Property taxes in Massachusetts help to fund numerous public services. The amount that property owners pay depends on the state’s assessment of the property’s value. Factors, including the size and location of the property, as well as sale prices on the local market recently, influence the assessed value for Massachusetts real estate.
In some cases, property owners question the accuracy of the assessed value for their homes. They may worry about their ability to meet the changing property tax obligations that reflect the assessed value of the home. Thankfully, property owners who question the assessed value of their homes have the option of appealing the valuation.
What does that appeals process entail?
Filing a prompt request with local authorities
The local Board of Assessors handles assessment appeals. Generally speaking, homeowners have to file an appeal promptly to comply with deadlines.
The property owner must present evidence to counter the assessed value. Acceptable evidence could include information about the recent sale price of comparable properties, appraisal reports for the property in question or documents affirming issues with the property’s condition that could affect its market value.
The Board of Assessors then either adjusts the assessed value or maintains that the value set is appropriate. If the initial appeal is unsuccessful, then the property owner can pursue a second-level appeal by submitting a request to the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board.
Securing legal support is critical during an appeal
Many people struggle to understand the property assessment process and the appeals process. An attorney familiar with Massachusetts real estate and tax statutes can help property owners determine if an appeal is a worthwhile undertaking.
They can also assist with the process of gathering appropriate documentation and organizing it in a manner that is easy for the Board of Assessors or the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board to review. An attorney can also manage all of the procedural requirements of an appeal, helping to ensure that the property owner conforms to all requirements and deadlines.
That way, property owners can focus on their daily lives instead of a complex legal process. An attorney’s advocacy during actual appeals hearings or negotiation sessions can increase the chances of success. Their knowledge of the law and separation from the issue make it easier for them to calmly and competently present the case.
Those concerned about the assessed value of their real property generally need to act quickly. The sooner homeowners retain legal support, the better their chances of meeting applicable deadlines and successfully appealing a property tax assessment.
Securing assistance and taking prompt action can help homeowners keep their property tax obligations manageable. A successful tax assessment appeal could save a homeowner a significant amount of money over time.