Loveland, OH asked in Real Estate Law for Ohio

Q: Auditor had wrong info on property record

I just had my home appraised to dispute the county auditors recent valuation. The appraiser discovered the property records had 300 square feet extra that does not exist. He measured twice after consulting the auditors info. This information has been incorrect for the 15 years I've lived here and even longer based on what I have been able to research. Everything I was given by the auditors office, the original sale documents as well as two other appraisers for initial purchase and one refinance, never caught this error.

I did advise the auditors office and they have updated the records. But I don't know what to expect from them for this over payment in property taxes due to their error. And I don't trust the county to handle this correctly. There isn't a straight answer that I find. Is there a law or something that spells out how this should be handled? If I wanted to consult an attorney would it be real estate attorney?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
Answered
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: Auditor websites typically have a disclaimer that the information is not guaranteed to be accurate. It is unlikely they will go back to recalculate and credit you any overpayment. Each county auditor in Oho just completed its revaluation of real estate, so the 300 sf might not make much difference. If you have a current appraisal by a real estate appraiser that you can submit as evidence, you could file a complaint with the county Board of Revision asking for a revaluation of the property. But it must be filed by March 31, 2021. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local real estate attorney who handles tax complaints.

Bruce Martin Broyles agrees with this answer

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
Answered
  • Lancaster, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: I agree with the suggested course of action to file a complaint or appeal for the re-valuation of your property. Concerns about past valuations and past real property taxes paid are unavailable after the time to file a complaint for re-valuation lapses each year.

A recent appraisal and the information regarding the incorrect measurements might make a difference, but some County websites state that a new appraisal alone will be insufficient.

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