Why Should I Be Agreeable With The Office of the Assessor?
Simply, because they are handling your assessment!
If there is a mistake|an error in your building record or a value that is higher than than what it should be, it is not intentional nor is it personal. Errors happengiven there is such a volume of work for them to complete and so many residences to assess! Simply remember the Assessor’s Office is a mass assessment organization and they do not always have the time or the man power to ensure every single value is perfect. All government organizations are overwhelmed with work and the Assessor’s Office is no different. So, cut them a little slack, they’re not out to get you.
The employees of the Assessor can make your life extremely simple and they can also make it difficult. If you’re difficult to work with, no one will want to assist you, even if the error is the Assessors mistake. The personnel do not like being treated as people who are out to screw you, because they arent. The staff are unaffected by how much you pay in property taxes, or your records and values, so be calm. Be someone 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 individual who can and have influence with that individual.
While I was an employee of the Office of the Assessor there were front doors closed in my face, I was screamed at by taxpayers. At times I was treated like I had no comprehension of assessments or appraisal and I wasn’t excited about to assist people who spoke to me like that. Part of myresponsibility to assist them, to be a civil servant. In spite of that fact, after working for years in an environment where the public resented me every day and the job I did it was very taxing. Always keep in mind, the Assessor himself is a person and the staff are human beings and they have been treated poorly for years. They are yelled at everyday 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 taxpayer they add to that list! The staff you encounter who work for the Office of 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 understand they are not out to get you. The employees 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
