Frequently Asked Questions

How can you reduce my property taxes?

Property taxes are merely a function of the property assessment multiplied by the local tax rate.  We are not able to protest taxes, but rather we protest the county’s notice of assessed value.  Thorough review of county appraisal records and employment of appraisal methodologies enables us to reveal errors in assessment or make determination that assessment is excessive.  We will timely file protests in such cases, and aggressively challenge the assessment in order to secure a reduction in property value, thereby reducing property tax.

When is the deadline to protest my property value?

The deadline varies state by state, and even sometimes varies county by county.  In most jurisdictions there is either a set date or a set number of days after notice in order to timely file appeal.  For example, inTexas, the appeal deadline is May 31 or 30 days after the notice of appraised value is sent, whichever is later.  See the Tax Calendar link under Resources to find specific deadlines.

What is the advantage of hiring you as opposed to protesting assessment on my own?

Assessment appeals and securing property tax reductions are our core business.  Most likely, this is not your core business, and your time is probably best spent focusing on what you do best.  We are intimately familiar with the appraisal process as well as developing compelling challenges to assessments that support significant tax savings.  As the old saying goes “…you can pull your tooth yourself, but it doesn’t necessarily make it a good idea”

What is the fee for your services?

We have a variety of fee structures available.  We offer fixed fees, contingency fees, and hybrid fees which are a combination of the two.  Most clients choose a contingency fee in which we are only compensated if a tax savings is secured, which eliminates any and all risk for the client.  No savings….no fee!

Does my assessment need to be protested every year?

Maybe not, but we protest all of our clients’ assessments every year to protect their rights, and can always withdraw protest if one is not warranted.  Depending on the jurisdiction, assessments may be subject to change every single year.  Additionally, regardless of whether a proposed valuation increases, decreases, or stays the same as prior year, new evidence may exist that supports further reduction.

What do I have to do if I hire you?

We pride ourselves on minimizing the time and effort required of our client in this process.  A signed agreement and agent authorization gets a started, and then we will send an itemized list of data necessary to assist with our efforts.  Typical items requested include:  rent rolls, profit and loss statements, construction costs, purchase agreements, etc.  All data is requested in a single communication from us so you are not burdened with continual requests for more information.  After that, you are welcome to sit back and wait on the tax savings!

What other services do you provide?

In addition to property tax appeals, we handle filing of business personal property renditions, tax estimates/accruals, exemption/abatement applications, personal property audits, etc.  Please refer to the “Our Services” link for more information.

What is the basis of the county’s assessment for my property?

The county is responsible for determining the “fair market value” of each property.  “Fair Market Value” is defined as the price that a property would sell for on the open market, between knowledgeable, willing buyer and seller, with neither party under duress.  The methodology the assessor uses to make this determination is dependent upon the property type, data available and appraisal approach assessor feels best reflects market value.  The most commonly accepted methods of appraisal are the Market/Sales Comparison Approach (what are the comps selling for), the Cost Approach (replacement cost new less depreciation, plus the land value), and the Income Approach (what would be the purchase price for your property’s actual or projected annual income stream).