Why You Should Hire a Property Tax Consultant

 

Hiring a property tax consultant is an excellent way to lower your property taxes. Not only does a property tax consultant understand the property assessment process, they know the perspective of local municipalities and homeowners. They have access to better data about home values and have relationships with the proper people to help you fight your case. You can benefit from hiring a tax consultant today, and you won't regret it. Here's why:

 

The cost of hiring a property tax consultant varies widely. Some charge a flat fee for their services, while others work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they lower the value of the property. In this case, you pay them only if they successfully lower your property taxes. The exact percentage depends on the organization and the value of your property, but they can range from 20 percent to 50 percent.

 

When hiring a property tax consultant, always make sure that you know their qualifications and experience. While it may seem that they are the best choice for you, make sure you interview a few before choosing one. Ask for references, and ask to review their client list. If the list includes long-term clients, that's a sign that the consultant has done a good job. In addition to references, you should inquire about the property tax consultant's availability and communication methods. You want to feel comfortable with their availability and you need to feel like you're dealing with a professional.

 

When hiring a property tax consultant, you are hiring an expert in real estate valuation. They have extensive knowledge of three approaches to valuation, and understand how each one can benefit you in certain situations. Many property owners think they can do their own taxes, but often make mistakes and forget about deadlines. A property tax consultant can help you reduce taxes, file property tax protests, and prepare valuations. They can also help you avoid penalties and other pitfalls that come with taxing your property.

 

A  licensed real estate broker and a senior property tax consultant. He has been active in property appraisal and reducing property taxes since 1983, and publishes analysis of real estate market data. His credentials include MBA from Harvard University and MAI from the Appraisal Institute. He has over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry, and has even created a proprietary methodology for calculating the non-taxable intangible business value of a hotel flag.

 

While price is important, it should not be the only factor when choosing a property tax consultant. Some charge flat fees, while others only get paid if they save you money. Check what percentage of their fees you'll save before hiring a consultant, and don't forget to shop around for a lower price. Obtain payment methods in writing before you make any final decisions. There's nothing worse than spending too much money and having to deal with unpleasant surprises later. You can get more enlightened on this topic by reading here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_assessment.