Appealing your property taxes is a complex process that requires careful planning and organization. If you are not careful, there are many details that are easy to miss, and this can lead to undesirable results that can affect your protest.
Top Mistakes Property Owners Should Avoid When Appealing Property Taxes
Here are the top 5 most common mistakes property owners make when appealing property taxes without expert help like O’Connor:
#1 Missing Deadlines
You risk losing your right to appeal completely if you don’t submit your appeal by the deadline. If you miss the deadline, not only do you lose your right to appeal, but there is a chance of paying more in taxes than necessary, and there are no adjustments. There are limited options for those who do not meet the deadline. There may be exceptions for very special cases, but they are rare and usually hard to get.
Typically, you have until May 15th or 30 days after receiving your Notice of Appraised Value from the appraisal district to file a property tax appeal. The exact date varies depending on the location.
To avoid these problems, it is important to know the deadline for filing an appeal in your area and consider getting help from professionals who can guide you through the process.
#2 Lack of Preparation
Not understanding local rules and going into a hearing without proper documentation or research to support your case weakens your argument. To prepare for a property tax appeal, it’s essential to collect and organize the following documents and information:
- Notice of Appraised Value
- Comparable property information
- Photos and evidence
- Repair estimates
- Appraisals or market analysis
- Income and expense statements (for rental properties)
By having these documents ready, you’ll be better prepared to present a strong case for reducing your property tax assessment.
Another aspect to consider is overlooking the property’s condition. Failing to provide evidence of damage, needed repairs, or other factors that affect your property’s value can result in a missed opportunity for a reduction.
#3 Using the Wrong Property Comparables
If you compare your property to others that aren’t similar in terms of size, age, condition, or location, it may compromise your appeal.
To choose the right comparables you’ll want to look for similarities in location (same neighborhood or nearby areas), square footage and layout, condition and age, property type, and recent sales date (within the last 6-12 months).
Professionals who have experience in property tax appeals have access to comprehensive market data and can identify the most suitable comparables for your case.
#4 Focusing on the Wrong Factors
When appealing your property taxes, there are several factors you should focus on to strengthen your case and increase your chances of success.
Arguing that your taxes are too high, rather than proving your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, is often one of the main reasons why appeals aren’t successful for property owners. Some of the factors property owners should consider include:
- Accuracy in property valuation by checking comparable sales and possible assessment errors.
- Property conditions such as structural damage and repair, and market or neighborhood conditions.
- Evidence and important documents such as photos of damage, recent sale prices of comparable homes, appraisals, etc.
Your appeal of your property tax assessment will be more effective if you concentrate on these factors and collect as much evidence as possible.
#5 Not Seeking Expert Help
Going through the process alone without consulting professionals who understand property tax laws can limit your chances of success due to lack of data and information. Without professional help property owners run the risk of:
- Not understanding local tax laws and procedures
- Not obtaining strong evidence
- Difficulty Negotiating with Tax Authorities
- Being at a higher risk of losing the tax appeal
- Having limited access to data and resources
Avoiding these mistakes can increase the likelihood of a successful appeal and potentially lower your property tax bill.
Although it is doable to file a property tax appeal independently, the absence of expert help increases the chances of overlooking important steps and presenting an insufficient case. Property tax experts offer valuable negotiation skills, market data, and knowledge that can significantly increase your likelihood of success.
6 Ways O’Connor Helps You Achieve Success
O’Connor can make the property tax appeal process easier, more effective, and less stressful for you. Here’s how:
#1 Expert Analysis
Our team of property tax experts knows how to analyze property valuations and identify potential errors that can lower your assessed value.
#2 Access to Data
We have access to extensive market data and comparable property information that can help you have a strong and accurate appeal.
#3 Handling the Paperwork
We take care of all the paperwork and filing requirements, so you don’t have to worry about missing deadlines.
#4 Representation
Our experts will present evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you if your case advances to an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing.
#5 Client Portal
Our secure client portal lets you easily share necessary documents, track the progress of your appeal, and stay informed throughout the process.
#6 Concierge Service
Our concierge team is available upon request to conduct field visits to homeowners’ properties. During these visits, we gather essential information, take photos, and answer any questions to help build the strongest case for your property tax reduction.
Working with O’Connor guarantees that you will have access to professionals who are committed to achieving the most favorable outcome in your property tax appeal.
We provide a simple and easy process, and you’ll never have to pay a fee unless we reduce your property taxes. Join O’Connor and enroll in the Property Tax Protection Program™ today to save big!
How Can O’Connor Help You
Homeowners in Texas can benefit from O’Connor’s Property Tax Protection Program™ a risk-free program that offers the opportunity to pay less in property taxes. Joining O’Connor allows us to protest the exorbitant assessment values on Texas citizens’ properties. As part of the program, our property tax specialists will prepare for and appear before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) to fight for a reduction. They will also investigate comparable property tax cases and market sales to get you the best reduction. today to save big!
Enroll now in O’Connor’s Property Tax Protection Program™ at no charge and receive assistance from Texas’ top property tax consultants on protesting and appealing your property to get the best results.
