If you are a Palm Beach property owner, you have probably already received your Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (or TRIM Notice). If you are alarmed that your assessment is too high, you might have reason to be; an inaccurate estimate could end up costing you thousands more in property taxes. Your first step is to contact an experienced local real estate attorney to review your case and discuss appealing your Palm Beach tax appraisal.
Legal Remedies
When a property owner disagrees with his or her assessment, he or she can either contact the property appraiser’s office for an informal review or file a petition for adjustment with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) or both. Typically, when the informal review is unsuccessful, the next action is filing a petition for a formal review which is heard by a licensed appraiser. Although you can file this pleading and go through your hearing without representation, it is not advisable. This is still considered a legal matter, and your petition and what you say in the hearing can be used against you later. If you do not want to appeal your assessment through a VAB petition, you have the option of filing suit in a local court where the matter will be heard by a judge. This is more common when cases involve complicated issues, and the parties need more time to conduct discovery and examine the evidence.
When Appealing Makes Sense
Not every property tax assessment warrants an appeal. There can be valid reasons for a bill to be higher. That being said, not all appraisals are accurate, and your home may have been over-valued. If you are uncertain about your Palm Beach assessment, it is best to meet with an experienced Palm Beach real estate attorney who can help you evaluate your situation and consider whether or not you should appeal. However, the law limits the time you have to act, and you must file your petition soon.
Contact Our Palm Beach Real Estate Attorneys Today
At Rabideau Klein, Guy Rabideau, Esq. and David E. Klein, Esq. are Florida Board-Certified Real Estate Attorneys with extensive experience in Palm Beach real estate law. We have the expertise and local knowledge you need to help you evaluate and appeal your property tax assessment. Contact Rabideau Klein today to discuss your real estate legal needs.