As a commercial property investor, you understand that taxes are a significant line item on your balance sheet. One of the key elements that determine your tax liability is your property tax assessment - the value assigned to your property by local tax authorities to calculate your property tax bill. However, it's important to remember that these assessments may not always accurately reflect your property's true value. In fact, there are several reasons why you may consider appealing your property tax assessment. This comprehensive guide will delve into these reasons, offering you a strategic lens through which to manage your property tax liability.

1. Incorrect Property Assessment

The process through which local tax authorities assess property values isn't infallible. Errors can occur, leading to inaccurate assessments. For instance, the assessor might overestimate the value of your property based on incorrect information or outdated data. This overvaluation can lead to an inflated tax bill, making you pay more than necessary. If you believe that your property has been inaccurately assessed, an appeal can present an opportunity to correct this and reduce your tax liability. You'll need to present compelling evidence demonstrating the actual value of your property, which could include an independent appraisal, recent sale prices of similar properties, or documented changes to the property or area that negatively impact its value.

2. Shifts in Market Conditions

The real estate market is dynamic and property values can fluctuate significantly over time due to a variety of factors. Local economic downturns, natural disasters, widespread changes in the industry, or global events such as pandemics can all impact the market value of your property. If your property's value has been adversely affected by these or other changes in market conditions, your assessment may no longer accurately reflect its current market value. By appealing the assessment, you can potentially secure a lower assessment that aligns with the current state of the market, thus reducing your property tax bill.

3. Inequitable Assessment

Inequitable assessment refers to instances where similar properties in the same area are assessed at different values. This could result in you paying more in property taxes than owners of comparable properties. If you find that your property has been assessed at a higher rate than similar properties in your area, this discrepancy is a valid reason to appeal your tax assessment. You'll need to conduct thorough research to gather evidence of the assessments and sale prices of comparable properties in your area.

4. Errors in Property Description

Tax assessors typically base their assessments on property descriptions. However, these descriptions can sometimes contain mistakes. For example, the assessor might include additional square footage, extra rooms, or features that your property doesn't have. These errors can inflate the assessed value of your property and consequently, your tax bill. If you discover any discrepancies between the assessor's description of your property and its actual features, it would be prudent to appeal the assessment and have these errors corrected.

5. Recent Purchase at a Lower Price

If you've recently purchased your property at a price that's lower than its assessed value, this is a strong indication that the assessment may be too high. The price paid for a property in an open market transaction is often considered one of the best indicators of its value. Therefore, this can form a solid basis for an appeal. Make sure to include the settlement statement or other documentation from the purchase when submitting your appeal to provide strong evidence of the property's actual value.

6. Depreciation Not Accounted For

All properties depreciate over time due to factors such as physical aging, wear and tear, and functional obsolescence. If your property has depreciated significantly and the tax assessor hasn't taken this into account, you could be overpaying onyour property taxes. The depreciation of your property should be accurately reflected in its assessed value. If it's not, this is a legitimate reason to appeal the assessment. You'll need to substantiate your claim with evidence of the depreciation, which could include an independent appraisal report, photographs showing the state of the property, or even maintenance records.

Navigating the Appeal Process

Appealing a property tax assessment is not a task to be taken lightly. It requires careful research, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of the appeal process, which can vary significantly depending on your location.

Firstly, familiarize yourself with the local laws and deadlines for filing an appeal. Missing the deadline could result in waiting another year or more to appeal again.

Next, gather strong evidence to support your claim. This could include recent sale prices of comparable properties, independent appraisals, documentation of any errors in the property description, or evidence of significant depreciation.

In many cases, you may want to consider hiring a professional to help with your appeal. This could be a real estate attorney, a tax consultant, or a property appraiser.

We specialize in helping clients reduce their property taxes. We offer a free consultation. If you do decide to engage in our services, we work off of contingency. Meaning we will only charge you when we are successful. No Reduction, No Fee. Simply fill out the form below and one of our representatives will call you.

Conclusion

Appealing your property tax assessment can be a strategic move, potentially saving you significant money over the long term. It's an opportunity to ensure your tax bill accurately reflects your property's value and that you're not paying more than necessary. However, it's not a process to be entered into without careful consideration and preparation.

Remember to consult with a tax professional or real estate attorney to fully understand your options and the potential implications. By staying proactive and informed about your property's assessed value, you can make the most of your investment and ensure your commercial property continues to drive your financial success.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often are properties assessed for tax purposes?

The frequency of property tax assessments can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction. Some areas reassess properties annually, while others do it every two or three years, or even longer. Check with your local tax assessor's office to understand their specific timetable.

How can I find out the current assessed value of my property?

The assessed value of your property is typically a matter of public record. You can usually find this information on your local tax assessor's website or by contacting the assessor's office directly.

What happens if my appeal is successful?

If your appeal is successful, your property's assessed value will be adjusted, which should lead to a decrease in your property tax bill. The specifics of how and when this adjustment takes place can vary, so it's recommended to discuss this with your local tax assessor's office or a tax professional.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment more than once?

Yes, you typically can appeal your property tax assessment each time your property is reassessed. However, the exact rules and timelines can vary by jurisdiction, so it's always a good idea to confirm this with your local tax assessor's office.

Does making improvements to my property always lead to an increase in the property tax?

While improvements generally enhance the value of a property, it doesn't always result in an increase in property taxes. The effect of improvements on your property tax bill can depend on various factors, including the nature and cost of the improvements and the overall state of the real estate market in your area.

What happens if my appeal is unsuccessful?

If your appeal is unsuccessful, your property's assessed value will remain the same, and you'll continue to pay the same amount in property taxes. However, you typically have the right to appeal the decision. The process for this can vary, so it's important to understand your local laws and regulations.

Are there any costs associated with appealing a property tax assessment?

There may be costs associated with appealing your property tax assessment, such as fees for filing the appeal or costs for hiring a professional to assist with the appeal. It's important to weigh these potential costs against the potential savings from a successful appeal to make sure it's a financially sound decision.

Can I refuse to allow the tax assessor onto my property?

While you have the right to refuse entry to your property, doing so may result in the assessor estimating your property's value, which could lead to an inaccurate assessment. It's generally recommended to allow the assessor onto your property to ensure an accurate assessment. If you have concerns about this, consult with a tax professional or attorney.