Southfield-based 1-800-LAW-FIRM has developed a free online tool that allows homeowners to determine whether or not they are overpaying property taxes.
“We developed this widget to put power in the hands of the consumer so that they can have recourse in the event that they’re being overtaxed,” says Ari Kresch, CEO of 1-800-LAW-FIRM. “When property values decrease, it impacts your tax. However, most consumers don’t know how much it impacts their tax.
“If the house should be assessed at $100,000, but it’s assessed at $150,000, that (could) cost you an extra $500 a year,” Kresch says
The tool, available through the firm’s website, analyzes data against taxes records, Michigan Tax Tribunal decisions, and successful tax appeal appraisals. In the case that a property has not been properly assessed, the owner can appeal the property tax at his or her local board of review or at the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
“Homeowners (will soon) get the opportunity to challenge (the assessment) before their local boards sometime in either February or March, so we wanted to have the widget ready for those hearings.”
To access the Property Tax Widget, click here.
