Is your property tax too high?
As time goes on in a buyer’s market with prices continuing to soften, those who purchased in recent years are asking whether their county property tax bill might be too high. If you bought in the past four to five years, this is a distinct possibility.
According to Oakland Council Member Jean Quan’s Web site, the Alameda County Assessor’s Office has completed the process of updating property values. It makes sense for you to look over the property tax notice that was recently sent out.
At no cost, property owners are entitled to request a review of their 2008-2009 assessed value. Go to http://www.acgov.org/assessor/reassessments.htm for the procedure on questioning your assessment. Your appeal application must be filed by September 15, 2008.
Be aware that a private company is soliciting a $95 fee from homeowners to apply for reassessment. Apparently, they are using the identical paperwork you can get free of charge.