Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Legitimate Business Idea - Property Tax Consulting

By Wendy Shafferson

Aiding taxpayers|Helping homeowners lower their property tax assessments as a part-time business idea can be a good if not the best home based business opportunity for many. A lot of people are struggling to keep up with property tax increases. Bankruptcies are being filed and people are losing their houses. People shouldn't be paying taxes higher than what their properties are worth.

High property assessments usually go unchallenged because most people lack the time, energy or know how to tackle the job. Many a homeowner would love to have someone that this home business offers to look over their property tax assessments. Glaring errors exist especially with the decrease in comparable home prices. A property tax consultant helps people contest these inaccuracies.

A property tax consultant works on a contingency. This means that the service does not cost the customer homeowner any money (other than a small process fee) unless you achieve a property tax reduction for them.

If you win the assessment appeal, the client rewards you with a portion of the property tax reduction. It doesn't cost the homeowner anything unless you work a win for them ... and it is relatively simple to win.

The amount of savings you reduce the homeowner's property taxes by is your fee. For instance, if the property taxes were $9,000 and you saved the client 22% on their assessment, your fee would be $1,980. Generally you structure the payment due over a 2 or 3 year period.

With housing prices falling, finding comparable sold homes to make your point to the tax authorities is easy. This is an excellent time to start this business opportunity. The process is straight forward and upon making a favorable explanation you should be able to get property taxes reduced for your client.

Charge a small one-time fee to help offset your overhead costs. When you are starting out, this is helpful. You'll want to cherry pick the more expensive homes and those cases you feel you have the best chances to win.

A lot of people are distressed over their high property tax bill and finding customers is quite easy. This little known business opportunity is a blessing for the homeowner. Local government is generally constantly raising their tax amounts instead of cutting back.

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