I ordered a Peel-Metric Report for my Property - now what do I do?
Review your Peel-Metric report result and data. The bottom line question is: Is the amount your county taxing authority lists as your home's value - above what most people would pay for your property, if you sold it today? If the answer is "yes", then you should appeal your property taxes.
First step: The Informal Hearing.
Contact your county auditor/assessors' office and let them know that you do not agree with the value the county has assigned to your property. Request a meeting with a representative of the auditor/assessor's office. For a complete list of county contact information, simply visit: http://publicrecords.netronline.com/ From there, select your State, then your County. Online website links will display for the county agencies, including the county auditor/assessor's website. The county website will most likely contain contact phone numbers, email addresses, location addresses, as well as forms and instructions for the appeal process, available for download.
When your meeting is scheduled:
Bring along your Peel-Metric Report. Be sure to note those comparable properties - which are most like yours - that are nearby and have recently sold. If you are able, take pictures of these homes as well as provide photographs of your property. If you currently have, or have recently had your home listed for sale, bring the listing ad with you. If you recently purchased your home, bring along a copy of the conveyance form and/or the purchase agreement. Remember, you are making your case - and presenting evidence - to prove your home's value.
Often times, by presenting this evidence, the county representative can determine that your home is worth less than the amount currently stated on your tax record - and make an offer of reduction on the spot - or notify you by mail of a reduction decision. Other times, the county will suggest that you go to the second step and file a formal appeal.
Second step: The Formal Appeal through the Board of Revision/Equalization/Property Tax Appeals
Complete your county's complaint against valuation of property/tax appeal petition/value adjustment form and deliver either in person, or by certified mail. Once this has been received, the county will send a certified letter explaining the procedures which need to be followed.
If a hearing date is set, you should be prepared to provide evidence which supports your opinion of value. This includes an appraisal of your property. This will help to demonstrate that the county's opinion of market value for your home is incorrect.
After the hearing, the property owner will receive a certified letter of the board's decision.