Property Tax Settlement Negotiation Tips

If you have not been able to pay your property taxes for an extended period of time, then you may be able to work with your local government's tax collector on a payment schedule or settlement of your past due taxes. While the exact procedure to arrange to make a one-time settlement will vary from one area to another, there are some things you can do to help ensure your success, such as:

Be a Partner in the Negotiation Process

Your local property tax authority's office is interested in helping you get your property tax debt under control and off of their past due books. When approaching the tax office staff, show them that you are interested in working with them and not in an adversarial way. By making an effort to communicate your wishes in a way that encourages them to assist you, you are much more likely to have a successful negotiation.

Never Throw Out the First Number in a Negotiation

If the tax collector's office asks you to submit an offer for your property tax settlement, you should encourage them to start the negotiation. In any negotiation, you should always try to avoid giving the first number. Generally, you can negotiate a lower amount if you let the tax collector's office make you an initial offer and then counter it with a lower number. If you start the negotiation, you might give them a number that is higher than they were going to offer you.

Negotiate a Discount Off of the Tax Collector's Lowest Offer

When you begin your negotiation with the tax collector for your property tax settlement, you should make a reasonable offer, but one that is ultimately lower than you are willing to accept. This will give you enough room to raise your offer "in good faith" and show that you are willing to work with them on taking care of your past due property tax debt.

Get Your Property Tax Agreement in Writing 

Finally, you should always make sure to get your final property tax settlement agreement in writing. This is essential if there are any disagreements down the road. You never know when the person you are working with will leave their job, so it is essential that you have the agreement in writing. Also, keep your receipts or cancelled checks so that you have concrete proof that you held up your end of the agreement and made your payments as required.

For more tips, contact a company like Tax Assessment Xperts Inc.