2a. 2019 Report - Laserfiche WebLink

15 | Page Appeal through the Board of Equalization (Continued) 3. The property valuation is accurate, but unfair, because it is higher than the property valuation of similar properties. 4. Property is eligible for an exemption that was not granted by the assessment officials. If a property owner believes there may be a possible error in their valuation, the first step would be contacting the assessor's office for an informal meeting to discuss the valuation. At this meeting, you can expect to: 1. Review the facts of the property record with the assessment personnel. 2. Determine if the information is correct pertaining to your property. 3. Develop an understanding of how your property is valued. 4. Check that the value is fair when compared to other similar properties in your neighborhood. 5. Determine if any exemptions or credits are available to ease your tax burden. Information regarding a formal appeal of your valuation can be obtained from your assessor. Remember, you will not win an appeal because you feel that taxes are too high. The appeal is only for determining if your valuation is a fair and equitable representation of the market. For a formal appeal, a property owner must have documentation showing that the valuation is incorrect. A board of appeals will not decide that your valuation is incorrect unless supporting evidence proves otherwise; they will not take your word on it. The assessment staff will be there with documentation to inform the board of how the valuation was determined. The property owner must be able to prove to the board that there is a problem with the valuation. At an appeal hearing, the burden of proof lies with the appellant; therefore, it is our recommendation to provide the following: 1. Comparable properties in the current market that currently assessed less than your property. 2. A recent appraisal of your property which indicates true and full market value, not just what a bank is willing to lend on. 3. Copies of your property records, and neighboring property records, which show inequities amongst values. 4. Recent sale information regarding similar properties with documentation to prove the properties are comparable. An appeal board is only interested in the fairness and accuracy of the value placed on the property. They are not able to lower valuations because the property owner cannot afford to pay the taxes or feels that the property tax is too high. The assessment staff is here to assist the public and educate property owners about the assessment process. Staff is trained to be respectful, calm, polite and helpful. If a property owner returns the same respect, the staff is better able to concentrate and be more helpful in gathering the information needed for an appeal.