Appealing to property tax increase

[Aaron W.]

I received a notice for hearing with the county Board of Review for our multifamily property in Dayton. Apparently, the Board of Education there tracks commercial sales and files against these properties once they are sold to raise appraised value for property tax calculations.

How have you dealt with this situation?

I believe in paying our share of taxes, but if it goes up proportionately to the rate we are currently paying, then this makes the property less appealing and we may end up dumping it and nixing a large multifamily we are under negotiations for right now.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[John Lenhart]

I have done multiple appeals in Montgomery County. In general, the school board has the right to get involved if the reduction in property value is greater than $50k. School boards, especially in more urban districts are very aggressive looking for tax dollars.  

The school board attorney is just another party to the hearing. Typically, the county will have their people speak as to the value of the property, you will obviously be able to present your case, and then the school board will be able to present a 3rd opinion of value. 

Your set of facts surrounding your property tax valuation will determine your success. The biggest advantage that you have as the property owner is that you have the ability to present information to the other parties about the property that they cannot ascertain on their own. 

In general, Montgomery County is a bit more aggressive than other counties however, if you have good facts regarding your valuation, you will likely win, or at least get some type of relief.