Think Your Home's Improperly Assessed? Try Filing A Real Property Tax Return

Courtesy of Julie Devine, Suntrust Mortgage

Many properties have dropped in value since last year, but this does not mean that the property taxes will automatically go down.

All real property owners must file a Real Property Tax Return early in 2010 to lower their assessment from 2009 and to have the right to appeal their 2010 assessment.

This tax return is not the same as an appeal, and the value submitted by the owner does not set the final assessed value.

However, the tax assessor will review the owner’s value and decide whether to accept it or dispute it.

The property owner will then have the right to appeal an official assessment that exceeds the owner’s proposed value. This is a separate process.

The procedures and deadlines vary by county (usually March 1st or April 1st – no extensions). Most counties require the form to be mailed – not faxed or emailed.

This is in addition to filing for homestead exemption.

See these websites for forms and details:

Cobb County
DeKalb County
Fulton County
Gwinnett County