Strategy For Filing a Tax Protest

It seems rather apparent that property in Overlook Estates has been conspicuously over-assesed by Williamson County.  Here are some things to consider before filing your protest:

·         Protest deadline is May 29.

·         The statement you received in the mail has none of the detail behind the assessment.  You should (must) go to the Williamson County  web site to view the numbers behind the assessment.  Click on "Search", then click on "Address Search."  Enter your address.  For Scenic Path, just enter "Scenic".  For Overlook Bend, enter "Overlook Bend".  When the property is displayed, click on the property id.  Next, you will want to click on the "Datasheet" link at the top of the page.  This will open a PDF with the pertinent details. Pay close attention to the section entitled "Improvements."  Here you will find out how the assessment value was derived.  Be sure and look for obvious errors.  Ours, for example, lists a swimming pool valued at $44,000, but we have no pool.  Note: The datasheet will have 2008 data.

·         Check your home's value on Zillow.com.

·         Get comparable listings and sales from a local realtor.  Do not accept listings from Grand Mesa, with their costly canyon views as "comparable," and don't let the tax office tell you that they are comparable!

·         Hire your own property appraisal.  This would typically cost a few hundred dollars, but could be well worth it in the long run.

·         Check for news articles and web sites that give an analysis of real estate sales trends and local property values.  Today, for example, I noticed an article in The Impact News which stated that Williamson County's appraised home values have declined.  That being the case, a good question to ask at your protest would be, "Why did Overlook Estates appraised values increase dramatically?"

·         When you have your "day in court", ask questions: How do you justify such a large increase when property values all over the country are falling, and Williamson County appraisals, in general, have declined?; How did you arrive at your appraisal valuation?

·         I have heard that Williamson County has a new appraiser.  Might not someone new, who is unfamiliar with area property be inclined to make errors in judgment?  Another good question.

These are the ideas that occurred to me.  What else can you think of?  Please post comments for all to see.

--RCA