Can I fight to reduce my property tax?

Absolutely YES, and you should!

How is my property tax being calculated?

The Board of Tax Assessors evaluates your property’s “assessed value” each year, based on previous year sales comparables and the market value of comparable properties in your area. The Tax Commissioner then multiplies the “assessed value” by a certain percentage (known as “Millage rate”); to arrive at the amount of tax you pay.

Will a reduction in my property’s assessed value affect the value of my property if I go to sell it?

NO. Your assessed value has nothing to do with the price you can sell your house or property for. An assessed value is a value provided by the county for property tax purposes only. The amount you can sell your house for is a value determined by what an actual buyer would be willing to pay for your house or property.

 I just received a CHANGE OF ASSESMENT NOTICE. What is the deadline to appeal my taxes for 2009?

The appeal must be filed no later than 45 days after the notice.

My Property was not reassessed this year. What must I do to appeal my taxes for 2010?

You must file a Taxpayers Return of Real Property.  We do this on your behalf.  We will begin filing the returns in January.  We suggest that you go ahead and begin the process now so our Tax Appeal Specialist can begin to gather the required information prior to the first of the year.  Sometimes, by reviewing your file early, we can make recommendations which will save your money in the coming year.

What areas do you serve?

Georgia Tax Appeals, LLC serves the following Metro Atlanta counties: Bartow, Cobb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Paulding, Pickens Counties (including all cities in these counties). More counties are going to be added in 2010.  You may email us a special request from a different county to be considered.

I own vacant land, commercial property, rental property, or a home that is not in a subdivision. Can you help me?

Yes.  Unique properties are handled on a case by case basis, and the fee will be based on the particular property.  For all non-subdivision properties, to email us a request.

Will you appeal and represent individuals or homeowners in an entire subdivision if requested?

Yes we will.  Please email us for more information.

How do you decide the value of a property?

We analyze the information you give us to determine the best approach.  In most cases the value approach is most beneficial. 

Can I communicate with you by telephone or mail?

After receipt of your Service Agreement and filing fee, a representative will contact you. If you have any questions throughout the process we will be glad to help you.  For questions prior to ordering our service, please email us.

I've heard that if I appeal my assessment, the valuation would be frozen for the next two years. Is that true?

Cost property assessments stay in effect for a total of 3 years, but there is no guarantee.

I understand that I can continue my appeal after the Board of Equalization hearing to the Superior Court. Does your service include that?

We are prepared to appeal your property taxes through the Board of Equalization (BOE) appeal or arbitration.  If we feel that the appeal should be carried to Superior Court, we will recommend several attorneys.  An appeal in Superior Court is costly and can take several years to litigate.  However, in some cases, we may recommend such litigation. We do not include such litigation in our services.  

My assessed value has risen sharply.  Are these grounds for appeal?

Property Tax Appeals must be based on value, uniformity, or taxability.   Our Tax Appeal Specialist will review your tax records with respect to each of these items prior to discussing your case with you.  Just because your taxes have risen, are not grounds for appeal.

Do I have a good chance of winning my appeal?

Currently, in our troubled economy, home prices have been in decline.  It is only reasonable to expect to win your appeal.

What if you determine the value is not high enough to warrant an appeal?

On rare occasions your Tax Appeal Specialist may determine that the assessed value of your property is less than fair market value.  If this is the case, we generally recommend that we do not file an appeal.  Due to the unusual situation in this current market, we would discuss the implications at length with you prior to moving forward.

Is there a refund if the appeal does not provide a lower assessment of my property?

The initial filing and processing fee is for our Tax Appeal Specialist to review your tax records, perform an analysis of the value of the property, and to file an appeal on your behalf.  The fee we receive for a successful appeal is the contingency fee of 30% of the savings you receive. Our Tax Appeal Specialist uses all of the current data to do the best job possible assessing your property. However, there are neither guarantees nor refunds given if your property does not assess to your satisfaction. 

Is $99.00 the total cost?

No, the fee for your appeal will be a percentage of your property tax savings.  Currently this contingency fee is 30%.   

How much time do I have?

The Tax Payer's Return of Real Property can be filed until April 1st.  We prefer to receive your Service Agreement prior to November 15th. This enables us to recommend any changes that you may want to make to your property prior to January 1st.  Your property is assessed based on its value January 1st. Therefore, it may be beneficial to make changes to how your property is titled etc... prior to the first of the year.

Do you file my appeal for me?

Yes, Your Tax Appeals Specialist will prepare and file the appeal on your behalf.

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