The City & County of Honolulu (C & C) will be sending out real property tax valuations soon.  Last year, like many others in Honolulu, I thought the C & C’s real property tax assessment for my home was too high.  I decided to challenge the real property valuation to save a few tax dollars.  Here is how the process unfolded:

• Received my assessment notice near year end
• If your valuation isn’t at least 10% high, don’t bother to appeal as the C & C will summarily deny your appeal.
• File your notice of appeal (it was due by January 15, 2009).  This may be done via the World Wide Web.
• Pay the C & C $25 deposit
• Wait
• I, along with others in my condominium, did not hear from the C & C until August 10, 2009.  That’s seven months after the appeal was filed.
• I received a letter letting me know what day the hearing would be held and that evidence should be provided at least 10 days before the hearing.
• My appeal was scheduled for September 8, 2009.  I was notified that another person may represent me if I was unable to attend, but a letter of authorization is required.  If you choose to make your case in person, you have 10 minutes.
• I had a schedule conflict and did not attend the appeal, but I provided ample information supporting my case.  I provided evidence of five condo sales and those condos were the same floor plan as that of my apartment.
• Despite providing ample evidence that my real property tax assessment valuation was over $107,000 high, the C & C denied my appeal.

My opinion:  I provided hard facts regarding my real property tax valuation based on sales that actually occurred; not what I “feel” my property is worth.  The C & C isn’t the least bit interested in facts.  Given that the C & C is starved for tax revenue, they aren’t motivated to reduce anyone’s tax burden.

Contributed by Michael Zimmerman
Direct:  808-457-9683
Michael@Michael-Zimmerman.com
http://www.michael-zimmerman.com
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