Delay stalls tax appeal

The Spokane County assessor didn’t mail assessment notices to 27,173 property owners whose property value didn’t change since last year (“Property values fall for year two,” June 2). She said it was to save money on mailings.

It does indeed save money, but that’s not the real reason. The real reason is so that those property owners won’t appeal their assessment. You see, in a declining real estate market, if your property goes up in value or stays the same, your property taxes are likely going up next year.

You can’t appeal your tax bill; you can only appeal your assessment. By not sending assessment notices, she avoids informing you that you have appeal rights. It’s required to be on the notice.

I wrote her budget and there’s money to send you a card. Trust me, there’s also money to send you your tax bill in February. While technically within the law, it’s a sneaky tactic to hoodwink 27,000 taxpayers.

When you appeal your valuation, the assessor is required to send you, within 60 days, the comparables used to value your property. Don’t be scammed. File an appeal. It’s free. The form is available at www.AmericanProperty TaxInstitute.com. Click on resource center.

Ralph Baker

Former Spokane County assessor

Spokane