Property taxes for Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties in Oregon are in.

October 29, 2008

“If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that don’t get wet you can keep.”  —    Will Rogers     

Art credit: Harry Chen Thinks Aloud

 

On October 25^th 2008, the new property tax bills will be sent to homeowners.  If, in your opinion, the current property value is different from Real Market value, then you can appeal the property tax.  For the current tax year, your tax petition must be postmarked or delivered to the county that you live in by December 31, 2008.

 

If you own property, or are a person or business that holds an interest in real property that is subject to property tax, then you are legally allowed to appeal the property tax to the board of property tax appeals.  The real property tax petition can be obtained from the county you live in, and should be available on the day that the tax bills are sent out.  In some cases, you are allowed to have a personal representative with you at the hearing or sign the petition for you.  Please check the details for submitting a real property tax petition.

 

The appeal must include an explanation and evidence of why you think that the property value is incorrect.  Among the sources of acceptable evidence for property value are:

 

Documentation of a recent sale between unrelated buyer and seller (called an arm’s length sale)

 

A recent appraisal done by a licensed appraisal

 

Proof that the property was listed on the open market for a period of time at a price below the real market value on the tax roll

 

A comparative market analysis (CMA) of properties that are similar to the property being appealed in location, size, and quality.  This can be done by a licensed Realtor.

 

Cost of new construction by a professional contractor that took place close to January 1 of the assessment year.

 

Cost to repair your property (must include written estimates of repairs)

 

The board will be reviewing the appeals between February and April.

 

I would be happy to offer you my assistance with a comparative market analysis (CMA) on your home if you choose to appeal your own taxes.  Just give us a call.

                                                              

 

Sheryll Fong

Principal Broker

ReMax Equity Group

1975 NW 167^th #100

Beaverton OR 97006

503-939-2221

 

www.portlandhomesales.net