Tax Assessments

We know you’re probably receiving a much higher property tax assessment than you’re used to this year, especially in Allen and Noble Counties. Nobody loves when they get that envelope from the Assessor every year, but this year we love it even less. So, what can we do?

Well, I’m glad you asked. In Indiana we’re able to appeal our assessment amounts using market facts and comparisons to the property in question. There are a few steps to the process and deadlines that need to be taken into account, but the process is fairly painless.

The first step is talking to your us, your trusted real estate professionals, about whether or not the appeal is going to be worth it. A lot of the assessments are intentionally lower than market values by quite a bit to prevent being taxed on an amount that is more than what the actual value is. Sometimes things aren’t taken into account, like interior upgrades or new landscaping. Some things will help your appeal, some won’t matter, and some will hurt it.

The next step, assuming we’re in a good spot is getting the data around and a CMA put together for you. We’re going to essentially run numbers as if we’re listing your home to get a value range and use that in the next part.

The first thing sent to the county is Indiana’s Form 130 – Taxpayer’s Notice to Initiate an Appeal. We’ll help you answer these questions the best we can to get the initial review accepted to move onto the appeal. If the initial review is denied, you can then go before the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals(PTBOA), which is like a tax review.

If your assessment was mailed prior to May 1^st, you have until June 15^th to file this. If your assessment was mailed after May 1^st, you have until June 15^th of the year the taxes are due.

If you can come to an agreement with the Assessor, congratulations! You’re all done here! If there is no agreement made with the Assessor on the valuation, there is a hearing that will be held by the PTBOA within 180 days of the initial appeal filing. If you make it this far, show up, they’ll charge you $50 for not being there.

During this hearing, you’ll be able to state your case as to why you think the valuation is wrong and the facts this belief are based on. The assessor will also be required to present the basis of the assessment decision and refute your evidence to the contrary. You do not need to get an appraisal for this, generally just a Market Valuation or CMA from your trusted real estate professionals.

In the event there is still a disagreement, you may be able to initiate an appeal through the Indiana Board of Tax Review(IBTR). This process starts to stretch out pretty far time-wise at this point. They will schedule a hearing within 9 months of the IBTR appeal being filed with a decision coming within 90 days of the hearing and an opportunity for a rehearing if necessary.

Past that, you can even take this all the way to the Indiana Supreme Court, but it’ll more than likely be settled before then.

If you or anyone you know would like us to take a trusted look at the assessment and market value of your property or theirs, let us know! We’re more than happy to help you through the process!