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There's a helpful article in today's Orange County Register that discusses the tax appeal process. In the next few weeks, the Assessor's office will be mailing out tax notices informing owners of their property's taxable value, which is the basis for the taxes that will be due in November. If you think you'll be overcharged for your property taxes this year due to declining values, you'll want to get ready to appeal your assessment.

The deadline for filing for an informal assessment review has passed - it was April 30th. If you missed that deadline, you can still seek a hearing through the formal assessment appeals process. You can file for your appeal from July 2 thru Sept. 15th by filling out an application.

After you submit your application for the formal appeal process, you'll need to find comparable properties which support your claim of decreased property value. You will need to find at least three similar properties and research their location, size, amenities and value on or around January 1, 2008. As a professional real estate appriser, I can provide this service for you. I have created an appraisal report for use in determining property value for tax appeal purposes. It's shorter and less complicated than the appraisal reports used for loan purposes and I charge a lower fee as well. I will not only provide you with the appraised value of your home but I will provide you with the three required comparables you'll need in your hearing.

I have attended a formal appeal hearing in front of the three member appeals board that is mentioned in the article. The name "formal appeal hearing" sounds intimidating but don't let that deter you. It's not very difficult at all. If you have solid comparables to support your argument, you'll do just fine. For this reason, I strongly suggest you take advantage of the services I have to offer.

Please contact my office to learn more about my appraisal services for appealing your tax assessment. I can be reached at 714-969-8565 or at mcrose@coastappraisalinc.com