The Citizens of Delaware County for Good Government is hosting its fourth annual “Property Tax Appeal Help Day” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at Kennedy Library along McGalliard Road. There is no cost for this service.
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The following “Tax Appeal Primer” contains preliminary information to help a person file a property tax appeal.
• You snooze, you lose: Property owners have until Nov. 26 to appeal assessed values on their properties. If you fail to appeal by the deadline, you will lose your right to appeal. You can provide additional information for your appeal after it is filed, but you must file before the deadline.
• No news isn’t always good news: We were advised that the Form 11, which shows changes in assessed values, is being sent to all property owners this year. If you have not received a Form 11 for your property you should check with the assessor’s office to determine whether your assessed values have changed.
• Appeal with zeal: Be advised that you may need to appeal your assessment this year, even if you appealed and won last year. We are aware of properties with assessed values that were reduced last year per successful appeals, then reverted back to pre-appeal levels this year.
The good news is State Sen. Doug Eckerty is working with State Rep. Bill Davis on legislation to close the loophole that allows county assessors to “trend” your assessed value from the pre-appeal amount instead of the adjusted amount that resulted from a successful appeal.
If you win your appeal, future assessed values should be trended from the adjusted assessed value that is a result of your appeal.
• Home sweet homestead: A homestead exemption can save homeowners money on their property taxes. House Enrolled Act 1344-2009, required the homestead exemption form be mailed with all property tax statements through 2012, though it must only be completed once prior to Jan. 1. We recommend that you re-file your homestead exemption this year to make sure that it gets done.
• Don’t leave home without it (a property record card that is): Be sure to pick up a current property record card from the assessor’s office so you can identify errors on your assessment. Call the assessor’s office at 747-7710 for help. They can email your property record card to you.
• Timing is everything: Remember that property taxes are paid in arrears and that the assessment is based upon a prior year. 2012 pay 2013 assessments are based on sales from Jan. 1, 2010, through Feb. 29, 2012. Your appraisals, comparative sales data or other market value documentation should be from the same time period.
• A picture is worth a thousand words: Provide photographs of any damages or other issues that detract from the value of the property. Take photographs of the inside and outside of the property as needed.
• Condition and grade matter: These ratings affect your assessed values. The Department of Local Government Finance has provided guidelines that can be used to validate the condition and grade of your property.
• Two copies are better than one: Make two copies of your appeal and all photographs and supporting documentation and have them date stamped when you turn in your appeal. Make sure you keep a complete copy of all documentation for your records
