by Brenden | Sep 27, 2023 | Property Tax
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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by Brenden | Jun 16, 2023 | Property Tax
Improper Property Tax Assessments
As a property owner, you may find yourself facing an unfavorable property tax assessment at some point. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including errors in the appraisal process, changes in the market, or even simple mistakes made by the county assessor. Regardless of the cause, an improper property tax assessment can have a significant impact on your finances and your property ownership experience. In this blog post, we will discuss how improper property tax assessments can impact you, why they occur, and how you can appeal them with the help of a property tax appeals attorney.
The first and most obvious impact of an improper property tax assessment is the financial burden it can place on you. If your property is assessed at a higher value than it is actually worth, you will end up paying more in property taxes than you should. This can add up over time, especially if the assessment is not corrected. Additionally, an incorrect assessment can also affect your ability to refinance your mortgage, sell your property, or even make improvements to your home.
So, why do unfavorable property tax assessments occur?
There are several factors that can contribute to this problem, including errors in the appraisal process, changes in the market, and even simple mistakes made by the county assessor. In some cases, the assessor may not have access to accurate data or may not be familiar with the specific characteristics of your property. In other cases, the assessor may not take into account important factors such as property condition, location, and recent sales data.
Process
If you find yourself facing an unfavorable property tax assessment, it is important to know that you have the right to appeal. The first step in the appeals process is to file a complaint with the County Board of Revision (CBR). This must be done within a specific timeframe, typically within the first half of the year. The complaint must include the property owner’s name, address, and legal description of the property, the current value of the property, and the owner’s opinion of the property’s value.
At the CBR, you will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue that your assessment is incorrect. This can include things like recent sales data for similar properties in the area, property condition, and any other relevant information that would support your case. If the CBR finds that your assessment is incorrect, they will adjust it accordingly. If you are not satisfied with the decision of the CBR, you can appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals. The appeal must be filed within a specific timeframe, typically within 30 days of the CBR decision.
While the appeals process may seem straightforward, it can be complex and time-consuming. This is where a property tax appeals attorney can help. An attorney who specializes in property tax appeals can help you navigate the process, gather and present evidence, and argue your case to ensure that your property is assessed at its fair market value. They can also assist you in filing paperwork and meeting deadlines, ensuring that your case is heard in a timely manner.
In addition to challenging property tax valuations, a property tax appeals attorney can also assist property owners with property tax exemptions and abatements, which can provide relief from property taxes for certain groups such as veterans or senior citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, improper property tax assessments can have a significant impact on your finances and property ownership experience. If you find yourself facing an unfavorable assessment, it is important to know that you have the right to appeal. With the help of a property tax appeals attorney, you can navigate the complex appeals process, gather and present evidence, and argue your case to ensure that your property is assessed at its fair market
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