In a property tax matter appeal, the petitioner has the burden of establishing the property’s true cash value as of the relevant tax date (December 31, 2003, for the 2004 tax year). True cash value or fair market value means the price a willing buyer will pay and a willing seller will accept in an independent sale. One method of proving a property’s fair market value is to provide information of actual sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood with each sale price adjusted to reflect the differences between your property and the comparable properties. If your home was recently built, it is sometimes helpful to show the actual cost to purchase the land and construct buildings on the property. You cannot prove the fair market value of your property by comparing your assessment with assessments on other properties, comparing your taxes with those of other properties, or by simply describing conditions affecting your property, such as heavy traffic or flooding.
It might be helpful for you to obtain a copy of your property record card to find out how the assessor determined the value of your parcel.
Finally, testimony alone is frequently not enough to carry the burden of proof. Documents are important to substantiate testimony and provide independent evidence of a party’s claim. NOTE: Please do not send original documents as the Tribunal is required to maintain a complete case file and cannot return documents submitted into evidence.
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