INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Residents who want to dispute the appraised values of their homes on their recently mailed TRIM notice have until Sept. 14 to formally petition a hearing.
The Truth in Millage notices were mailed out on Aug. 20, listing the appraised value of every home in Indian River County as set by County Property Appraiser David Nolte. Those values determine how much property owners will be taxed by the county for public services.
The property appraiser uses three criteria to determine property values – cost, sales comparisons and income.
Property owners who agree that the value their homes on the TRIM notices is a fair representation need not do anything. They will receive their tax bills in November.
However, those property owners who disagree with the assessment can contact the appraiser’s office and meet with an estimator to go over how the property value was reached.
Those who continue to dispute the assessment can apply for a hearing with a special magistrate before the Sept. 14 deadline.
After that hearing a final determination will be made on the value of the property.
Property owners cannot base their case on personal hardships or their inability to pay more taxes. They might be eligible for the tax deferral plan and information is included with your tax bill.
On Tuesday, County Commission Chairman Peter O’Bryan urged residents who contest their TRIM notice to make sure they file a petition for a hearing even if discussions are ongoing with the appraiser’s office.
“Once you file the petition you can still negotiate with the property appraiser,” he said. “This just allows you to keep the door open to get what you consider a proper assessment. If you don’t file the petition, you can’t come back and file it later.”
Property owners can contact the Indian River County Property Appraiser’s Office at (772) 226-1469 for more information.