If you are a residential homeowner, and you have received a tax bill that is much higher than you imagined it would be, you can appeal your property tax. However, the process is best done with a property tax attorney. The following are a few reasons to hire one.

Property tax laws are complex

Property taxes will depend upon the state you reside in, so for this reason alone, you need to hire an attorney to understand the specific laws in your state. But it doesn't stop there. In many jurisdictions, there are county laws that exist along with state laws, and there are even municipalities that have laws regarding property taxes. This means that you are dealing with a complex web of legal regulations that you must navigate. Not only do you need an attorney, you need one that has experience with all laws affecting you in your city and county.

Property assessment can be difficult

The tax you owe on your property is composed of an assessment of your property along with a certain tax rate. Although there is nothing that you can do about the tax rate, it is the assessment that you can argue with. This is what an appeal is all about. You will need to demonstrate that the property assessment was too high. Keep in mind that the current value of your property is not an issue: it is the value of the property the year before. Property taxes are always paid in arrears. Although you don't owe the money at the time, you are billed for it the following year. Understanding what a good assessment is for the area you live in, at an earlier time, is something that a property tax lawyer will have specific knowledge about.

The appellate process can be difficult

One common way to appeal is to get an independent assessment and compare that to the government's assessment. This is often done if the tax bill takes a sudden jump. The government's assessment may have simply been improperly done. An alternative way to value property is based upon sales of similar homes in your area. This does not include foreclosures or short sales. The best way to assess the value of your home should be done by an attorney. They can also file the paperwork for the appeal and determine the best way to appeal because there is sometimes more than one avenue for an appeal in certain jurisdictions.

If you have a higher tax bill than you anticipated, it may be worth speaking to an attorney. Many property tax attorneys work on a contingency basis. They will take a percentage of the tax savings as their fee. This is beneficial to you because an attorney will not take your case for appeal unless there is a good chance of success.