I need info on fighting property taxes

**frugalfranny** · 08-25-2010, 12:59 AM

And when you send anything off make sure to send it return receipt.............make sure they have to sign for it!!

The extra $ can save the headache of 'denial' later.

**nodmicks** · 08-25-2010, 09:25 AM

Nikko that is an excellent article. WE just have to do the steps out of order in this case. The county web site of course didn't have the 2010 info and wont until closer to actual tax bill time. They have last year. For all the rural houses ( township) it says lot size nothing about bedrooms, bathroom, sq footage etc. However I checked all the actual towns with in 40 miles and they all did. I'm sure this is because us rural folks have not actually had anyone in the home is 13-14 years. The last time they were in our home it was AMISH.

I found 1 house on the platt book so far with a like lot size. I've got a list of old farm home that from the outside appear about the same. They value the land and home separate on this form and the actual tax bill so I will look up home I feel are alike at the open book.

I did get a hold of the township lady we pay the taxes to . This township is so small there is no city hall etc. You call her home phone and leave a message and she returns it. Our town hall is only open for open book, voting and if you rent it for a wedding. Hope that gives an idea of what a blip on the map it is.

Anyways back to the conversation! The private firm the state hired was from Milwaukee. 4 hours away. She said all the info we need will be there next week and if I want 2 hours to dig and ask ?'s to take it.

I have 2 days after the open book to call and request the form. Really only one as the next day is Fri! They send me the forms. Send them back certified mail and they will appoint us a date. She said it will take quite a few weeks if not months.

I'm kind of at a standstill at the moment. However getting a really good look at the 2009 records I can honestly say it looks like in 2009 we were still undervalued even with the raise then. I can't say for 2010 since I can not see any other homes 2010 values yet. I can say that I wouldn't pay what they valued the home at for 2010 though!

I am honestly hoping it tis just an easy error at the open book like an extra bedroom , full basement etc. I'm on pins and needles waiting for this appointment and I want to know the 2010 tax rates so I can plan form worst case scenario because we always pay taxes in full in Dec!

We are looking into exactly what we have to do to be a farm and only be 100% taxed on land use value. We know we will be here at least 4 more years. We have acres of hay. We have a huge barn. Organic beef cows are looking like a good possibility.

**NikoSan999** · 08-25-2010, 10:03 AM

Didn't you say earlier that some big fancy homes were built not very far away? Maybe they are using those as "the house" part of the taxes. If I'm understanding right from your saying " They value the land and home separate on this form and the actual tax bill " Maybe these homes are your comparables. Hope not.

Get a pad, pen and keep it with you. Every question that pops in your head write it down. Right before the meeting organize them into some better order. Leave room for your notes from meeting under each question. Write down what their answer is. Cause you'll probably not remember all of it and both of you will be going " what did he say to that'.

Learned early on at the attorneys office to take notes and answers for reference.

keep letting us know what's happening. Don't stop digging. Never know what you'll find yet.

**nodmicks** · 08-25-2010, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by NikoSan999

Didn't you say earlier that some big fancy homes were built not very far away? Maybe they are using those as "the house" part of the taxes. If I'm understanding right from your saying " They value the land and home separate on this form and the actual tax bill " Maybe these homes are your comparables. Hope not.

Get a pad, pen and keep it with you. Every question that pops in your head write it down. Right before the meeting organize them into some better order. Leave room for your notes from meeting under each question. Write down what their answer is. Cause you'll probably not remember all of it and both of you will be going " what did he say to that'.

Learned early on at the attorneys office to take notes and answers for reference.

keep letting us know what's happening. Don't stop digging. Never know what you'll find yet.

Yes there are a couple huge monster log homes within a half miles. They are so far out of the range of our over 150 year old rambling farm house it isn't even funny. I hope that isn't it!

Good idea on writing every single thing down!!!!! Thanks for all the help!

**frugalfranny** · 08-26-2010, 01:01 AM

I will be super curious how this will turn out........sending good vibes your way.

Be SURE to keep us updated........and good luck.

**staceyy** · 08-26-2010, 11:06 PM

I would Google "how to dispute property taxes".

**nodmicks** · 09-03-2010, 05:50 PM

UPDATE

We got 24K dropped in value due to misinformation they had (extra bedroom, full basement and a few more) and arguing that our land was not all grade 1 farm land ( the back of the fields are wet) and argued the amount of value they had for the barn. We will get the new value papers in a week and can contest from there if we want too. However we will not as it is actually now under fair market value.

It paid to go argue our case!

If anyone thinks their tax value amount for their home are too high I encourage you to go meet with them and go over it. It was really easy and worth it.

Nikko there were so many cars and buggys there you would have thought it was a big wedding or something! Lots of people questioning the big increases in tax value.

**NikoSan999** · 09-03-2010, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by nodmicks

UPDATE

We got 24K dropped in value due to misinformation they had (extra bedroom, full basement and a few more) and arguing that our land was not all grade 1 farm land ( the back of the fields are wet) and argued the amount of value they had for the barn. We will get the new value papers in a week and can contest from there if we want too. However we will not as it is actually now under fair market value.

It paid to go argue our case!

If anyone thinks their tax value amount for their home are too high I encourage you to go meet with them and go over it. It was really easy and worth it.

Nikko there were so many cars and buggys there you would have thought it was a big wedding or something! Lots of people questioning the big increases in tax value.

That is great Nodmick! The one thing that jumped at me was the highlighted part. Isn't it strange that ALL these people's were raised. Lot of "mistakes" possibly. Hmmm...Be interesting.
But I'm happy for you. And glad it's over.

**frugalfranny** · 09-05-2010, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by nodmicks

UPDATE

We got 24K dropped in value due to misinformation they had (extra bedroom, full basement and a few more) and arguing that our land was not all grade 1 farm land ( the back of the fields are wet) and argued the amount of value they had for the barn. We will get the new value papers in a week and can contest from there if we want too. However we will not as it is actually now under fair market value.

It paid to go argue our case!

I am glad this turned out so good for you.

thanks for the update........that was time well spent!!