Contested my Washington County property appraisal and they lowered it! (for sale, neighborhood)

[Tony1790]

My property assessment increased from last years $34,000 to this years $48,000. I went in to complain, pointed out the "issues" with my neighborhood and they lowered the tax appraisal to $39,000. So it doesn't hurt to contest the new valuations, I didn't contest my other property, as it was a fair increase, but still hurt none the less.

Tony

[SarahSal]

Here's a good one! The appraisal/assessment on our downtown JC bldg nearly QUADRUPLED from last year... How is it even conceivable that they would maintain that the value grew by that much within a year! Our business also received an assessment of $30,000 on very old, very used (some second-hand) office equipment (in one room) that WE own personally - that *might* be worth $1500 at the most..

I guess *if* they think they can get away with this, they will try. And probably in some cases taxpayers won't even notice.. I just wonder who is minding the store - and whether they remember whom they're working for! Have there been any stories written about this? Is this a taxpayer revolt in the making?

[Tony1790]

Sorry about the increases Sarah, unfortunately the tax increases will be the norm and not out of the ordinary. Look at the controls that the federal govt are setting up (outlawing foreign bank accounts, etc). There is a massive tax increase coming and it won't be just for the rich. I'm just happy I live next to a dump, it keeps my property values down

Anywho, enjoy what you have, while you have it, these are interesting times. But at least here in TN, the elected officials will at least talk with you and sometimes agree, much better here than in many other parts of the country.

Take care,

Tony

[rccrain]

There will be many "hidden taxes" as well - like energy increases from cap and trade, which will have a great affect on this region.

Congrats on your success Tony. After reviewing mine, it turns out to be pretty reasonable.

[doc1]

Those are some big tax hikes.

Sounds like TN is becoming a more "progressive" state.

Whether that's good or bad depends on your level of income and points of view.

I live in NJ and we compete againt CA on who can be the most "progressive".

[ShalnaChywyt]

HOw did you contest it? My boss said I have to find recent sales that were less than what they appraised my property, but most of those "recent sales" were back about 2 years ago when the economy was still booming. Got any suggestions?

[Tony1790]

Originally Posted by ShalnaChywyt

HOw did you contest it? My boss said I have to find recent sales that were less than what they appraised my property, but most of those "recent sales" were back about 2 years ago when the economy was still booming. Got any suggestions?

Mine was a case of bad neighbors, I stood there with the counties map, showed them who my neighbors were and they said yep, filled out the form and off I went. Pretty easy for me, buy your mileage may vary

There were tons of people there with questions when I was there, I know the place was busy, lots of people contesting values or asking questions. You can use several web sites to get like kind of sales. My bigger parcel, which I didn't contest, is for sale at $5900 an acre, yet everything around it sold for $11,000 an acre. I don't know if I'd get anywhere with that or not. My smaller piece is what I contested, and it's just because of the neighbors (gun range) that is the reason it's low.

Good luck with your reevaluation, like I said, at least the people at the county will talk with ya, I've lived in other places that just say go away.

Take care,

Tony