge Your Property Tax Assessment with an Appeals Attorney

Many times, when we receive property tax assessments in the mail, we think there is no question about what we owe.

This is simply not true.

Campione & Hackney Attorneys at Law have helped countless homeowners in Tavares, Lake County reduce their tax obligations.  

Our property tax appeals attorney explains the main reasons why assessments completed by the local government aren’t always accurate:

A Property Tax Attorney Discusses the Link to the Local Tax Assessor

One consideration that homeowners should keep in mind is that valuations aren’t precise. There are no mathematical formulas to follow – and as a result, assessments aren’t a perfect science.

Local tax assessors use a series of variables, including historical records and current market trends to determine value. This report is subsequently sent to the local government to calculate homeowners’ tax bills.

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First Step: How to Appeal a Property Tax Assessment in Tavares, Lake County Florida

Based on this key variable, a property tax attorney will tell you that it is indeed possible to challenge a property tax assessment.

Many homeowners make the mistake of approaching the IRS or a federal government entity for disputes at the get-go.

To expedite the process, though, the first step is to review local government tax policies.

This is because property taxes are managed by local governments.

Go to a Local Real Estate Attorney

Second Step: Ask if it’s Worth Your Time

Any good real estate attorney will advise you to question if an appeal is worth it. Some top questions to ask include:

1. How much money will be saved annually?
2. Will a lowered tax bill disqualify other tax breaks?
3. Should you wait it out for the next assessment?

Consult a Property Tax Appeals Attorney for Concrete Advice

 Weigh if the Tax Assessors’ Numbers are Correct

If you examined the questions above and have determined that the benefits outweigh the downsides of challenging a tax assessment, then consult an attorney to complete a review.

A property tax attorney understands the process in detail and knows that a record card is utilized and includes:

• The Property’s Square Footage
• A Home Inspector’s Assessment of the Property’s Condition
• Additional Property Features that Would Make it More Valuable
• Recent Sales of Nearby Homes

If any of these are inaccurate, the value of your property may be inflated by the tax assessor.

Find Discrepancies in Property Tax Bills

Third Step: Speak to a Property Tax Appeals Attorney

A property tax lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of contesting a recent property tax assessment. For example, our lawyers can examine if:

• The square footage is inaccurate and/or exaggerated
• Several neighboring homes were sold at reduced prices

If these or other issues are at play, then it may be possible to challenge the bill.

Pay Less Property Taxes in Tavares, Lake County Florida