Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - If you live in Amherst or Clarence, chances are you've received a reassessment notice in the mail. If you don't think the new assessment is fair, you have the right to a challenge, but how do you go about doing that?
Attorney Peter Allen Weinmann says the process is involved, with some paperwork and an oral presentation.
"The process is involved some paperwork and oral presentation," said Weinmann, who recommends against going at it alone. "I would suggest the same thing for filing a tax assessment challenge. There are professionals such as my firm, and that's all we do day in and day out. You could certainly do it yourself and maybe knock a few dollars off the valuation. But even after your pay professional, you're bound to get a much better results."
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Weinmann says success depends on a number of factors.
"It's usually a matter of how much how much success and to what degree we are successful and every case is different," Weinmann explained.
How much does relying on a lawyer to help with your challenge cost? He says it depends too.
"Typically we and any other firm that does this our contingency fee basis and typically our legal fee is 1/3 of the net tax savings, very straightforward," Weinmann said.
Weinmann adds if you're going to challenge, you just need to bring your assessment notice.
"Sometimes if they don't get reassessment notice then the tax bill itself because we have all the information there, but usually lawyers, who are experienced in this area, can pull from the public databases, all the information that we need," he said.
Amherst residents can appeal until July 1.