The basic answer to this question is: they are processing your assessment! Be nice!
Errors happen since there is a substantial amount of assessments and so many homes to appraise! Always keep in mind the Assessor’s Office is a mass appraisal entity and they may not always have the time or the staff to make sure all values are perfect. When a mistake|an error in your building record or a value is far above than what it should or could be, generally it’s not personal.
The employees of the Assessor can make your life extremely simple and they can also make it more complicated. If you’re difficult to work with, no one will want to assist you, even if the mistake is the Assessors mistake. The personnel do not like being treated as individuals who are out to take advantage of you, because they arent. The personnel are not affected by how much you pay in property taxes, or your records and values, so be calm. Be an individual they want to assist so that you can get the most of how they can help. Remember, even if the person you are speaking with can’t help you, most likely they know the person who can and have influence with that person.
When I worked for the Office of the Assessor I had doors slammed in my face, I had homeowners and business owners yell at me. I was also treated as if I had no understanding of the law or even appraisal and I was definitely not excited about to assist those who treated me that way. It was my part ofjob to assist them, to be the civil servant I was paid to be. After working for years in an environment where most of the public resented my position and the job I did it was very taxing. Remember, the Assessor is a person and the employees of the Assessor are people and they are tired of being yelled at! They get that all day long every day and most of the employees work there for years.
Imagine what its like to work in a place for years where your clients hate you! Its not fun! Dont be one more homeowner they add to that list! The staff you encounter who work for the Assessor, handle and influence your property taxes, always keep that in mind! They have worked with thousands of property owners and can read you like a book, so be kind and patient and realize they are not out to get you. The staff of the Assessor’s Office, are doing their jobs. Being frustrating and antagonizing will not get you what you are looking for. You may be surprised at what being kind and patient will get you.
About the Author: Valerie Faltas, Property Tax Expert worked in assessments for years, is a Certified Property Tax Appraiser, Licensed Residential Appraiser and a member of the International Association of Assessment Officers. As a real estate investor and advisor she is well versed in all aspects of real estate. To contact Valerie Faltas go to her website: www.propertytaxlittleblackbook.com