Assessment appeal services

Most localities determine your property tax burden based on an ad valorem assessment of the property's value. Sometimes, as a property owner, you get an unwanted surprise in the mail telling you your taxes are going up, and sometimes it may seem as though your assessment is too high.

Often, matters like this can be resolved with a phone call. However, if after discussing your assessment with your local taxing authority you still feel as though your property was overvalued, a professional, independent, third-party appraiser is often your best bet in proving your case. That's where we come in.

There are as many different procedures for appealing assessments as there are property taxing districts, so it's important to enlist the help of a professional appraisal firm that's experienced and trained in the ins and outs of your particular jurisdiction. 

Please note: It makes sense to do your own research before determining whether to go forward with a property assessment appeal, especially before you make the decision to hire a professional appraiser.  The Province of Manitoba is currently undergoing a general reassessment and if you haven't already, you will be receiving a notice of preliminary assessment.  These assessments should reflect what your property, in it's current condition, would have sold for on April 1, 2010.  These assessments will be used to determine your taxes for 2012 and beyond.  Applications to appeal the proposed 2012 assessments for the City of Winnipeg were due in June 2011.  If you have missed this deadline to file an appeal, you will need to wait until May or June 2012 before appealing.  If you believe your assessment is incorrect, please contact us for guidance.    

If you do not have access to sales information, we can assist and offer a "staged" appraisal / consulting service.  When you hire us for an assessment appeal, you're commissioning independent, third-party professional advice.  As such we do our own research and evaluation, beginning to end however we are always willing to consider information that you have to offer.  If you're right that your property has been overvalued, an independent report such as ours will be even more persuasive than any other evidence you can marshal on your own.  

If we have previously appraised your home for mortgage financing, or another purpose, and you wish to use this appraisal report for an assessment appeal, please contact us for advice.  

Sometimes, you will have a hearing on your assessment appeal and will need for the appraiser you've hired to testify on your behalf. Be assured that at Halladay Appraisal Services Ltd., we are able to professionally and persuasively testify at appeal hearings.  Browse our website to learn more about our qualifications, expertise and services offered.