Filing Tax Grievance

Has anyone done this one their own or have you used one of those companies that do it for you but you ahve to give them like half of the reduction?

My MIL suggested a company but I'm not so sure youcan't do it yourself.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

you can definetly do it yourself

mine is almost complete - i just got an offer to save over $2,000 a year on taxes

check with your town when the due date is - in huntignton there is only a 3 week window you can file - which is the beginning of may

when you pick up the forms from the town it gives you directions how to fill out the form

you need an appraisal close to the time period - so if you bought a house recently you have it - if not you have to pay for one but you would have to pay for one even if you use a service - if you are filing this year the appraisal needs to be around july 2010 - your are doing the year prior

fiel the forms and supporting documentation - no fee by deadline with town -


a few months later you hear back- most are denied the first round

then you have to file a small claims appeal called a SCAR - the forms are again at the town and they give directions how to fill out - still very easy

then i got a letter about 2 months later with an offer to lower taxes - i could take it now or go to court

i chose to take the offer so that is how much i know.

it is simple just annoying gong to town hall and learning the time periods - i know for town of huntington -

hopw that helps

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

We filed ourselves as did a bunch of our neighbors. We collectively went met with the tax collector and presented our research and our position. But at the end of the day we all filed the paperwork individually. Our taxes were reduced by $2,500. We plan on doing the same again this year. (Our taxes are crazy-I live in NJ)

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

I did it on my own and got denied. :(

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

We are in the Town of Hempstead. We did it ourselves and won't hear back until March I think. My MILs neighbor did it herself too and got a reduction.

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

Honestly, your chances of succeeding are the same whether or not you do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you.

The process for filing a SCAR complaint is very straightforward and not too dificult. It can be time consuming though. And may require a day or two off from work to make sure your filing gets in on time, gathering information, etc.

The bottom line is if you are truly over assessed you will get a reduction. If you just *think* you're paying too much in taxes, you won't.

Remember, you're not challenging the amount of taxes you pay, you're challenging an assessment.

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

I've challenged my parents' taxes 3 times; I won once. Didn't know that once denied I should do the SCAR, will try that this year when I challenge both their and my taxes.

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

Stupid question related to this: since you're essentially asking the town to lower the assessed value of your house, could this low assessment impact you negatively if you then try to sell your house in the near future? (like if you relocate)

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

I have done it on my own, and won. It is really easy to do in Brookhaven. They give you all of the info at the town hall. There is a very brief window to do it though. GL

Message edited 12/15/2010 11:17:35 AM.

Re: Filing Tax Grievance

Re: Filing Tax Grievance