This is a very easy question to answerbecause they are handling your property taxes!

Errors happen since there is a substantial amount of assessments and so many residences to process! Simply keep in mind the Assessor’s Office is a mass assessment organization and they may not necessarily have the time or the staff to ensure all valuations are what they should be. When a mistake|an error in your building information or a value is higher than than what it should or could be, generally it’s not personal.

The Assessor’s employees can make your life easy and 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 fault. The staff do not like being dealt with like people 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 kind. Quite frankly, most of them don’t care because their jobs are secure, so whether they help you or not they’re still getting paid. Be a person they want to help so that you can get the most of what they know and who they know. Remember, even if the person you are speaking with can’t assist you, most likely they know the individual who can and have influence with that person.

As an employee of the Office of the Assessor there were doors slammed in my face, I was yelled at by the public. Sometimes I was treated like I had no knowledge of property tax law or even appraisal and I was not inclined to help individuals who treated me like that. Part of myjob to assist them, to be a civil servant. Yet, after working for years in an environment where the homeowners resented me and the job I did it was very taxing. Remember, the Assessor himself is a person and the staff are people and they have been yelled at enough already. They are yelled at everyday and most of the staff work there for years.

Imagine what its like to be in a working environment for years where most people you deal with hate you! Its not good! Dont be one more they add to that list! The staff you deal with who work for the Assessor, influence your property tax value and records, always remember that! Most of them have worked with thousands of taxpayers and can read you like a book, so be kind and patient and understand they are not out to screw you. The employees of the Office of the Assessor, are simply doing their jobs. Being angry and patronizing will not get you the result 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