What will help me successfully appeal to the independent Board of Assessment Review (BAR)?

We suggest that the following may help, but we emphasize that it is totally up to the taxpayer to decide what will help them win an appeal.

1) A concise statement of the issue(s).

2) If your appeal is based on valuation and you have an appraisal, being aware of what you believe to be the monthly rate of change in value between the date of the appraisal and the July 1, 2009 valuation date is recommended.

Some other issues:

A) Inaccurate property description.

B) Wetlands – Providing a professional’s, e.g., a Certified Soil Scientist, written description of any wetlands is recommended.

C) Topography – Providing photographs demonstrating the significant difference between street level and the level of your land is recommended.

D) Rock Ledge – Providing photographs demonstrating the amount of Rock Ledge as a percentage of your entire property is recommended.

E) Depreciation – Providing photographs demonstrating the significant difference amount more than average structural wear and tear is recommended.

F) Location - Providing photographs demonstrating any significantly negative or positive influences in addition to a map indicating how far away the influence may be from your property is recommended.

G) View - Providing photographs demonstrating any significantly negative or positive item that can be seem from the property in addition to a map indicating how far away the item may be is recommended.

H) Traffic – Providing date and time stamped photographs demonstrating the amount of heavy traffic on various days and at various times throughout the week or a similar study is recommended.

Copies of anything that you feel will support your appeal.