Q: When should I speak with the assessor for the first time?
A: Approximately 2-3 months after you submitted your informal request for a property reassessment. Continue to follow up every two weeks if you do not get an answer out of the assessor’s office. Do not waste time trying to call within the first month because your file probably hasn’t even been looked at. Contact your county assessor’s office directly and ask what district your property is located in. Speak with an assessor working in your district.
Q: Do I need to do all of the modules before sending out my request and appeal form?
A: No. However, we designed each module to provide you with important information you will undoubtedly need at some point in your appeal. We recommend completing the course and going back to modules with which you would like to refresh your memory.
Q: How do I get my comparable properties?
A: Contact a local real estate agency. If you do not have luck with a local real estate agent, you can contact Wall Martinen to get assistance. The number you could reach agents at Wall Martinen is 866-747-3898.
Q: Where do I find the information about my county’s assessor and appeals board?
A: Review the document entitled “California’s County Assessors” in Module 6. Be sure to check that your county assessor’s information has not changed by going to their website.
Q: What are my chances of getting a reduction in assessed value?
A: The California real estate market has had greater than a 20% decline in fair market value since its peak. There are no guarantees that your home will be assessed greater than the fair market value today, especially if you purchased it prior to 2002. However, after completing this course you will be able to persuasively present a case for a fall in value if one does in fact exist.
Q: Do I have to present my case using legal rules of evidence?
A: No. Neither the assessor’s office nor the appeals board requires a homeowner to use legal rules of evidence. You do not need to be a lawyer to be successful. The Copilot program provides you with everything you need to present your case effectively.
Q: When do I submit my informal request to the assessor’s office?
A: Check with your county to make sure you know the first day your board accepts appeals. Submission of the informal request for a reassessment to your assessor should be done prior to this day. Generally, submission can be made between January 1 and December 31st. The board normally begins accepting appeals around July 2nd. Therefore, make sure you have already submitted your informal request before that date.
Q: When do I submit the appeal form to the assessment appeals board?
A: Submission of the appeal to your assessment appeals board should be done on the first day appeals are accepted by your board. Remember, if you miss this date, you can still submit but you will have a longer wait before your appeal date is scheduled.
Q: I don’t find the forms for my county in this program. What should I do?
A: Go to the website for your county assessor’s office and/or your county board and download the forms. Many counties update their forms each year so make sure you have the form for the year you are appealing.
Q: Can I give my user name and password to a friend to use the Copilot?
A: No. Your right to use the Copilot is not transferable. The terms and conditions you agreed to prohibit use of this program by more than one household. Only a registered user can use the Copilot. You agree to notify Property Tax Appeal Copilot of any unauthorized use of your username or password or any breach of security.
Q: What do I do if I have a residential multi-unit (1-4 units) building?
A: The same principals for a single family home apply to residential multi-unit properties with 4 or less units. Be sure to select only multi-unit buildings as your comparables.
Q: Can I use this program for my commercial building?
A: This program is not designed for commercial property tax reassessment.
Q: What does the package I send to the Assessor’s office include?
A: The informal request form, copies of the data for each of your comparables, a map of the comparables and your property, and valuation template completed with your property and the comparables.
Q: What does the package I send to the Assessment Appeals Board include?
A: An appeal form specific to your county, copies of the data for your comparables property, the valuation template completed with your property and the comparables.
Q: Do I have to dress up for the Hearing Officer or Appeal Board?
A: Always try to put your best foot forward. Dressing in business attire for the hearing is advisable.
Q: Can I reschedule my appointment with the hearing officer or Board if something comes up?
A: Each county has different rules regarding how a hearing is to be rescheduled. Check the website for your county to make sure you follow the steps to properly reschedule an appointment. Do not just forget to show or think you could reschedule after the hearing. Many times a no show results in the appeal being tossed out. Be proactive and keep the hearing officer/board informed.
Q: What if I have technical problems opening the pdfs?
A: Make sure you have installed Adode Reader correctly. Visit the Course Work Home page to find the link to the download area. Install the program. After doing that - you should have no problem!
Q: What if I have technical problems viewing the videos?
A: Make sure you have installed Adobe Flash Player correctly. Visit the Course Work Home page to find the link to the download area. Install the program. After doing that - you should be golden! |
