CAE Appeals and Dispute Resolution Flashcards

What is the first step a property owner typically must take before filing a formal appeal of their assessment?

Answer: Seek an informal review or conference with the assessor's office

In most jurisdictions, property owners must first seek an informal review with the assessor before escalating to a formal appeal board.

What is the burden of proof in a typical property assessment appeal?

Answer: The taxpayer must overcome the presumption that the assessment is correct

In most jurisdictions, assessed values carry a presumption of correctness, so the burden of proof falls on the taxpayer to demonstrate that the assessment is incorrect.

Which type of evidence is generally considered most persuasive in a property tax appeal?

Answer: Recent comparable sales data from arm's-length transactions

Recent comparable sales from arm's-length transactions are the most persuasive evidence of market value in property tax appeals because they directly reflect market behavior.

What does 'exhaustion of administrative remedies' require of a taxpayer before seeking judicial review?

Answer: The taxpayer must use all available administrative appeal steps before going to court

Exhaustion of administrative remedies requires a taxpayer to complete all available administrative appeal processes before seeking judicial review of an assessment.

In a property tax appeal, what is the significance of the 'date of value' (valuation date)?

Answer: Evidence of value must reflect market conditions as of that specific date

The valuation date anchors the appraisal — all comparable sales and market evidence must reflect conditions as of that specific date for the evidence to be relevant.

Which of the following best describes an 'arm's-length transaction' for purposes of a property tax appeal?

Answer: A sale between a motivated buyer and motivated seller with no unusual conditions

An arm's-length transaction involves a willing buyer and a willing seller, both knowledgeable and acting in their own interests without compulsion or special relationships.