Proposed Tax Notices in the Mail

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- This week more than 300,000 property owners in the city will be receiving their "Truth in Millage" notice that spells out proposed tax rates and property values.

Property Appraiser Jim Overton says based on the tentative millage rate, 64% of property owners face paying more in property taxes.

Overton's staff is prepared to hear from property owners who have questions about the notice.

This year short sales and foreclosures are part of the equation in placing a value on property.

"If there are foreclosures clustered in a neighborhood, that will drive prices down and we will take that into account," said Overton.

Property owners who have questions can appeal for an adjustment to be made.

This can be done either formally or informally.

The Property Appraiser's office is set up to answer questions during the day as staff has been assigned to handle questions about exemptions and assessments.

The formal process is appealing to the Value Adjustment Board. This involves paperwork that will set up a hearing that typically lasts 15 minutes. The cost of this appeal is $15.

Overton says in either case, property owners need to come with information like comparable sales to support their position.

The deadline to file an appeal to the Value Adjustment Board is September 11.

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