<p>Home values across Texas have been skyrocketing over the past couple of years, meaning the assessed values of Texas properties have, in many cases, increased in excess of 10%. Many property owners are finding that they are getting their property’s market value significantly reduced by protesting, but not seeing any reduction on their property taxes. This is most likely due to the Homestead Cap.</p>
<p>What is the Homestead Cap? Texas Tax Code limits increases of the total assessed value to <strong>10%</strong> from year to year for properties under the <a href="https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/residence-faq.php">homestead exemption</a>, which takes effect after the exemption has been in place for two consecutive years. Note that this 10% increase excludes any added improvements. This is especially useful in hot housing markets where values are rising faster than 10% per year. Here’s an example to illustrate: </p>
<p>A townhome close to downtown Austin was assessed at $400,000 last year, is the owner’s primary residence with a homestead exemption in place for more than two years. This year, the county assessor assigned the townhome a market value of $500,000. This property’s appraised value increased by $100,000, a whopping 25% from their assessment last year. However, since the townhome was filed with a homestead exemption, the assessment value cannot increase more than 10% from the previous year. Therefore, this 10% cap limits the assessed value to no more than $440,000 this year. To make any difference in the property tax bill, the owner would need to protest and reduce the market value by $60,000 or more to reduce the $500,000 value of the property to a value below the homestead capped amount of $440,000. Generally speaking, homeowners can expect a 5-10% reduction of their market value from a successful protest, resulting in a potential valuation between $475,000 to $450,000. So, even with a reduction of the market value of the property resulting from a very strong protest case, a property owner would not see any reduction on their tax bill since it is not below $440,000.</p>
<p>2021 Assessed Value: $400,000<br>2022 Market Value: $500,000<br>2022 Assessed Value: $440,000<br>Homestead Value Cap: 10% ($40K)<br>2022 Adjusted Value After Getting A Reduction of $50,000 via Protest: $450,000<br>Property Tax Bill Savings = $0</p>
<p>While there were no realized savings on this owner’s tax bill this year, this is still a good result for several reasons:</p>
<p>First, through the process of protesting, owners are able to verify the accuracy of the Appraisal District’s information about the property, which is likely to help reduce the chances that they will see such high increases in the years to come.</p>
<p>Second, if an owner decides to sell their property in the future, buyers may be more attracted to their property over others because the overall cost of purchase will be lower given the prorated taxes due for the remainder of the year after purchasing the house (adjustments to sale price).</p>
<p>Third, having a reduced property value will benefit the property owner if they choose to transfer their homestead exemption to another property, or turn their current primary residence into a rental property.</p>
<p>Fourth, it doesn’t cost anything to try! Ownwell’s <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/pricing">savings-or-free guarantee</a> means that even though our team may spend hours building and presenting the strongest protest case possible, if we aren’t able to reduce the final tax bill, we don’t charge a cent.</p>


Everything you need to know about the homestead cap and its impact on property taxes protests in the Lone Star State. 

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How The Homestead Cap Impacts Texas Property Tax Protests 

<h1>Property Portal: Everything you need at your fingertips</h1>
<p>After signing up, you can view appeal status updates, upload additional documents, and more, all through Ownwell’s Property Portal. Your dashboard has been designed to make accessing and updating your information easier than ever.</p>
<p><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/portal_blog_template_property_63ed0bea07.jpg" alt="portal blog template property_.jpg"></p>
<p>From the property detail page, you can review and adjust your property’s information to ensure that your property tax consultant has the most accurate information available for your appeal. This creates an opportunity to highlight mistakes the appraiser may have made in regards to your property’s features. </p>
<p><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/portal_blog_template_property_info_3ead148596.jpg" alt="portal blog template property info.jpg"></p>
<p>From the portal you can track the progress of your property tax appeal every step of the way, as well as view your results and total savings at the end of the process.  </p>
<p><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/portal_blog_template_status_b20e0c7719.jpg" alt="portal blog template status.jpg"></p>
<p>You can also upload additional documentation to support your appeal, such as details related to <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/blog/property-damage-repairs-and-tax-reductions-what-you-need-to-know-7">deferred maintenance or damage</a>. This information can be used to strengthen your case. Click the upload icon in the navigation bar to access the page.</p>
<p><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/Documents_Page_72d7dfbbad.png" alt="DocumentsPage.png"></p>
<p>Along with adding and updating additional documentation, you can update your contact information and password from one page. Note that our primary method of contact with you will be email, so please <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/contact-us">contact us</a> if you need to make any changes to that information.  </p>
<p><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/portal_blog_template_account_info_932051d37f.jpg" alt="portal blog template account info.jpg"></p>
<p>Your personalized referral link can also be found in your dashboard. For each friend that signs up using your link, you save $15 off your Ownwell invoice and your friend does, too. Click the connection icon in the navigation bar to access the page.</p>
<p><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/referral_image_a56a28e093.png" alt="referral image.png"></p>
<p>Now it’s time to check out the dashboard for yourself! After signing up, go to <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/claim">https://www.ownwell.com/claim</a>, or simply click the link in your signup confirmation email. You’ll be prompted to set up a password and confirm your email address. Once that’s done, you’ll have access to all of the features described. Additional features will be launching very soon to help you further maximize your savings potential, so please be on the lookout for those announcements and check back often.</p>


Viewing appeal status updates, uploading additional documents, and referring friends just got easier. 

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Property Portal: Everything you need at your fingertips

<h1>Ownwell in the News</h1>
<p>From opening an office in Austin, TX to securing funding, Ownwell’s transition from a three-person startup to becoming a major figure in the property tax appeal service industry has garnered media attention. Below are some articles from major publications that have featured Ownwell.  </p>
<hr>
<h1><strong>Featured Articles</strong></h1>
<p><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2022-04-19/ownwell-s-property-tax-solution-now-fully-available-in-texas-to-help-owners-reduce-outsized-assessments"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/bloomberg_86bf90ea4c.png" alt="bloomberg.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/05/17/homeowners-property-taxes-appeal/9731223002/?gnt-cfr=1"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/USA_Today_e13285171c.png" alt="USA Today.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/now/ownwell-property-tax-solution-now-110000238.html"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/Yahoo_finance_66d0dfe0b0.png" alt="Yahoo finance.png"></a></p>
<p><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/money_market_advisor_e7d3a45820.png" alt="money market advisor.png"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.builtinaustin.com/2022/04/20/property-appraisal-ownwell-relocates-hq-austin"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/built_in_ATX_e37a7becd9.png" alt="built in ATX.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2022/05/03/ownwell-seeks-to-simplify-property-tax-protests-and-save-homeowners-money/"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/silicon_hills_1c57733e3b.png" alt="silicon hills.png"></a> </p>
<p><a href="https://link.americaninno.com/view/5ff7733bcf80d3735081250fgcc4n.ry/292dcbf3"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/the_beat_cf5af1a48b.png" alt="the beat.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://finovate.com/fintech-startup-showcase-with-ownwell-proptech-meets-taxtech/"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/finovate_d58af5d646.png" alt="finovate.png"></a></p>
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<h1><strong>Funding Articles</strong></h1>
<p><a href="http://createsend.com/t/d-8F92493B349B13102540EF23F30FEDED"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/wsj_pro_5f20309a04.png" alt="wsj pro.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pitch-deck-ownwell-used-to-raise-seed-round-2022-5"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/Business_Insider_logo_72917da6ad.png" alt="Business Insider logo.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.venturecapitaljournal.com/ownwell-inks-5-75m-seed/"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/venture_capital_journal_5f9f5a496b.png" alt="venture capital journal.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://techstartups.com/2022/05/02/proptech-startup-ownwell-raises-5-75m-seed-funding-help-commercial-residential-property-owners-save-money-property-taxes/"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/tech_startups_b04c04bd8d.png" alt="tech startups.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://link.americaninno.com/view/62620bf76997a1f0c9069096gez72.8rf/351f39fc"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/the_beat_cf5af1a48b.png" alt="the beat.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://finledger.com/2022/05/02/ownwell-raises-5-75m-seed-for-property-tax-services/"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/finledger_424602d5d6.png" alt="finledger.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ownwell-closes-5-75m-seed-110000106.html"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/Yahoo_finance_66d0dfe0b0.png" alt="Yahoo finance.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/22/05/b26924864/ownwell-closes-5-75m-seed-funding-round-to-make-property-ownership-costs-more-equitable"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/benzinga_1f7d5c1d48.png" alt="benzinga.png"></a></p>
<p><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/fortune_30a753a264.png" alt="fortune.png"></p>
<p><a href="https://pitchbook.com/newsletter/ownwell-bags-575m-seed-round-for-property-tax-analysis"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/pitchbook_dca82eb588.png" alt="pitchbook.png"></a></p>
<p><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/axios_e2db114852.png" alt="axios.png"></p>
<p><a href="https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2022/05/03/314223/ownwell-closes-575m-seed-funding-round-led-first-round-capital"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/private_equity_wire_9ba38fd53d.png" alt="private equity wire.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.finsmes.com/2022/05/ownwell-closes-5-75m-seed-funding-round.html"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/finsmes_3a8da2b41b.png" alt="finsmes.png"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://houston.innovationmap.com/ownwell-colton-pace-seed-round-expansion-2657264998.html?utm_campaign=RebelMouse&amp;socialux=facebook&amp;share_id=7037297&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=InnovationMap&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwAR2IA9Dgq_EaBdJPaS_8mhdE5I2Ip9U9t95w0NrHeABYaF66gmyUEwfn9i4"><img src="https://wiki.realappeal.tax/uploads/innovation_map_63e7c78b4d.png" alt="innovation map.png"></a></p>


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Ownwell in the News

Data Analysis Prepared by Ownwell
May 2022


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Property Values & Tax Protests: Who pays the highest effective tax rates?

<h1>Property Tax Exemptions:  What You Need To Know</h1>
<p>Skyrocketing property taxes have become commonplace throughout the country, especially in the past few years. While there are multiple ways to position your property to get a property tax reduction, one of the most effective ways to receive larger reductions is through property tax exemptions. </p>
<p>There are a few different exemptions that can reduce or even eliminate your tax liability depending on your personal circumstances. The most common property tax exemptions include homestead, senior, disability, and veteran exemptions. This article will cover what each of these exemptions are, as well as who typically qualifies for them.<br>Note: Exemptions can differ from state to state and even county to county. Please reach out to a property tax expert for more insight into your specific county’s tax requirements. </p>
<h2>Homestead or Primary Residence Exemption</h2>
<p>The most common exemption for property owners is the homestead exemption. This exemption is granted for a property owner’s primary residence. To qualify for a homestead exemption the property must be your primary residence in the year you apply. Most states have some sort of tax break for owner occupied properties and they are often the biggest tax breaks homeowners can take advantage of. This exemption reduces the taxable value of your property either by a flat dollar amount or a percent reduction each year. In states like Texas, you can deduct up to $25,000 off your assessed value reducing your property taxes by over $600 a year. For homeowners living within city limits or towns with higher taxes, your savings from this exemption could be even higher. Primary residence exemptions can also cap the potential increase in your property taxes each year, for example in Texas your taxable value can’t go up more than 10% a year if you have an active <a href="https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/residence-faq.php">homestead exemption</a> on the property.</p>
<h2>Senior Exemption</h2>
<p>The senior exemption is generally offered to property owners who are age 65 and older. While the requirements for senior exemptions differ from county to county, typically these requirements include the property being the main residence of the property owner and that the property owner falls within a certain income status. For example, in <a href="https://kingcounty.gov/depts/assessor/TaxRelief.aspx#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20a%20senior,the%20limit%20threshold%20of%20%2458%2C423.">King County Washington</a> , to qualify for a senior property tax exemption an individual must be age 61 or older and have an income below $58,423</p>
<h2>Disability Exemption</h2>
<p>Many states allow disabled individuals to qualify for property tax exemptions. This exemption is open to disabled individuals who meet the definition of disabled for the purpose of receiving disability benefits under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Act. The disabled persons exemption applies only to the individual&#39;s primary place of residence. In states like Florida for example, disability exemptions range from <a href="https://www.miamidade.gov/pa/exemptions_civilian_disability_total.asp#:~:text=A%20Florida%20resident%20who%20has,assessed%20value%20of%20the%20property.">$500</a> to <a href="https://www.miamidade.gov/pa/exemptions-civilian-disability-various.asp">complete exemption</a> of all ad valorem taxes depending on extent of disability as certified by licensed medical professionals.</p>
<h2>Veteran Exemption</h2>
<p>The veteran exemption for real estate is a federal law that provides exemptions to certain disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans from paying property taxes on their home if the property is their primary residence. This exemption is intended to help increase homeownership among disabled veterans and the families of deceased veterans. Every state offers some form of property tax exemption for veterans with varying percentages of <a href="https://www.va.gov/disability/about-disability-ratings/">VA certified disability</a>. However, <a href="https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Property-Tax-Exemptions.aspx">California</a>, <a href="https://tax.iowa.gov/tax-credits-and-exemptions">Iowa</a>, and <a href="https://www.sweetwatercountywy.gov/departments/assessor/veterans_property_tax_exemption.php">Wyoming</a> also offer property tax exemptions to veterans who are not disabled. </p>
<h2>How To Claim An Exemption</h2>
<p>In most jurisdictions, property tax exemptions are filed through the county assessor’s office. There are a few ways you can apply for exemptions depending on your county. While most counties will accept mailed in applications for exemptions, some counties allow you to complete the entire application process electronically through their website. The qualifications and application process can vary from county to county so it’s a good idea to visit your county assessor’s website for specific information on how to apply for an exemption in your area. These exemptions require specific supporting documentation, so it is important to have the required information on hand before you start the exemption application process. </p>
<h2>Finding Even More Savings</h2>
<p>It is often possible to save money beyond what an exemption can offer by appealing your property taxes. This is especially important in the years following up to the qualification threshold for certain time-dependent exemptions such as homestead and senior exemption. This is because it helps keep your property’s taxable value as low as possible so that when you do qualify for an exemption it’ll already be based on your previously established low taxable value. Check out our <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/appeal">tax savings estimator</a> to see how much you could save on your property taxes. </p>
<p>Appealing your property taxes yearly is another great way to proactively combat rising property taxes. With an average property tax reduction of 12% and a 89% success rate on appeals, Ownwell can handle every aspect of your appeal for you. </p>
<p>Signing up takes less than five minutes, and with our savings-or-free guarantee a dedicated property tax expert will start building an appeal that maximizes your savings potential with no upfront cost to you. Upon a successful appeal, we only charge a 25% contingency fee based on the final reduction you receive.</p>


 This article covers what exemptions are, as well as who typically qualifies for them.

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Property Tax Exemptions:  What You Need To Know

<h1>What You Need to Know About DIY Property Tax Appeals</h1>
<p>Property tax appeals are a great way for residential homeowners and commercial property owners to save money, mitigating the impact of rising property tax assessments. However, filing an appeal is not for the faint of heart. Between the many hours it takes to collect supporting evidence and navigating the bureaucracy that varies in every locality, many property owners find the process overwhelming. Nevertheless, some property owners still prefer to file their own protest, negotiate with the tax assessors, and attend the hearings themselves. If that’s you, this guide will be especially useful. At Ownwell, we believe every property owner should evaluate appealing their property taxes every year. Check out these tips from our property tax experts to help you increase your chances of getting a tax reduction. </p>
<p>The process of a DIY (do it yourself) appeal typically requires these key steps: filing an appeal, collecting supporting evidence, disputing the tax assessor’s evidence and presenting your case. </p>
<hr>
<h1>Step 1: File an Appeal</h1>
<p>To reduce your property taxes, you almost always have to file a formal appeal. Filing an appeal prior to the deadline preserves your right to contest your tax assessed value with the county tax assessor.</p>
<h5>Review the Value Notice</h5>
<p>Property owners receive an assessment valuation notice in the mail with the new market value of the property as determined by your county tax assessor. This notice typically contains information about how and when to file an appeal. In many jurisdictions, the appeal must be filed within a certain number of days after receiving the value notice, typically 30 to 60 days. </p>
<h5>Determine if Your Property is Overvalued</h5>
<p>Once you receive the value notice, you’ll need to determine whether the new value represents an overvaluation of your property. In some jurisdictions, such as Texas, it is recommended that property owners appeal every tax year. However, in many other jurisdictions, the new value for your property may be significantly undervalued or there may be a filing fee associated with filing an appeal. If this is the case in your jurisdiction, you should identify comparable properties, property condition issues that indicate a reduction, or inequitable taxes for your property prior to filing an appeal. Take a look at our advice as described in Step 2: Collect Supporting Evidence below.</p>
<h5>File an Appeal</h5>
<p>Once you have received the value notice and determined that your property is overvalued, it is time to file your appeal. The appeal forms for most jurisdictions are on the county assessor’s or appraisal district’s website. Once you have located the appropriate forms to file an appeal, fill out the form and mail it to the address stated on the appeal form, or submit the appeal online if that is an option in your county. If you are unsure of what to fill out on the form, typically the value notice has information about how to complete the form, and you can always reach out to your local assessor’s office for guidance. Some jurisdictions require a property owner to submit their opinion of value and supporting documentation with their appeal. If so, review and complete Step 2: Collect Supporting Evidence prior to arriving at your opinion of value. </p>
<hr>
<h1>Step 2: Collect Supporting Evidence</h1>
<p>To reduce your property tax assessment and consequently your property tax bill, you have to present information that suggests your property is overassessed, otherwise known as supporting evidence.</p>
<h5>Pictures of Deferred Maintenance</h5>
<p>Damage to a property or maintenance you may have deferred at your property are always good to explain when arguing a property tax appeal. The assessor’s office rarely knows about damage or maintenance issues. Taking pictures of damage or deferred maintenance is one of the most effective types of evidence you can use to support arguing a lower assessed value. This is especially true when the data, such as comparable sales, might not support a reduction claim. </p>
<h5>Quotes</h5>
<p>Getting and retaining all quotes or estimates you’ve received for any major repairs that are necessary can also be used as evidence. You are even able to use estimates for repairs as long as the quotes are for damage that was present prior to the date the assessor valued your property or “lien date”. This valuation date is typically January 1st for most geographies.</p>
<h5>Recent Purchase</h5>
<p>If you recently purchased the property within the last 2 years, this is one of the the best and possibly easiest ways to receive a reduction for your property. If you purchased the property on the open market and it was listed on the MLS, the price it sold for should be very close to the assessed value of your property. Typically, the county assessor/appraisal district identifies the sale price and values the property at the sale price. However, in some instances the county misses the sale or in non-disclosure states such as Texas, they do not have access to the sale price. So, if your noticed value is higher than the price you purchased the property for in the last couple of years, you should include that in your appeal evidence, along with the closing statements.</p>
<h5>Sales Comparables</h5>
<p>Sales comparables are another great way to support your appeal. Online tools like Zillow.com and Realtor.com are great for researching similar properties that recently sold in your area. In non-disclosure states, such as Texas, this can be more difficult and you may need to enlist the help of a realtor or tax consultant. Ideally you want to identify sales of properties that are as similar as possible to your property, also known as comparables. When comparing properties, keep in mind the property’s location, age, building size, lot size, and sale date. Ideally the sale date will be close to the tax valuation date, or January 1st. It’s fine if the sales are a little after the new year, but sales finalized at the end of the previous year will hold more weight.</p>
<hr>
<h1>Step 3: Prepare a Rebuttal to the Tax Assessor’s Evidence</h1>
<p>In most situations, your county tax assessor will send you an evidence packet regarding your property&#39;s assessed value 15-30 days prior to your hearing. This evidence packet will contain the comparable sales the county used to determine the value of your property. When you receive this packet, it is important to thoroughly review the evidence and form a rebuttal. If you have personal knowledge of the sales the county used, such as a recent remodel or repairs done on a property you’re familiar with, consider the characteristics of these sales and then compare them to the characteristics of your property. If you do not have any knowledge of the sales, look for photos online to help you compare.</p>
<p>After reviewing the comparable data points, consider the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Are the comparable sales superior or inferior to your property in any way?</li>
<li>Are the comparable sales close in proximity to your property?</li>
<li>Is there any reason these comparable sales would indicate a higher value for your property that could be explained by some characteristic these properties possess that yours does not?</li>
</ul>
<p>From these answers, create a game plan for your rebuttal with all the necessary information you’ve gathered that could disqualify the county’s evidence. In some parts of the country the burden of proof is on the county to provide adequate evidence to support the assessed value of your property. If the county is unable to provide adequate evidence as to why your property’s assessed value increased, they are required to revert your assessed value to the prior year&#39;s value. Regardless of who has burden of proof, it is vital to create a sound rebuttal to the county’s evidence and be able to provide enough of your own collected evidence to increase the likelihood of receiving a reduced valuation. </p>
<hr>
<h1>Step 4: Present Your Case</h1>
<h5>(Optional) Receive an Offer</h5>
<p>Occasionally, prior to any discussion with the assessor/appraisal district, you will receive an offer of a reduced value. Typically, these initial offers are not substantial reductions and should be reviewed thoroughly prior to accepting. If your property sold in the last year, the assessor/appraisal district may offer a reduced value equal to the sale price which you should consider accepting in most instances. Be cautious before accepting an early offer, as this often indicates you have a good case to appeal.</p>
<h5>Schedule an Informal Hearing</h5>
<p>An informal hearing is a meeting between a property owner and a representative of the assessor’s office/appraisal district. Informal hearings or discussions can be held in-person, via telephone or email. As a property owner attending an informal hearing, it is important to be clear and concise in delivering the points you would like to make in reference to the value of your property. It is equally important to be friendly to the representative because they ultimately decide the value they are willing to offer. After both parties have reviewed the evidence, the assessor’s office/appraisal district’s representative will either offer a reduced value or no-change in value and you can either accept or reject the offer. If you reject the offer, the appeal will be scheduled for a formal hearing.</p>
<h5>Schedule a Formal Hearing</h5>
<p>Formal hearing formats vary by jurisdiction, but typically consist of the property owner, a representative from the assessor’s office/appraisal district, and a panel of three to five taxpayers who typically have some real estate experience and that ultimately decides the outcome of the appeal. Prior to attending the formal hearing, you should have thoroughly reviewed the county’s evidence and made any necessary changes to your own evidence. In the hearing, you will be given an allotted amount of time to present your evidence, typically ten to fifteen minutes, and the representative of the assessor/appraisal district is given the same time to present their evidence. After both parties have presented their initial evidence, they are both given the opportunity to present a rebuttal of the other party&#39;s evidence. The panel then decides the value of the property after listening to testimony from both parties and reviewing the evidence submitted. Depending upon the jurisdiction, you will either learn the decision of the panel at the time of the formal hearing or within sixty days of the hearing. The format of this hearing is much more formal, hence the name, than the informal hearing, so it is recommended to have a script, notes, or an outline of what you’d like to say and the points you would like to get across to the panel. </p>
<h5>(Optional) Escalate Further</h5>
<p>If you are not satisfied with the results of the formal hearing, there are options to further escalate your appeal. However, if you have decided you would like to pursue further escalation, we recommend that you involve a real estate professional. In some instances, it may be necessary to involve an attorney as well. </p>
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<h1>An Alternative</h1>
<p>We understand that many property owners don’t have the time or desire to file their appeal and attend the hearings themselves. Ownwell’s team of local property tax experts handle everything from signup to savings. We combine proprietary, cutting-edge technology and several data sources, many requiring licensed and paid access that is otherwise unavailable to DIY protesters, with local expertise to maximize your chances of getting the most tax savings possible. You can sign up <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/appeal">here</a> in less than 5 minutes. After signing up online, our local property tax experts will personally construct your appeal, file your appeal, preemptively negotiate with tax assessors, craft rebuttals of county evidence, and attend all necessary hearings on your behalf. We offer a Savings-or-Free Guarantee, meaning that you’ll only pay if you receive a saving. For successful appeals, you’ll only pay 25% of the tax savings after you save. <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/appeal">Start your appeal today</a> and save yourself the hassles of DIY protesting.</p>


Property tax appeals are a great way for property owners to save money. However, filing an appeal is not for the faint of heart.


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What You Need to Know About DIY Property Tax Appeals 

<h1>Property Damage Repairs and Tax Reductions: What You Need To Know</h1>
<p>Evidence of property damage or deferred maintenance is one of the most effective ways to reduce your property taxes. If your property sustained damage in the past year from extreme weather, accidents, flooding, fire, aging, or other cause, Ownwell can use this damage to strengthen your case for a property tax appeal. This article covers how property damage can impact your property taxes and what steps you can take to maximize your property tax reduction potential. </p>
<h2>What repairs are eligible?</h2>
<p>The first step is to determine which repairs are eligible for a reduction. In order to qualify, the damage must be present during the previous fiscal year and some sort of repairs must be necessary due to the damage caused. This means that cosmetic repairs, or repairs done to improve the appearance of the property, would not be likely to strengthen your case.  Repairs from damage or maintenance of the property to maintain a safe habitable residence are ideal. While repairs and replacements influence the appraised value of your property, not all repairs will result in a reduction in the assessed value of your property. We have the most success with repairs or maintenance projects that cost over $1,000.</p>
<p>When it comes to filing an appeal, the more evidence you can supply showing the necessity of the repairs, the more likely you are to be successful. For example, repairs to foundations or quality-of-living items such as boilers, heaters, or AC units are generally more likely to be effective than chipped paint, or a weathered fence. The line between necessary repairs and proactive replacement can be subjective.  Consequently, you’ll want to factor in the importance of these repairs in regards to the structural integrity and habitability of the property, as well as the economic lifespan of any appliances you’re repairing or replacing.</p>
<p>If your property damage was caused by a natural disaster, like a hurricane or tornado, there are special programs in place to help you lower your property taxes. On some occasions, you can qualify for government relief due to homelessness or displacement from natural disasters. For example, in the state of Texas <a href="https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/disasters/index.php#:~:text=Tax%20Code%20Section%2011.35%20allows,appraised%20value%20of%20the%20property">Tax Code Section 11.35</a>  provides property owners who have experienced 15% or more damage due to a disaster the ability to receive temporary exemptions on their appraisal value. Depending on the percentage of damage estimated by the chief appraiser, properties can get a 15% to 100% exemption on their appraised value. In the case of Tax Code Section 11.35, to qualify for a potential exemption, property owners must apply for this exemption within 105 days of a disaster as declared by the Governor. For non disaster exempt properties, the scope of repairs that qualify as potential causes for reductions depend on your county. If you’re unsure whether your repairs would qualify for relief, you may want to reach out to a <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/contact-us">local tax property tax consultant</a> or your County Appraisal District for guidance.  </p>
<h2>What is the process for documenting repairs?</h2>
<p>If your home has sustained damage you can either get a quote from a local contractor or file a claim with your home insurance provider. If you file a claim with your insurance company they will likely send out an adjuster to assess the damage. In the absence of a quote from a contractor or estimate of repairs from an adjuster, photographs of the damage is the next best evidence to argue for a tax reduction. The insurance report, quotes or estimates for repairs, and photos can all be used as documentation for your property tax reduction appeal. The more evidence the more compelling your claim.</p>
<p>If your home has sustained major damage, it is even more important to have multiple pieces of evidence (quotes, photos, insurance reports) to help justify a larger reduction.</p>
<h2>What should be documented?</h2>
<p>Documentation is very important to support your claim. If you have any physical evidence of the damage, take pictures and keep them with your records. This might include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Estimates, Quotes, or invoices for repairs</li>
<li>Photos of the damaged property</li>
<li>Insurance adjuster’s report</li>
</ul>
<p>Remember to keep a detailed account of all correspondence with your insurance company, repair contractor, and county appraiser’s office. This includes letters, emails, and phone calls. Be sure to note the date of each communication, what was discussed, and the name of the person you spoke with. This can help reinforce your claims that the damage occurred before the new fiscal year and that the pricing of these repairs are accurate for the timespan in which your property’s value was being appraised. </p>
<p>As mentioned, pictures of the damaged property are very useful. These can be used as evidence to show the severity of the damage and the scope of repairs needed. Before making any repairs, take plenty of photos of the damage from different angles. When building an appeal you ideally want to have more evidence than you think you’ll need. This will provide you with more flexibility when it comes to addressing the County’s evidence during your appeal. </p>
<p>It’s also a good idea to get multiple estimates for repair work before you start making repairs. When sourcing quotes, make sure to get estimates for multiple types of material, including different quality levels, as well as varying labor demands for the repair. This will provide you with a cost estimate range of repairs and will help with your negotiation with the county appraisal district. Be sure to keep all estimates, quotes, and receipts for all potential and completed work to help strengthen your case.</p>
<p>Once repairs are underway, keep a careful record of all expenses. This includes things like building materials, contractor fees, and permits. Be sure to save all receipts and invoices. This will be important when it comes time to protest your appraisal, as well as when you need to file your taxes.</p>
<h2>How can damage reduce a property’s taxable assessment?</h2>
<p>After filing an appeal and compiling all photographs, estimates, and reports detailing the property damage, it is time to communicate this information to the County Appraisal District. If a representative from the Appraisal District has not yet reached out to discuss the value of your property, you may do so by calling their office and asking where you should submit the evidence documenting the property damage. </p>
<p>Alternatively, a <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/">professional property tax consultant</a>  can help you organize your damage documentation and present it in the best light possible with the county assessor’s office. Ownwell’s team of local experts have in-depth knowledge of the types of damage bills and evidence that are likely to result in the highest savings. Let <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/">Ownwell</a>  file your protest and you’ll pay just 25% of whatever we save you, with no upfront commitment or hidden fees. Check out our <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/appeal">tax savings estimate tool</a>  to see how much you could save today. </p>


Evidence of property damage or deferred maintenance is one of the most effective ways to reduce your property taxes.

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Property Damage Repairs and Tax Reductions: What You Need To Know

<h1>New Name. Same Fast &amp; Simple Property Tax Appeals.</h1>
<p>After several late-night brainstorming sessions, thousands of post-it notes, and countless stakeholder conversations, we are excited to officially announce that we have changed our name from realAppeal to <a href="https://www.ownwell.com/">Ownwell</a>. “realAppeal served us well in our earlier days and continues to live on in our hearts, but we&#39;ve come to realize Ownwell better reflects our mission to make the many costs of real estate ownership more clear and equitable,” states Ownwell’s CEO Colton Pace.  </p>
<p>Ownwell isn’t just a name to us. It’s the aspiration we have for every customer. We strive to help all property owners <strong>own</strong> their real estate <strong>well</strong>.</p>
<p>We began with the simple goal of giving people access to the information, tools and resources that ensure their property taxes are fair and accurate, regardless of expertise or financial status. We have earned the trust of thousands of property owners who have directly experienced the value of our service. Our vision is to provide more value to our customers. We aim to empower people with more tools, resources, and information necessary to manage their real estate with confidence.</p>
<p>Our new name and logo reinforces our vision and the emotions we hope to inspire. Our logo includes the letter W with rising points to evoke upward momentum and prosperity we help customers achieve. Our color scheme was also carefully selected, with the lighter blue tones evoking feelings of calm as we aim to reassure property owners that we are expertly handling all complexities and stressors on their behalf. The darker blue tones represent knowledge and integrity. This new design represents the new chapter for us and we’re excited to share this moment with you. </p>


We are excited to officially announce that we have changed our name from realAppeal to Ownwell.

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New Name. Same Fast & Simple Property Tax Appeals. 

<h1>Home values have skyrocketed in 2021, does that mean my tax bill will too?</h1>
<p>Skyrocket? No. Increase? Chances are… yes. </p>
<p>Regardless of how the market may be acting, property tax bills are an “ad valorem tax”, meaning a property tax based on estimated value, and would increase due to two factors- </p>
<ol>
<li>An increase in a property’s assessed value, or </li>
<li>An increase in the county’s tax rate.</li>
</ol>
<p>Fortunately, there are things you can do to contest an increase in a property’s assessed value, but it all starts with a good understanding of how the overall process works. </p>
<p>So, let’s dive in. </p>
<h1>1. Property Assessed Values</h1>
<p>Property assessed values, or taxable values, are set annually, typically as of January 1st of the current tax year. So, an increase in market value observed throughout the 2021 calendar year won’t affect the assessed value for 2021 tax purposes. </p>
<p>That said, any increases will be included in the valuation in the following property tax year, with a valuation date as of January 1st, 2022. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>an increase in market value observed throughout the 2021 calendar year won’t affect the assessed value for 2021 tax purposes.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Now, considering that the market value of most homes across the US have increased significantly over recent years, it is most likely the case that the taxable value has also increased since the January 1st, 2020 value was assessed, which would indicate an increase is still likely for most property tax bills in 2021.</p>
<p>That said, some states only reassess property values every several years, or only when the owner of the property changes. So for states like these, homeowners will only see an increase in the property tax bill following a revaluation year, or if/when they purchase a new home. </p>
<p>It’s always important to be aware of how often reevaluations occur in the state your property is located in. Check your county tax assessor’s website to get more information about your local property tax process.</p>
<h1>2. County Tax Rates</h1>
<p>Tax rates vary from county to county and are generally voter-approved. The county tax collector or equivalent is tasked with sending out and collecting property tax bills, and can provide the tax rate for your jurisdiction.. </p>
<p>It’s important to note property tax rates are set by local taxing jurisdictions. Property tax rates can vary within a county when there are multiple local tax jurisdictions with different property tax rates for different properties based on location within the county. </p>
<p>Local tax jurisdictions can include </p>
<ul>
<li>the counties themselves </li>
<li>local school districts</li>
<li>cities</li>
<li>towns</li>
<li>special taxing districts like watershed districts</li>
<li>fire and emergency response</li>
<li>housing and redevelopment authorities</li>
<li>and potentially regional development commissions</li>
</ul>
<p>Many states set limitations on increases in property taxes, property tax rates, and/or revenues that are allowed to be collected at a local level. But property taxes are also a major revenue source for local governments and do fund a large piece of the annual budget. </p>
<p>Keep an eye on local elections and public hearings in your area and advocate for your interests when property tax-related matters come up. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>Many states set limitations on increases in property taxes, property tax rates, and/or revenues that are allowed to be collected at a local level.</p>
</blockquote>
<h1>In Conclusion</h1>
<p>With rising home values, come rising tax bills. But state and local regulations often work in favor of the long-term property owner. </p>
<p>To those who are aware and willing to appeal overvaluations on their property: strong cases can be made that could lead to property tax savings. </p>
<p>Regardless of the market’s activity, all property owners should have their heads up on county assessments on their property, and whether you choose to take it on yourself or to hire experts to take care of it for you, the first step is being aware when a problem may exist. </p>


Although home values have skyrocketed recently, this does not mean that your property taxes will reflect this same increase in value. 

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Home values have skyrocketed in 2021, does that mean my tax bill will too?

<h1>How Ownwell earned a 16% property tax reduction for an $8.8M waterfront office</h1>
<p>A longtime real estate investor knew something was wrong when the assessed value of one of his firm’s office properties increased almost 8% while vacancies at the property had also increased over the past year. The city’s public health mandates and tenants’ changing lease appetites were causing an increase in delinquencies, too.</p>
<p>After hearing about Ownwell through a mutual connection, and learning about the evidence-generation technology and concierge service the company prides itself on, he decided to move forward with appealing the new tax assessment with Ownwell to see if there was a way to bring the reality of the current situation to light. </p>
<p>It wasn’t long after his firm provided property-specific information that Ownwell was able to generate evidence supporting an assessment reduction of nearly $1.5M for the $8.8M property.</p>
<p>Ownwell’s tech-enabled appraisal team determined the county tax assessor’s valuation failed to account for both physical and economic vacancies the real estate investment firm’s office property was experiencing. </p>
<p>What’s more, the county tax assessors had underestimated the property’s operating expenses by nearly 50%, since the county was under the impression the property was being leased triple-net. </p>
<p>Getting the assessor’s income valuation adjusted for actual instead of stabilized lease rates, and operating expenses adjusted upward for costs the firm was bearing helped secure a &gt;$12,000 tax reduction for the property.</p>
<p>Considering the office was initially valued for tax purposes at $8.8M, and the assessment was reduced to $7.4M, this amounted to a 16.3% reduction.</p>
<p>The result meant a better bottom line and a fairer tax burden, for a development and investment firm that’s laser-focused on providing affordable space for office and residential tenants.</p>
<p>Ownwell&#39;s client was left feeling confident in Ownwell’s commercial property tax reduction services, knowing their ongoing property tax monitoring and appeal services would provide stability and clarity in increasingly uncertain times. </p>


The past couple years have been complicated for commercial real estate.

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How Ownwell earned a 16% property tax reduction for an $8.8M waterfront office

<h1>The Florida Condo Tax Bill That Kept On Going Up</h1>
<p>Valerie purchased her 2-bedroom condo in Miami, Florida over ten years ago and has since enjoyed her retirement in the Sunshine State. Strangely enough, Florida’s high property tax rates are rarely advertised in the brochures sent out to attract new residents. Year after year, Valerie watched her property’s taxable value increase alongside the local tax rates.</p>
<p>Valerie lives on Social Security and retirement savings, so she budgets her spending each year. When she received her value notice for the year, she was shocked. In the last year alone, her property tax bill went up 12%! That&#39;s too high! Something had to change quickly, or she’d be forced to move. After searching online for expert help, she found our service.</p>
<p>She inputs her address and instantly received a savings estimate of $1,100. Still skeptical, she searched for more information, and found our <a href="https://g.page/realAppeal?gm">5 star Google reviews</a>, which convinced her to complete the signup process online.</p>
<p>Within two days, Valerie received an email confirming that her property tax appeal had been filed with the Miami-Dade Assessor’s office. Just two weeks later, Valerie got another status update notifying her that the County Tax Assessor was going to reduce her tax bill by almost 15%. She was thrilled! Her only regret was not finding us sooner.</p>


How we helped a retired senior keep their home.

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The Florida Condo Tax Bill That Kept On Going Up

<h1>A New Home Assessed Above Its Sale Price</h1>
<p>Armin and his family saved up for years to purchase a new home in an up-and-coming neighborhood just outside Seattle. In November 2019, Armin finally closed on his first home for $1.12 million. Since then, Armin always paid his property tax bill on time — never really questioning the assessed value on the Proposed Value Notice he received from the King County Assessor. Armin thought the Value Notice he received in the mail was final, not something to be negotiated until he got a letter from us.</p>
<p>The postcard Armin got in the mail seemed too good to be true. They estimated he could save $1,500 by appealing his property taxes. In Armin’s case, the County Assessor had increased his home’s assessed value by more than 5% in each of the last two years, and now his current assessed value sat at $1.29 million.</p>
<p>Armin hadn’t heard of our service but saw no downside in signing up. In less than 5 minutes, he completed the online appeal form — without even pulling out his wallet. Six weeks later, Armin got an email notifying him that his appeal had been successful. He was going to be saving $1,830 this year, and had hardly lifted a finger.</p>


Our service ensures homeowners do not overpay on their property taxes.

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A New Home Assessed Above Its Sale Price

<h1>Reducing the Taxes on a New Rental Property</h1>
<p>John inherited a retail property in Northern California. His parents purchased the property in the 1980’s, and thanks to Proposition 13 they enjoyed a lower property tax bill for decades. Unfortunately, when ownership was transferred to John, the County Tax Assessor revalued the property at an estimated market value of $5.3 million.</p>
<p>The new assessed value meant John’s property tax expense went up to nearly $60,000 overnight! John was skeptical — he didn’t think the property could even sell for $4.5 million. Many of the tenants were on long-term leases, and hadn’t had their rent substantially increased in years.</p>
<p>John looked for a tax consultant online, but was apprehensive — the fees seemed expensive, and the process was intimidating. He had to book an appointment, sign over power of attorney, and keep the attorney on retainer. Then John found us online and in just a few minutes submitted an application for a formal appeal evaluation. Our tax experts contacted John the next day to get more information and begin evaluating his case. To John&#39;s surprise, the entire evaluation process was completely free.</p>
<p>A few weeks later, John received an email confirming a property tax appeal had been filed on his behalf. We’d also be looking into further opportunities to reduce his property taxes by searching for qualifying exemptions and local tax credits.</p>
<p>When John’s property tax appeal was forwarded to the local Assessment Appeals Board, our property tax specialists were there to represent the case at no additional cost. The assessment appeals board agreed with our team&#39;s analysis and reduced the assessed value to the recommended valuation of $4.64 million, a 12.5% reduction. After the hearing reached a conclusion, John received a refund on the property tax bill he paid earlier that year. At no upfront cost, and with only a few minutes of John’s time, we handled the entire case from start to finish — earning John the tax savings he deserved.</p>


How a protest helped the new owner of a commercial property fix a tax bill adjustment.

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Reducing the Taxes on a New Rental Property

<h1>A Dream Home with Lower Property Taxes</h1>
<p>In 2017, Brian and Jessica purchased their dream home in Southern California. Over the next few years, they watched their property&#39;s assessed value and tax bill creep up, as expected. Yet at the same time, other homes in their neighborhood were selling for less than they paid for theirs. Jessica called the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor’s Office and spent 30 minutes on hold. Finally, a clerk told her she needed to file a “Decline-in-Value”, or Proposition 8 claim, that could be found on the county’s website. After reading more about the county’s property tax appeal process and the local Assessment Appeals Board, she was still unsure how to proceed.</p>
<h3>Finding a better way</h3>
<p>Luckily, a friend recommended our quick and easy online service. In just a few minutes, Jessica was able to provide the information needed to get our property tax specialists started on the case. With no upfront costs, our service was risk-free, a “win-win” scenario. After signing up, Brian and Jessica didn’t have to lift another finger.</p>
<p>Our tax specialists evaluated the property the very next day, identifying a number of recent sales in the area that demonstrated the home’s market value had fallen below both its initial purchase price and presently assessed value. We filed all the necessary paperwork and even appeared on Brian and Jessica’s behalf in an appeal hearing. By the time they received their next property tax bill, we reduced Brian and Jessica’s assessment by 8%, or $450,000. Soon after, they received a tax refund of $5,625 for their prior payment. Because of the reduced tax assessment, Brain and Jessica pay less property taxes for years to come.</p>


How a protest helped one customer save thousands of dollars on their property tax bill.