If you’re a homeowner in Los Angeles County and believe your property has been overvalued by the assessor’s office, you’re not without recourse. The property tax appeal process is a critical right available to you, allowing for the challenge of what you may perceive as an unfair property assessment. This guide will walk you through the steps to file an appeal, ensuring you’re well-prepared to make your case. Plus, we’ll introduce how AOPTA, The Property Tax Experts, can support you through this process, making it smoother and more effective.
Understanding Your Property Tax Assessment
Before diving into the appeal process, it’s important to understand how your property tax is determined. In California, property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property, which is supposed to reflect the fair market value as of January 1st of each assessment year. If you believe this assessed value exceeds the market value of your property, appealing can be a sensible course of action.
Step 1: Review Your Assessment Letter
Los Angeles County sends homeowners an annual Notice of Assessment, which details your property’s assessed value, the tax rate, and the resulting taxes owed. Review this document carefully. If you believe there’s a discrepancy or an overvaluation, it’s time to consider an appeal.
Step 2: Prepare Your Evidence
Successful appeals are backed by solid evidence. This could include recent sales data of comparable properties in your area, recent appraisals, photographs of your property, and any other documentation that supports your claim that the assessed value is too high.
Navigating the Appeal with AOPTA, The Property Tax Experts
While the appeal process is straightforward in theory, its intricacies can be daunting. This is where AOPTA, The Property Tax Experts, come in. With more than a decade of dedicated service and 23 years of experience in the appraisal of both commercial and residential properties, our team is exceptionally positioned to represent you in your appeal.
Schedule a Free Consultation and discover how our expertise can benefit you. Our consultation will help you understand your rights, the appeal process, and whether you’re eligible for a property tax reduction.
Why Choose AOPTA?
- Decades of Expertise: Our extensive experience in property appraisal and tax appeals means we understand exactly what evidence is most compelling in these cases.
- Contingency Fee Structure: We’re confident in our ability to secure you a refund on your property taxes. Our fees are entirely contingent on the success of your appeal. If we don’t help you get a refund, you won’t owe us anything.
- Personalized Representation: We believe in a personalized approach, understanding that each property and homeowner’s situation is unique.
Check Your Eligibility for Filing an Appeal. Our simple eligibility check can quickly determine if you have a strong case for an appeal, saving you time and providing clarity on your next steps.
Step 3: File Your Appeal
In Los Angeles County, the process to file an appeal starts with submitting an Application for Changed Assessment to the Assessment Appeals Board. This form is available on the Los Angeles County Assessment Appeals Board’s website. The filing period typically begins on July 2 and ends on November 30 each year. It’s crucial to adhere to this filing window to ensure your appeal is considered.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Once your application is processed, you’ll be scheduled for a hearing before the Assessment Appeals Board. This is your opportunity to present your case. Be prepared to explain your evidence and why you believe the assessment is incorrect. With AOPTA by your side, you’ll have experienced professionals advocating for your interests, ensuring your case is presented effectively and persuasively.
Conclusion
Appealing your property tax assessment in Los Angeles County can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and understanding of the process, it’s entirely manageable. By engaging AOPTA, The Property Tax Experts, you leverage decades of experience and a commitment to service that operates on a simple principle: if we don’t win, you don’t pay. Let us take the stress out of the appeal process and help you secure the property tax refund you deserve.