Two Tax Men Cometh in April... And One's Bringing a Gift (Really)!

Of course, income tax returns are due this month.

But, if you own a home in Georgia, there is a second Tax Man that will be knocking on your door this month: Your County Tax Commissioner!  

And your friendly neighborhood County Tax Commissioner could possibly help you SELL your home.

Each county will mail 2011 Property Tax Assessment notices to Georgia homeowners during the month of April. You should pay special attention to your property tax assessment amount -- even if you expect to sell your home before the property tax bill is due.

Here's why:

If your prospective buyer plans to get a mortgage to purchase your home (and they probably will -- your typical buyer isn't walking around with bags of cash), their bank will determine if your buyer qualifies to purchase your home based on various costs. And, one of these costs is the annual property tax bill that the buyer must be able to afford. 

A Special Gift in Your Property Tax Assessment Notice

If the tax assessed value of your home is not in line with current market values (lower than it was in 2009, that is), you should file an appeal to have the property tax amount due on your home reduced.  Why? Because a lower property tax bill will help your buyer get a mortgage to purchase your home!

Think of it this way. Let's say a buyer is considering an offer on your home and two other homes with the exact same purchase price. If you have the lowest property tax bill of the three, your home will be the easiest for the buyer to get approved for -- all other things being equal.

So go ahead. Open up that Property Tax Assessment Notice from your County Tax Commissioner with glee just as soon as you get it. You've got 45 days to file your appeal if you think your assessment is too high.

Of course, if your home is not in Georgia, reducing your tax assessed value to make it easier for your buyer to get a mortgage can work for you too. Just find out what the deadline is for your county and be sure to meet it.

Filing an appeal could get you one step closer to getting your house sold!