If you believe that you are paying too much in property tax for your home due to decreasing home prices, you may be able to lower your taxes. Especially in neighborhoods where foreclosures have had an effect on resales, this is one area Home Owners may be able to get some relief.
Home Owners who believe their property's worth is below it's appraised value for taxes can possibly lower their taxes by filing a residential property tax return. Home Owners can contact the Dekalb County Tax Appraisal Department at 404-371-0841 to request a form. Forms will also be available to pick up at:
Dekalb County Tax Commissioner
120 West Trinity Place
Room 208
Decatur, GA 30030
Dekalb County will not be putting their forms on-line. If you need a form call after January 2 to request one. Real Estate Property Tax Returns are received in Dekalb County's office from January 1st to March 1st. The property tax returns then go through the same course an appeal would, getting reviewed by staff and eventually the county Board of Assessors.
For other counties, go to your county's or county tax assessor's Web site, where forms can be downloaded.
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If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, contact local expert Jen Bowman, Realtor with Success Realty serving the real estate needs of Decatur and Metro Atlanta, GA. 404-456-5024 View Intown Living Blog
Jen good information. Many people just sit around complaining about their tax bill in stead of taking the proper steps to appeal it. If they follow the proper procedure they stand a good chance of getting it lowered.
Good advice. I was talking to a Realtor about this process the other day. Once you complete the forms you go in front of the board and they review your case? I wonder what the success rate is on the appeals?
George, This is an opportunity for people to do something about their tax bills. Many people are just not aware that something can be done.
Jonathan, I have not heard of anyone going before a board to have their case reviewed. In the past, I have just sent in the form. That was several years ago. Unless things have changed, but I don't think so. I don't know the success rate on appeals. It would be interesting to know.
Happy New Year!
Jen, great for you to point this out. Many people do not even consider the prospect of challenging their property tax bills. This has become ever more so important as the value for many neighborhoods has dropped.