While the above cartoon is humorous, there is nothing funny about the government over-taxing your property year after year. Tax dollars add up quickly, which is why it is important for you to know that you can challenge your assessment. A timely property tax appeal will focus on reducing your current year assessment, which if successful can reduce your future taxes into the next 5 years. Depending on the facts of your case, it might even be possible to reduce your assessments (and receive refunds of taxes --- with interest) of the 2 prior tax years. And, in very limited circumstances involving assessor clerical errors, refunds for five years may be possible. 

 

Carmichael & Stanton, LLC has litigated every type of property tax appeal including: residential, commercial, industrial, personal property, and exemptions. These property tax appeals have also involved various stages of appeal, including: the board of property tax appeals, the Oregon Revenue Department, and both divisions (Magistrate and Regular) of the Oregon Tax Court. 

 

There are several stages of a property tax appeal but they all have one thing in common - they are adversarial proceedings.

 

• The taxpayer has the burden of proof.

 

• There is a trained appraiser representing the county assessor or the state revenue department at every hearing. Sometimes they are represented by an attorney as well.

 

• At the county board of property tax appeals, the hearing is presided over by members appointed by the county commissioners.  Appeals of the county board orders are before a magistrate, or a judge, depending on the level of appeal at the Oregon Tax Court.  All magistrates and judges are licensed attorneys.

 

Carmichael & Stanton, LLC's professional legal services provides powerful and experienced advocacy that your property tax appeal deserves.