Frequently Asked Questions

Am I guaranteed a reduction in my property taxes if I use The TAXRITE program?

We cannot guarantee a reduction in your property taxes, as this decision is left up to your County or local assessor. We simply provide you with the necessary comparables, tax appeal forms and instructions on how to file an appeal.

Is the $129.95 fee all that I have to pay to file a property tax appeal?

Yes! You may have to pay the county filing fees, as instructed by the county tax authorities. Note these fees can vary according to your personal situation (for example, if you claim Veteran status), so be sure to follow these instructions carefully. Our program will provide you with a copy of the filing instructions and fees for the county in which you are filing your property tax petition.

When is my Valuation done?

Every Municipality differs. Our service will provide you with all relative dates.

When is my deadline for appealing?

It varies in every state. For Example, in New Jersey, the deadline is April 1 or 45 days after you get your tax invoice in the mail. If you’ve been recently assessed, then the deadline is May 1st. We provide you all filing dates in our package.

How is the estimated market value of my property calculated?

The TAXRITE program takes into account the average lot and living space sizes and last sold price of comparable properties in your neighborhood. The average comparable values are then applied to your property, allowing for certain adjustments that reflect that condition of your home and its specific location.

Does The service automatically file my property tax petition for me?

The TAXRITE service only prepares the property tax petition forms for you. You still need to print the forms out and submit them by mail or in person, according to the county instructions furnished to you by our service.

If The TAXRITE program determines that I can file for a property tax reduction, do I need to pay my property tax bill?

Yes, you should always pay your property tax bill as required and instructed on your tax bill. Your reduction will go into effect in future tax bills, and / or you will receive a refund or an adjustment in your late quarter taxes from your county tax authority for an amount that makes up for the excess property tax paid.

Do I need to consult with a property tax attorney to file a property tax petition?

With respect to residential property that is not income producing, you do not need an attorney when filing for a petition to reduce your property taxes. That is where The TAXRITE program helps you! Traditional approaches typically require the use of attorneys that charge fees that could potentially outweigh the savings that you might otherwise gain. With our service the savings is yours to keep!

How long does the petition preparation process take?

With a copy of your recent tax bill in hand, a couple of minutes!

Will I have to attend a Hearing?

In most cases you will be able to state your case to your local tax assessor and arrive at a settlement. Most municipalities do not have the time to hear all cases due to the high filings of tax appeals in the current climate. But your local municipality does reserve the right to hear all cases regarding an appeal.

Is there a possibility that my taxes could be raised?

Not likely in today’s economic condition! Values have dropped significantly in the past 3 years and taxes only continue to go up! But there’s always that chance that a municipality’s tax assessor and board may feel that your property assessment is lower than the market value.

Should I get an appraisal done for my property first?

You do not need an appraisal, other than for your own peace of mind. The requirement is to submit comparable properties sold within close proximity to your property, which are generally similar to your home in square footage and lot size.

What other fees may I encounter?

Most municipalities, counties or states charge a minimal flat fee; e.g., $25.00, and a few don’t charge. We will state to you the amount in your petition forms.

Will you represent me if I have a hearing date?

As a homeowner you have the right to represent yourself and hire an attorney if you wish. The TAXRITE program only will provide you with the supporting documentation for your appeal, which you can hand your attorney if you like.

What is a re-assessment?

This means that your municipality has performed a new assessment that reflects your home’s new value in your tax invoice. This will be mailed out to you and in most cases you have 30 days to appeal. We will advise you on the deadlines for appeals in your municipality.

Will I receive a check in the mail?

Maybe. You must be current with your taxes and if you are awarded a reduction it will be reflected in the form of a reduction in your tax bill. Some counties might send you a reimbursement check.

If awarded a reduction how long will it last?

This varies by state. For example, in New Jersey you have an additional 2 years after the appeal date which is called “the Freeze Act”. After that there are 2 exceptions that the state may take. First is a complete re-evaluation of all properties within your municipality and second, your municipality needs to show substantial increase in property value. You can continue to appeal during the freeze time period.

Does the TAXRITE system ever shut down?

The TAXRITE system is always available; however, there are rare cases where our system is temporarily suspended between 10 PM Saturday and 10 AM Sunday due to regular system maintenance. Customer support is available Monday thru Friday from 9 am until 5pm EST by Calling (888)-410-3621.