The Rea Report Winter 2015 | Page 10

TAKE CONTROL of YOUR PROPERTY TAXES or SOMEONE ELSE WILL if you’re looking for a way to take more control of your finances, look no further than your property taxes. One of our first steps was to reach out to local specialist, Nicholas Ray, a partner at Vorys’ Columbus law office whose practice focuses on real property tax valuation disputes and appeals. Every six years, your county auditor is required to appraise the area’s “When you are talking about real properties – and every three years, property tax, you are actually being this appraisal is updated. While these taxed on the auditor’s opinion of how appraisals are based on historical data, much your property is worth,” explained current housing markets and economic Ray. “It’s also important to note that trends, you may be surprised to learn that we aren’t contesting tax rates, we are the auditor’s decision isn’t always accurate. contesting what the county auditor considers to be Rea’s property value.” According to the National Taxpayers Union, properties are frequently given Streamlining The Appeals Process higher values. Unfortunately, statistics Based on our experience and expertise, also show that property owners are here are some tips to help you streamline unlikely to challenge these findings. the process of challenging the county Those who are up to the challenge must auditor’s valuation of your property. file their complaint prior to March 31 of 1. Establish a team of expert ˈ\[