DJSchwagg

First, find your state or locality’s assessor’s Web site to get specific instructions. Look for the application or instructions for the procedure to challenge your assessment. If you can’t find the site easily on your own, drop by Assessor.com to find a link to your state assessor’s Web site. See the site.

Just in case you’re expecting an argument, get some objective proof that your home declined in value. If you’ve recently refinanced, your lender insisted on an appraisal. That would help. Some homeowners with long-term equity lines have just gotten letters from their lenders cutting the amount of the equity line. One homeowner in Dana Point, Calif., was just notified by Washington Mutual that his home equity line was cut from $225,000 to $72,500.

If you have know a local real estate agent, you can ask for a printout of comparable home sales for you.

In a market like this, you probably won’t have to fight much. Your assessor already knows the values have declined. The question is, will you agree with the amount of the decline proposed by your assessor.?

If you don’t, there is always an appeals process. The whole process of revaluation can take months — or years, depending on the volume of applications. In the meantime, property tax payments are coming due. What should you do? Pay the taxes, then challenge.

When you file your request for revaluation, ask the assessor to look back for as many years as you think the market has been declining in your area. And file a claim for refund, or overpayment, for the excess property taxes you paid in the past.

The Los Angeles County application, for example, includes a box to check asking the Los Angeles County Assessor’s office to treat it as a claim for refund as well. Perhaps your assessor’s office has similar foresight. And, like Los Angeles, it may also have an in-house advocate or ombudsman to help you.

Eva Rosenberg is the founder of TaxMama.com and an enrolled agent licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS. She is the author of the new e-book, “The 100% Home-Based Business Tax Solution.” Reach her at taxwatch@gmail.com.

Q. When can I appeal my assessed value?

A. Under State law, if the current market value of your property (using recent comparable sales) falls below the assessed or taxable value as shown on your tax bill, the Assessor’s Office is required to lower the assessment. This type of property tax relief generally applies to recently purchased property. Appeals may be filed between July 2 and November 30 for the annual roll. For supplemental events, or escaped assessments, the appeal must be filed within 60 day of the mailing date of the notice. Appeal forms can be obtained and must be filed with the Clerk of the Board. For more information, call 925-335-1901.

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