Apply for Property Tax Re-Assessment By Nov. 1

This blog post first appeared on Novato Patch in August 2011 and is being revived due to the impending deadline for property tax re-assessment.

Concerned about how much property tax you are paying and thinking you are paying more than your fair share even after Marin county's automatic re-assessment?

A Marin reader on a nationwide Real Estate site wondered the same and asked 'How'?

Marin county property owners can apply for re-assessment of their property tax annually for a slight relief. The filing period is July 2 through Nov. 1.

This is to request an informal review of the assessment of your property if you feel that the market value of your home is less than the assessed value as of Jan. 1, 2011.  If approved by the county, your property tax for the coming year will be lower based on the lower assessed property value. Note that this would be a temporary reduction only.

You will need to provide the county with three properties that sold close to Jan. 1, 2011 and no later than March 31, 2011.  You will then be able to provide your opinion on the value of your home based on the properties selected. 

Here is the link for the Marin County Property Informal Assessment Review Request Form.

The form has to be postmarked before 4 p.m., Nov. 1 to be accepted.

The best way to get the information is to ask your trusted Realtor to provide you with three comparable properties that meet the county's requirement. If needed, he/she might even be able to do a write-up to support the suggested assessment value.

Every little bit counts; especially during this difficult economy. Do it now before you forget ... and good luck.