The basic answer to this question is: they are processing your property taxes! Be nice!
If there is a mistake|an error in your building record or a value that is higher than than what it should be, it is not intentional nor is it personal. Mishaps happensince there is such a volume of work for them to complete and so many properties to process! Always remember the Assessor’s Office is a mass appraisal organization and they do not necessarily have the time or the man power to ensure every single valuation is what it should be. All government organizations are overwhelmed with work and the Assessor is no different. So, cut them a little slack, they’re not out to get you.
The personnel of the Office of the Assessor can make your life very simple and they can also make it frustrating. If you are a pain to deal with, no one is going to want to assist you, even if the mistake is the Assessors fault. The employees do not enjoy being treated as individuals who are out to take advantage of you, since they really arent. The employees are not affected by your taxes, records and values, so be pleasant. Be an individual they want to assist so that you will get the maximum advantage of what may be available to you. Remember, even if the person you are speaking with can’t help you, chances are they know the person who can and have influence with that person also.
While I was an employee of the Assessor there were doors closed in my face, I was screamed at by the public. At times I was treated like I had no comprehension of assessments or appraisal and I wasn’t inclined to assist individuals who spoke to me like that. Part of myjob to assist them, to be a civil servant. In spite of that fact, after working for years in a place where the public resented me every day and the job I did it was very taxing. Always keep in mind, the Assessor himself is a person and the employees are people and they have been treated poorly for years. They are yelled at everyday and most of the staff work there for years.
Imagine what its like to work in a place for years where your clients detest you! Its not good! Dont be one more homeowner they add to that list! The staff you encounter who work for the Assessor’s Office, handle and influence your property taxes, always keep that in mind! They have worked with thousands of property owners and can read you like a book, so be kind and patient and realize they are not out to screw you. The staff of the Assessor’s Office, are doing their jobs. Being frustrating and antagonizing will not get you what you are looking for. You may be surprised at what being kind and patient will get you.
About the Author: Valerie Faltas, Property Tax Expert worked in assessments for years, is a Certified Property Tax Appraiser, Licensed Residential Appraiser and a member of the International Association of Assessment Officers. As a real estate investor and advisor she is well versed in all aspects of real estate. To contact Valerie Faltas go to her website: www.propertytaxlittleblackbook.com
Buy Notes - Hitting a Put Shot With a 9-Iron
Topics: politics_and_government, assessment appeals, assessor's office, property taxes