Can you dispute a tax assessment after buying?

[Nick Troutman]

I am looking at a property that seems to be quite cheap for the area. Definitely a BRRRR project, though the taxes on it were increased 179% back in 2017. The taxes on it are enough to make the numbers on it not really work, even though it seems like the purchase price would be a steal. Is it possible to dispute them now or what that ship sailed?

[Marc Winter]

The process of certiorari of tax assessment is normally done once a year.  Check with your local taxing authority, and be prepared with comparable sales that have lower taxes to bolster your case.

If there are large sums involved, think about hiring an attorney to do the pleading for review for you.  They will usually charge a portion of the tax saved the first year.  After that, you're good to go, assuming you get the tax reduced.

Remember, it is possible that during the review, the tax may actually be increased, depending on the finding of the taxing authority.