Kamis, 02 Juni 2011

Eight Ways to Lower Real Estate Taxes

By Sonia C Llesol

Real estate or property taxes differ from state to state and city to city. About a quarter of the country's homeowners pay more than the fair share of real estate taxes yearly. In some areas, real estate taxes make up for the lack of income tax of a state while in others are high in spite of the claim of the state on the fruits of one's personal labor.
An analyzer will determine if a home is over-assessed by taking into several factors such as number of bathrooms and bedrooms, age, quality of construction, condition of the home, square footage, grade and whether it has amenities such as a golf course of beautiful views.

Sadly, most homeowners are paying too much for their homes, thus it is time to learn how to lower your real estate taxes. Check out if the American Homeowners Association has all the information of your home like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, square footage and many more. Here are tips in lowering your real estate taxes:
1. Proceed to the tax assessor's office and ask for a copy of your real estate tax rate card. The card contains information about your home and will also note improvements you have made on your property. Check out the rate card for possible errors and have it corrected immediately.
2. Do not make any home improvements on your home in the months before it is assessed, especially if the project will need building permits. Keep in mind that improving your home could increase its value and thus, increase your real estate taxes.
3. Be aware of what improvements will cost in property taxes. You can call your tax assessor or building official and they can provide you an idea of how much the improvement will add to your taxes.
4. Remember that beautiful homes in general will generate a higher value compared to plain homes, thus refrain from beautifying your home such as enhancing the landscaping.
5. Check out your neighbors' are paying for their homes and if you find out your home is assessed high, find out the reason. You could also ask for a re-assessment.
6. If the tax assessor needs to look around your home, let him or her in because refusing an assessor inside your home may result to it assessed at the highest rate possible. In most cities, this is standard procedure because of the assumption that you have made home improvements you do not want the assessment office to find out.
7. Try to get the assessor to notice the negatives of your home. Property tax assessors will only note on the positive features of your home and will overlook cracked foundation, useless fireplace or aging roof. A home's negative condition should be considered for fair assessment.
8. If you are sure that your real estate taxes are very high, inquire from the assessor's office on steps you have to take in order to challenge the assessment. Many offices have a formal process with forms and step by step guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6258267

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