Challenging Your Property Tax Bill

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Connie Miller 
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So, you think your property values have dropped and you don’t think you should be paying the property tax your assessor is asking you for.  What do you do?  First, speak up by the deadline for filing an appeal or you will have to wait an entire year before you get another chance.  The appeal window for each county varies.  Here are the primary ones in Silicon Valley:

  • San Francisco County: July 2, 2010 to September 15, 2010
  • San Mateo County: July 2, 2010 to November 30, 2010
  • Santa Clara County: July 2, 2010 to September 15, 2010
  • Santa Cruz County: July 2, 2010 to November 30, 2010

Find the appeal form on each of the County Assessors’s web sites.  It will take you through what you need to provide and give you numbers to call if you have specific questions.  It is best is to include a few comparable property sales that justifies your position. Your realtor can provide these for you.   The tax relief you get is not subject to the annual 1% increase once it is reset.  My experience is that along with any relief you do get for the period of your appeal, you will receive notification that the assessed value can reset back up to the previously taxed amount at any time. 

If you need help getting a list of comparable properties for your home, call Connie Miller at 650-279-7074.

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