Property taxes are a significant expense for homeowners, and they can be especially burdensome for those on a fixed income or with limited financial resources. The good news is that there are a number of steps you can take to lower your property taxes, including:
1. Get a copy of your property tax card.
Your property tax card is a valuable document that contains information about your property’s assessed value, tax rate, and exemptions. You can request a copy of your property tax card from your local tax assessor’s office.
2. Review your property tax card for errors.
Mistakes on property tax cards are common, so it’s important to review your card carefully for any errors. If you find any errors, contact your tax assessor’s office and request a correction.
3. Don’t make any major improvements to your property before it’s assessed.
Any improvements you make to your property will increase its assessed value, which will in turn increase your property taxes. If you’re planning to make any major improvements to your property, it’s best to wait until after it’s been assessed.
4. Limit your curb appeal.
Tax assessors are more likely to give a higher assessed value to homes that are well-maintained and have a lot of curb appeal. If you’re concerned about your property taxes, it’s best to avoid making any major changes to the exterior of your home.
5. Research neighboring homes.
It’s helpful to research the assessed values of neighboring homes to see how your property compares. If you find that your home is assessed at a higher value than similar homes in your neighborhood, you may be able to appeal your assessment.
6. Allow the assessor to access your home.
When the tax assessor comes to your home to assess it, it’s important to allow them access to the entire property. If you don’t, the assessor may assume that you’ve made improvements to the property that you haven’t reported, and this could result in a higher assessed value.
7. Walk through your home with the assessor.
When the assessor is at your home, take the opportunity to walk through the property with them and point out any features that you think may be undervalued. This could help to ensure that you get a fair assessment.
8. Look for exemptions.
There are a number of exemptions that can reduce your property taxes, including exemptions for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. If you qualify for any of these exemptions, be sure to apply for them.
9. Appeal your tax bill.
If you believe that your property taxes are too high, you can appeal your tax bill. The appeal process can be complex, so it’s important to do your research and gather evidence to support your claim.
By following these steps, you can lower your property taxes and save money on your monthly housing expenses.
How I lowered my property taxes FAST!
FAQ
How can I pay less property taxes in Florida?
At what age do you stop paying property taxes in FL?
How can I lower my property tax bill?
What follows is a review of property tax bills and some ideas that may help you lower yours. Review your tax bill and look at comparable homes in your area for value discrepancies. Don’t build or change your home just before an assessment; this may increase your property value.
How can I reduce my property tax burden?
However, there are some things you can do to reduce your property tax burden without resorting to living in only the lowest-value homes. Avoid making any improvements right before your house is because of be assessed. Check out the neighbors—if they pay less tax than you but own a similar home, you may be in line for a tax reduction.
Can I change my property tax rates?
While you can’t change your local tax rates, there are steps you can take to lower your property taxes. If you’re ready to challenge your home’s assessed value and scout out applicable tax breaks, you could save a few hundred to thousands of dollars a year.
How can I save money on property taxes?
After all, you have to pay the property taxes. If the assessment is too high, that means potentially thousands of extra taxes paid over the lifespan of your home. Another way to save money on property taxes is by applying any applicable tax exemption. Most states and some counties will offer property tax exemptions.