SAVETAXS SAVE TAXES SAVTAX MIKE MIMS

The good news. Filing a property tax protest is easier than filing your income tax return and your chance for a reduction is better than winning the lottery.
What to expect. Filing deadlines, protest procedures and weekday hearings. Miss any of those and you forfeit your appeal. At the hearing, the assessor is quite prepared to defend their position, and you must be equally prepared to support your position.
Winning strategy. Know the value you are seeking. ("It's just too high" is not a value). Have supporting documentation. Distinguish your property from others. Challenge issues presented by the assessor that are not directly applicable to your property.
Lawsuits - Should you file? Court costs and attorney fees can be expensive; if you have a winning argument, the Assessor will likely offer to reduce their tax value on the courthouse steps just before trial. Convincing a jury or judge at trial can be difficult and offers no guarantees, so locking in a lower value can be very prudent. But now you have also lowered your tax savings, and after legal fees, you are near breakeven; maybe worse. Thus, the rule of thumb is to have at least $10,000 in taxes at stake to consider filing a lawsuit. Consult a lawyer to review your options and base your decision on facts, not emotions.

Superior Ad Valorem Tax Service, LLCdba "SAVTAXS"