Skip to content

A guide to Property Tax Reassessment

When it comes to property taxes, most investors think about the annual tax bill that they need to pay. However, another important aspect of property taxes that investors should be aware of is property tax reassessment. 

What is a reassessment? A reassessment refers to a periodic reevaluation of a property’s value for tax purposes. Local laws vary, but reassessment generally takes place every one to five years or when a property changes hands (find out more on taxes on commercial real estate sales). Some municipalities also reassess in the event of a refinancing.

property tax reassessment

The Impact of Reassessment

Reassessment can have a significant impact on an investor’s property tax bill. For example, if an investor buys a property for $100,000, and the local tax rate is 2%, the annual property tax bill would be $2000. However, if the property is reassessed at $120,000, the annual property tax bill would increase to $2400.

Investors should keep reassessment in mind when evaluating a potential investment property. It’s essential to research the frequency of reassessment in the municipality where the property is located. Additionally, investors should factor in the possibility of a reassessment when estimating their annual expenses for a particular property.

How Reassessment Works

Property taxes are a source of revenue for state and local governments. To ensure that property taxes are fair and accurate, most states require that properties be reassessed regularly. Property tax assessors are generally county-, city-or township-level officials responsible for assessing and reassessing property within their jurisdiction. The reassessment is handled at the local level, but state law determines how often property in the state is reassessed. 

How often are homes reassessed? Intervals of reassessment between appraisals vary from one to 10 years, depending on the state. Reassessment intervals can also vary depending on the type of property. In some states, properties are reassessed every year (for example, in Alaska or Arizona), while in others – once every ten years (for example, Connecticut), and in some – whenever the change of ownership occurs, like in California. To learn the reassessment interval in your state, check out this website.

Residential properties are typically reassessed more frequently than commercial properties. Regular reassessment ensures that property taxes are based on the property’s current value, providing a fair and stable source of revenue for state and local governments.

What to Expect After Your Property Is Reassessed

The property tax assessor calculates the fair market value after it is reassessed based on the location and property type. The technique for determining this value will differ depending on the current location.

After the reassessment is finished, many property tax offices will contact the owner to inform them of the new assessment results. If the property owner thinks the reassessment is incorrect, they have a right to challenge or appeal it.

Reassessment does not guarantee that property taxes will rise. The property value and the real estate market in an area will influence the results. If the value of the real estate in the region is declining, a reassessment might result in decreased property taxes for an owner. A reassessment may also produce no change in the property’s value.

when are property taxes reassessed

How to Appeal a Real Property Tax Reassessment

The county board of tax assessors is responsible for assessing real and personal property by the local tax code. This includes sending assessment notices to property owners that provide information on filing an appeal if the taxpayer believes their assessed value is inaccurate or otherwise unfair. 

These notices must be sent annually, regardless of whether the county board agrees with a taxpayer’s return on personal property, including airplanes, boats, or business equipment and inventory. They inform taxpayers of their right to appeal their assessment and ensure transparency and equity throughout the assessment process. When used effectively, the annual assessment notice can help prevent disputes between taxpayers and the county board in the future by providing all necessary information upfront.

Submit a Property Tax Reassessment Appeal

Property owners wishing to appeal their property tax assessment have 45 days from when the assessment notice was mailed. An appeal may be based on factors such as taxability, value, uniformity, or the denial of an exemption. The written appeal needs to be filed with the Board of Tax Assessors. After reviewing the appeal, the Board may hold a hearing to discuss the matter further. If the Board decides not to overturn the original assessment, the taxpayer may file an appeal with the Board of Equalization. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the date of the Board of Tax Assessors’ decision. The Board of Equalization will then review the case and decide whether to uphold the original assessment or make changes as necessary.

Take Control of Your Property Tax Reassessment

One of the greatest ways to take control of your property tax reassessment is by working with an attorney. Attorneys specializing in property tax law use a data-driven approach to help homeowners and businesses appeal their property taxes. Their main goal is to reduce your effective property value, secure a three-year monetary freeze, and significantly lower your overall property tax bill.

By working with an attorney specializing in this area, you can rest assured that your reassessment will be handled professionally and efficiently. Your attorney will handle every aspect of the process for you, including providing legal representation at any Board of Equalization hearing required. They will also make a strong case for fair and accurate property tax assessments free of errors or inconsistencies. So if you want to take control of your property taxes, consider working with an expert in this area.

In Summary

A property tax reassessment is a periodic reevaluation of a property’s value for tax purposes. Investors need to know about reassessments to be prepared for any possible changes in their taxes. If an investor believes that the reassessment is incorrect, they have the right to appeal it. The best approach is to work with an attorney specializing in property tax law to ensure that the reassessment is handled correctly so you can begin to plan for your future in commercial real estate.

About The Author

Jesse Shemesh

With a wealth of experience in nurturing diverse commercial real estate investment portfolios across multiple markets, I actively engage in the development and execution of deals spanning all asset classes. My expertise lies in collaborating with strategic partners, including corporate real estate professionals, fund managers, developers, and investors, to source, identify, and entitle opportunities. At Point Acquisitions, we take pride in our unique, proprietary platform that specializes in property acquisitions, generating a steady stream of organic deal flow that sets us apart from the competition. As a seasoned professional in the real estate industry, I am dedicated to creating lasting partnerships and delivering exceptional results for all stakeholders.

Disclaimer

Please note that Point Acquisitions is not a tax expert or tax advisor. The information on our blogs and pages is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, or accounting advice. Any information provided does not constitute professional advice or create an attorney-client or any other professional relationship. We recommend that you consult with your tax advisor or seek professional advice before making any decisions based on the information provided on our blogs and pages. Point Acquisitions is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided on our blogs and pages.

cash out refinance before selling to avoid capital gains

Should I refinance after a 1031 exchange?

May 30, 2023

Refinancing presents a compelling avenue for unlocking potential value and enhancing your property portfolio after successfully executing a 1031 exchange. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of refinancing and address key questions that arise in the minds…

Read More
replacement reserves

Understanding Replacement Reserves In CRE

May 23, 2023

What Are Replacement Reserves? Replacement reserves refer to funds set aside by commercial real estate (CRE) property owners or investors to cover the future costs of replacing or repairing major building components and systems. These reserves are specifically allocated to…

Read More
refinance commercial property

What to Know Before You Refinance Commercial Property: A Comprehensive Guide

May 9, 2023

Refinancing a commercial property can provide several benefits, including lower interest rates, improved cash flow, and increased equity. However, before jumping into a refinancing decision, it is crucial to understand the different types of loans, requirements, interest rates, and closing…

Read More