If you got startled when you opened your Rigby property tax assessment notice, you’re not alone. It is not strange for property owners to see increases in their property tax bills because of home value increases, boundary shifts, and other changes. The big news is there are things you can do regarding an unfair property assessment increase. If the increase is substantial, this may give you a reason for objecting to it, especially if it seems out of line with other properties in your area.
Even though objecting to a property assessment increase may seem upsetting and nerve-racking, it’s more common than you perceive. Almost 20% to 40% of property owners can successfully lower their property tax bills by objecting to their property assessment, saving you a lot of money in the process. In the following paragraphs, we’ll dive into how to object to a property assessment increase and quite possibly decrease your property tax bill for the next year.
Step 1: Gather Evidence
If you believe your tax assessment has increased by mistake, your first action should be to contact your tax assessor and have them explain how they determined your property’s value. The increase may be cleared up by something as simple as an assessor inputting the incorrect square footage or the wrong number of bedrooms for your property. If the basis for the increase isn’t very clear, you will need to accomplish some additional analyses and research. It would help if you tried to look for a few comparable properties that are recently sold in your location. If they sold for a lot less than your property assessment, that can be solid grounds for your objection. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations.
Step 2: Look Up the Appeals Process
Objecting to a property assessment may look quite a bit different from county to county. Hence, you’ll need to remember to look up the appeals procedure for your particular location. You can locate this information on the county website or the tax assessor’s website. You may be able to download the forms needed to file an appeal from their sites. Pay particular attention to dates or timeframes. You have to file an appeal within 90 days in some places, though be aware that that number can be as low as 30 days in other counties. Likewise, quite a few locations accept appeals within a very specific window of time. To be sure you are using your time efficiently and to increase your chances of success, be sure to follow the procedure exactly as it is written.
Step 3: File and Argue Your Case
Anytime you have the documents prepared and have included your evidence, it’s time to file your appeal with the county. Again, be certain to follow the process as outlined on the county or tax assessor’s website. You may have to pay a small filing fee; make it a point to do so by using an approved method. You should then get a notification that a hearing on your appeal has been scheduled. See to it to attend the hearing, or if you can’t go in person, have a representative go in your place. Your appeal won’t be considered if you don’t show up for the hearing. Do remember to bring with you any required documents and copies; you’ll have your shot to argue your case and, if triumphant, have your property assessment adjusted to more accurately reflect the current value.
Objecting to your property assessment increase can help rental property owners keep their expenses under control. But certainly, it does take time, and there are many steps involved that you need to know and follow exactly to increase your chances of success. If you’d need to have Rigby property management professionals by your side to support you in maximizing your rental income, call Real Property Management Southeast Idaho. We offer plenty of valuable services to rental property owners like you that can help you keep your costs down and the rental income abundantly flowing in. Contact us online or call 208-522-2400 today!
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