As a property owner in Ohio, it’s important to know your rights when it comes to contesting the county’s valuation of your real estate. However, many property owners make mistakes that can hurt their chances of success at the Board of Revision or Board of Tax Appeals. In this post, we will take a look at the top 10 mistakes Ohio property owners make when contesting their property’s valuation, and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Top 10 Mistakes and Tips for Ohio Property Owners
- Not gathering enough evidence to support their case. It is important for property owners to provide the Board of Revision or Board of Tax Appeals with a substantial amount of evidence to support their claim that the county’s valuation of their property is too high. This can include information such as comparable sales, property inspections, and other documentation that supports their position.
- Not being prepared for the hearing. Property owners should be prepared to present their case in front of the Board of Revision or Board of Tax Appeals. This means that they should be familiar with the relevant laws and regulations, have all of their evidence organized and easily accessible, and be prepared to answer any questions that may be asked of them.
- Not understanding the appeals process. Property owners should be familiar with the steps involved in the appeals process, including the deadlines for filing an appeal, the types of evidence that are required, and the procedures that will be followed during the hearing.
- Not hiring an attorney. While property owners are not required to hire an attorney to represent them during the appeals process, it is often helpful to do so. An attorney can help property owners navigate the legal system, gather evidence, and make the best case possible in front of the Board of Revision or Board of Tax Appeals.
- Not presenting their case clearly and concisely. Property owners should be able to present their case in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the reasons why they believe the county’s valuation of their property is too high and providing evidence to support their position.
- Not staying within the scope of the hearing. Property owners should remember that the hearing is only focused on the county’s valuation of their property and should not attempt to introduce unrelated issues or complaints.
- Not being respectful and professional. Property owners should be respectful and professional during the hearing, avoiding any personal attacks or outbursts that may harm their case.
- Not providing enough detail. Property owners should provide as much detail as possible in their evidence and testimony, including specific comparable sales, property inspections and any data that support their case.
- Not challenging the county’s evidence. Property owners should not be afraid to challenge the county’s evidence, pointing out any errors or inconsistencies that may weaken their case.
- Not following up after the hearing. Property owners should follow up with the Board of Revision or Board of Tax Appeals after the hearing to ensure that their case has been properly processed and to find out the outcome of their appeal.
Final thoughts…
Overall, it is important for property owners to be well-informed, organized, and respectful when contesting the county’s valuation of their real estate at the Board of Revision or Board of Tax Appeals. By avoiding these common mistakes, property owners can increase their chances of successfully reducing their property taxes. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that property owners should have a good knowledge of the county’s laws, regulations and the appeals process. It is also advisable to consult with an attorney if you are not sure about any step in the process.
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