Chapters
INTRODUCTION (1)
- What you will be able to accomplish after reading.
WHAT IS PROPERTY TAX? (2)
- This chapter discusses how property taxes are calculated, why some property taxes are more likely to be wrongly assessed, and differences between standard property taxes and special assessments.
THE ASSESSMENT NOTICE (3)
- This section explains the important information applicable to all assessment notices. Includes a sample assessment, and tips on how to reduce the assessed value of your property for tax purposes.
HOW TO VALUE YOUR PROPERTY (4)
- Discusses various types of appraisals or broker price opinion (BPO), what to look for during a do-it-yourself appraisal, and when a professional appraisal might be critical to reducing your taxable value – what to look for and which assets to emphasize.
PROPERTY CLASSIFICATIONS (5)
- If your state divides property into classifications for tax purposes, it is important to make sure your property is classified correctly. The wrong classification can almost double your tax burden.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE APPEAL (6)
- What you need to know, and more importantly, what you must prepare for this important review with your local assessor and assessment board. Not all appeals are successful, but knowing and using these techniques will greatly improve your appeal case.
EXEMPTIONS AND ABATEMENTS (7)
- In many areas, property owners are eligible for exemptions that can reduce their tax burden. We describe some of these exemptions and how you can use them to successfully lower your property taxes without an appeal.
PENALTIES FOR NON PAYMENT (8)
- There are several levels of penalties involved for not paying your property taxes. Don’t let these happen to you.
SAMPLE APPEAL LETTERS (9)
- A sample Property Tax Appeal letter that you can use as a guide when filing your request to the local taxing authorities.
