I think I may be paying too much in property taxes.  Who can help me assess and lower them, inexpensively?
485060
Go to your assessor's office and ask for a copy of the assessment record. Then, ask for an explanation of the record, especially abbreviations and codes. Next, ask for an explanation of the assessed value. In some states, an assessed value is a percentage of market value. In others, it is market value. And in others, it is the market value of the property in the year of the last revaluation. Do not forget to ask about exemptions and tax credits. These can dramatically reduce your taxes. Also, ask when the filing period for a tax abatement begins and ends. \n\nExamine the record to determine if there are any factual errors. There may be an error in the measurement of your house, or there may be an error in the listing of your house's amenities. (I once encountered an assessment that showed a house had 15 bathrooms, instead of 1.5 baths). If there is a factual error, you should request a correction of the error in writing. If needed, file a formal tax abatement.\n\nIn some states, you can use assessments of other, similar houses to demonstrate you are being over-assessed. Make sure the other houses are similar in size, age, and location. Identify any variations in treatment of your house and the others. Typically, this demonstration is made with a formal abatement request.\n\nAn abatement request can be filed when you know the market value of your house, and the assessment (or "equalized assessment") exceeds the market value. Often, you can get a real estate agent to give you an opinion of value for free, that includes comparable sales and listings. An appraisal for a house can cost between $150 and $350, depending on the local appraisal market and the type of appraisal you order. If the agent's opinion or the appraisal opinion shows you are over-assessed, you should file a formal appeal and attach the opinion of value.\n\nIn states where assessments are a percent (ratio) of market value, you need to divide the assessment by the ratio to arrive at the assessed market value. For example, in CT, assessments are 70% of the market value. An assessment of $140,000 would indicate an assessed market value of $200,000. (AV / Ratio = MV).
60546
I go to an accountant.  It costs a couple hundred dollars, but it saves me a lot of hassle and worry.  I know it will be done right and they will stand by the work they do if there are ever any problems.  \n\nMany people swear by places like H&R Block or Turbo Tax.
1175747
I would probably first go to your city and county offices and check to see if there are any properties that they own that they are looking to revitalize and see if they can work out a deal for you even if it is temporary.  You might also want to go to the local chamber of commerce and see if they can put your need into their newsletter or other communications as some businesses may have space that they would be willing to donate as a tax write off.
169224
Be sure to find out what the homeowners association fees are before you buy.... sometimes they are ridiculouly high.
259095
When I had my rentals I charged based upon the area, the amount of utilities included plus a few extra dollars that could accumulate incase there was any major fixing up to do. Look in your local paper and base it upon some of the rentals that seem similar to the type you are renting out. Also try contacting a realtor to give you an estimate on the monthly payment to charge.
428549
There are many rates and various exemptions.  Property values can vary so one rate might be lower for an area, but if the same type of property is appraised higher than it would be in the other county, then you pay more taxes.  Not to mention the price of the property.\n\nThe best bet is to just find properties you would like to buy in each county and then look at the prices and taxes for those properties.  With everything tallied up, you can determine what is the best value for your needs.\n\nThe links below show the tax rates for the counties.  My head is still spinning.  Good luck!
786721
You need a tenant homeowners policy with probably a computer and jewelry floater attached.  \n\nYour best bet is to contact a local, independent agent, and sit down with them to figure out how much this is going to cost you.
615386
There is a lot that makes me upset about taxes!The fact that my taxes go to pay wages of some slacker government employee upsets me. I don't want to pay them to take more rights away from me they have done that enough, thank you.My parents now pay more in taxes per acre, than my grandfather payed per acre to buy the farm. Not fare? nothing is anymore.we are worse off in this county than we have ever been.the poor get poorer, the rich get richer.
1012106
Deschutes County Tax Assessor:\n\nhttp://www.deschutes.org/index.cfm?objectId=836F545E-BDBD-57C1-91EC7EC87DBBD7EA\n\n\nThis will only let you look up the assessed taxable value of your land which is typically 80% or less of it's resalable value depending on property location, access and local demand.
151492
Do your own taxes online and e-file save the 300. and get it back just as quick!  \nIf you were not refering to taxes it sounds like a scam!!!!
161978
Call the accessors office where property tax is paid (it's Mary Gouge, the clerk) \n\nI am on the mailing list but don't remember how I got on there.  (it is from a law office- they may just handle them for the county)  Seems like they do the sales a couple of times a year.
978231
Sorry to hear of your situation...maybe try a refinance to lower the payment? Try to sell it and pay that mortgage, maybe you can even turn a profit. You're going to lose it anyways so try to keep your name clear and maybe make money too.\n\nDon't just lay down man, FIGHT!\n\nYour tax...The tax is usually for the whole year and it depends on what their accounting dictates. Yes, you will be liable for the portion of property tax for the period you are on the title, the bank will owe the remainder if any. Many states send a bill in the sixth month of the year for the whole year so you may owe the previous six months plus the 3 more in foreclosure.\n\nGood luck, I wish you well\n\nMike
1052219
The tax valuation of a home, the value that the state gives you in order to decide how much you will pay in property taxes, often is inaccurate.  This value may be well below the real value of the home, so you shouldn't pay much attention to it.\n\nThe only problem would be if the state were valuing your property at more than it's really worth and taxing you based on that.
950836
You may want to google property management companies. This maybe the most expensive route. http://www.rentlist.com. You may also want to find a local property manager and see what they charge. \n\nOn a second note, you can cashout up to 100% of your equity in your town home should the need arise. As well as lower your payment to cashflow on the property if your not doing so already. \nFeel free to email me for more information. \n\nKindest Regards,\n\nAnthony
392513
Go to your county's property appraiser website and from there you can locate by name or address. That website will probably also have a link for the local tax collector where you can check taxes.
981472
First thing is to make sure you are getting the service you deserve. Make a few calls, (get names!) and offer to send faxes of the documentation. Then, after a month of no action, find the information for the city property tax appraiser. Tell him/her you want a re-appraisal based on the failure of the city/county to clean the property. If you get no action in 30 days, hire a professional property appraiser, then send the lowered property valuation to him/her. You can use the lower tax to do the clean up, or you can watch Mr. Tax-Man do his little jig and dance. They may not promise to do it with a certain period of time. Tell him you either want the property taxed at the new, lower, assement amount, or cleaned. You may have to hire a shyster. My folks did after Charlie, and came out even. But put the bug in their ear. They are there BECAUSE you pay taxes. Always call the lowest man in the totem pole. (I.e., the county tax person.) He/She don't want to lose a nice, cushy job. And they, in some places, have pull to increase a property value.
24399
if you think that irs is not doing their job on your offer in compromise, call income tax advocate. check www.irs.gov.  they can assign someone else to work on your case