For All Florida Taxpayers When They Get Their August TRIM Notices

OCALA, Fla., Aug 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Commercial Property Services (CPS) is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker. CPS president and broker Sheila Anderson suggests some points to consider before property taxpayers decide whether to appeal their 2012 assessments:

1. Values, for property tax purposes, should be based upon conditions on or before January 1^st of the calendar year.
2. Property, for tax purposes, should be considered as if vacant and as if offered to the market on January 1^st in an arms length transaction.
3. Land and improved assessed values can be found on the web sites of property appraisers. If the 2012 numbers are not posted once TRIMS are mailed, call them.
4. If there is any doubt as to the accuracy of the TRIM values, file a Value Adjustment Board (VAB) petition first. Typically, property appraiser's staff tries to discourage taxpayers from VAB filings, so have facts about your property available to discuss if you call those offices.
5. BE SURE your VAB petition is RECEIVED BEFORE THE DEADLINE. Postmarks do NOT count.
6. Always check the box, on the petition form, to request a copy of the property record card.
7. Always submit evidence, in the VAB process, with a written request for evidence from the property appraiser.
8. Check the Department of Revenue web site at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/vab/ for VAB Rules of Procedure.
9. Remember, tax bills are mailed in November and you must pay BEFORE APRIL 1^st no matter the status of your VAB Petition. If you do not pay timely, your petition will be deleted even if you have won your appeal. SO prudent taxpayers PAY IN NOVEMBER, when they are assured of a 4% discount.
10. You can file petitions and appeal assessments yourself. Or, you can engage an agent or attorney to represent you. Ask anyone how familiar they are with State laws, rules, and regulations.

Commercial Property Services (CPS) is a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker appealing property taxes statewide.  CPS Realtor Sheila Anderson participated, for decades, during the VAB Rule making process – contributing to laws ensuring VABs are fair, ethical, and comply with State laws governing assessments. She has appealed thousands of assessments for commercial property owners with an uncommon record of success.

SOURCE Commercial Property Services, Inc., Licensed Real Estate Broker