Why is it important to hire a Tax Attorney? You may have heard the word “tax” and “tax debt” and thought that this was simply another term for property tax. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Property tax is a form of sales tax that is assessed by the county government. In some counties, the property tax is included in the general tax amount while in other counties, it is charged separately.

The tax imposed on your property will depend on many factors. Some of these factors are the type of property, location of the property, age and value of the property, as well as the tax rate. In most states, the highest rate is seven percent. If you live in a county with a very high tax rate, you will likely pay more in property tax than if you lived in a county with a lower tax rate. This is why it is so important to work hard to avoid or minimize your property tax debt.

Why is it important to have an attorney review your taxes if you owe them? An attorney will review the accuracy of the valuation of your home and help you work with the county to reduce the amount of tax that you owe. If the amount of tax that you owe is not correct the first time you look into it, you could lose your home. In addition to having your home taken away from you without warning an attorney can also have other legal actions taken against you. If there are any unpaid taxes then you could be charged with criminal tax evasion which carries a jail sentence.

Can a property tax attorney reduce my property tax debt? Yes, they can! A tax attorney has the knowledge and experience to negotiate with the county and state, often times resulting in a lower overall property tax rate that will save you hundreds of dollars in taxes every year.

Can I save on property tax if I sell my home before my property tax debt is due? Yes, you can. Many counties and states will forgive a portion of your property tax debt if you sell your home prior to the end of your property tax year. This is especially true if you live in a community property state where you pay for utilities and taxes in addition to your mortgage payment. Some states also waive portions of your property tax debt if you sell your home within a specified time, such as two years.

Is it possible for me to avoid having to pay my property tax by filing my return electronically? Yes, you can. Many tax professionals offer a software package that allows you to file your return online. This software package will also help you keep up with tax news and updates. If you have a high property tax rate, finding a good tax attorney is definitely worth your time.