Many homeowners file tax grievances and fail to achieve their desired result, a reduction in their tax assessment. Unfortunately, often times this initial rejection can result in the homeowner not pursuing their grievance any further. This may be the result of many different factors. For example, many homeowner’s do not have the time, or the grievance may get lost in the shuffle of an already hectic schedule, perhaps they do not understand the process.
Whatever the reason, homeowners must understand that in many cases the initial filing may merely represent an admission ticket into the grievance process. At the initial stage the Board of Assessment Review is not compelled to grant any reductions and are accountable only to the appeal process, known as SCAR or Small Claims Assessment Review.
There are many reasons why a homeowner may not get an initial decision. Among these reasons may be:
- poor documentation of market value,
- limited resources of the Board of Assessment Review in the face of increasing numbers of tax challenges, and
- being unaware of the tax grievance process.
Keep in mind that the board of assessment review is made up of ordinary tax payers, some with extensive real estate experience, some with little or no experience, and they are reviewing hundreds or thousands of cases in a short period of time.
It is for these reasons that the initial tax grievance filing should be viewed only as an entry into the process. It is important that homeowners carefully review the boards decisions and follow up with a SCAR appeal if appropriate. If you have any questions or comments regarding the process, contact me today.
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I have been challenging homeowner’s property taxes for the past 9 years and during that time I have represented hundreds of homeowners and helped them achieve thousands of dollars in savings, savings which they enjoy year after year.