A single tax Appeal mistake can derail an effort to lower your tax burden from the beginning. Knowing six of the most common mistakes that property owners make can help you to avoid these pitfalls. It also may help you to successfully reduce your property’s assessed value.

1. Failing to Show

It’s surprisingly common for property owners to simply not appear at a scheduled hearing. The reasons for this are many. Sometimes, they ignore a notice that arrived in the mail. Other times, they misunderstand that the hearing is mandatory. Regardless of the reason, failing to show may mean forfeiture of the right to appeal that year’s taxes.

2. Using Assessments of Other Properties

While it is tempting to use assessments for properties that appear similar as evidence for the appeal, it is generally inadvisable to do so. This is because many factors may affect the assessed value of those properties, and they may not be as similar to the property in question as they appear on the surface. Comparable sales data is a much better measure that hearing boards are far more likely to find compelling. Remember that market value frequently trumps other considerations.

3. Talking About Taxes

No one likes to pay taxes, but they are a fact of life and business. The appeal board usually does not have the power to change the tax rate, nor will they listen to arguments or complaints from the property owner about how much they pay in taxes. Instead, it is advisable to focus arguments and evidence solely on the value of the property in question. Altering the assessed value of the property is the only way that the board can reduce your tax burden, so your efforts must be focused on this.

4. Representing Yourself

Many property owners mistakenly believe that they should be able to handle an appeal without representation. This is usually a mistake, particularly when the cross examination ensues. The board and the representative for the assessment district are experienced when it comes to these appeals. Consequently, they will be able to turn almost anything you say against you. In your jurisdiction, the district may be represented by an attorney who will do everything they can to bully and intimidate. Hiring your own professional to argue your case saves you time and trouble, and it just might get you the results you want.

5. Quitting After the First Appeal

Many property owners give up when the initial parts of the appeal process don’t go their way. The reality is that more appeal options exist in most jurisdictions. This represents an opportunity for a new start with a different process. Make certain that you affirm your right to a further appeal.

6. Using Bad or Outdated Data

This Tax Appeal Mistake is quite common. People will research comparable sales prices going back to prior years, and then try to use them as evidence. The reality is that the board will only consider evidence from the current year, as this is far more relevant. Additionally, it is important to only present data that supports your case rather than detracts from it. Too many people end up presenting evidence that actually shows that their assessed value should be higher.

If you want to avoid making a tax appeal mistake that could jeopardize your case, then work with the professionals at Assessment Technologies. We help our clients to avoid these six common mistakes and a multitude of others. With our representation at the hearing and our knowledge regarding appropriate evidence, we can help you limit the amount of property taxes you pay by achieving a reduction in assessed value.