Due to a recent downturn in the home prices during the last few years, a significant percentage of the homes are being “taxed” in the Saint Louis area at the higher property value assigned prior to the downturn. Therefore, there is a good chance that you are paying more than necessary and more than your share of the property taxes!

Oftentimes, it is a simple matter of calling the city clerk or treasurer for resolution. However, when calling and discussing the assessment with city hall does not resolve what you feel is an overpayment, you may need an independent, third-party appraisal done by professionals to prove your case of overpayment.

True Value Appraisal, Inc. (TVA) Third-Party Appraisals

The procedures for appealing a tax assessment can be confusing; therefore, it is important that you enlist assistance from a professional appraiser that has experience and training regarding the process.

Before you hire an appraiser, it would be wise to do some research on your own prior to making a determination whether or not to begin the appeals process and in particular, the decision to hire an appraiser.

According to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), we cannot take any “shortcuts” – for example, utilizing your research as part of our evaluation. Everything contained in our professional appraisal must be obtained independently. By hiring us to do an assessment for your appeal, you commission us solely as a third-party, independent authority to assess your property value and provide an appraisal report.

In that capacity, we will do an independent evaluation. If it turns out that you were correct and your property was overvalued, our independent report will be very persuasive in a Tax Appeal hearing. Once again, that largely depends on us being able to work independently, which we have been doing in the St Louis County area for nearly 20 years.  

To get a better understanding of the Appeals process, read our Blog post, Property Assessment: How to Appeal a St Louis County Tax Assessment. 

When you have a question pertaining to your Tax Assessment or an appeal, give Pierre Jacques and the professional appraisers at True Value Appraisal, Inc. a call.