Tax appeals

[Jon Lafferty]

I am approaching the time of year when I am able to appeal my real estate taxes on rentals. In my county that is from Jan to March. My hope is to appeal the taxes on all of my units. My question is I have seen several online tax appeal services that help build a packet and then connect you with lawyers who work on a contingency basis. This packet is around $175 and covers a special tax appraisal, local comps, county tax records etc. Am I going to get a better result by having a lawyer appeal the taxes on my behalf or does it not matter? I know sometimes local relationships between lawyers and local officials can grease the wheels so to speak. Does any one have experience in this area? I am based out of NJ if that matters.

Thanks!