VLCT Lister Hearings

1. Preparing for Formal Grievance Hearings 2. Mark Paulsen Colchester Assessor VALA President 4. What are wetalking about? Fair Market Value 5. Laying the Groundwork 6. Know your Sales

• Review all Property Transfer Tax Returns (PTTRs)

• Read the Deeds (for clarification)

• Validate the Sale Information

• Record the Sale Information for Future Use

7. Sale Verification Form 8. Organizing Sales Data

• Date of Sale

• House Style

• Seasonal vs. Year Round

• Leased Land

• Vacant Land

• Commercial / Industrial

• Lakeshore

• Condominiums

• Mobile Homes

9. Sales Report 10. Tax Appeal Hearings 11. Legal Requirements

• Written Notice (Public & Direct)

• Open Meeting Rules Apply

• Adequate Minutes

• Written Notification of Results

• No ex partait communications

12. ? ? ? What are your goals for the Hearings? 13. Hearing Goals

• Defend your Assessment

• Prevent Further Appeals

• Prevail

14. Hearing Goals

• Communicate Clearly and Effectively

• Listen to the Taxpayer

• Describe and support Fair Market Value Estimate

• Be open to make Appropriate Changes

• Persuade

15. A Starting Place

• Review the Property Description

16. Property Record Card 17. Ask the Appellant

• Is the Listing Information Correct?

• Is there something else about the property?

• What do they think the FMV is?

• How have they arrived at that figure?

18. Resolution

• Presumption of Correctness

• Burden of Proof

19. 843 Creek Farm Rd 20. 843 Creek Farm Rd 21. 87 Rudgate Road 22. 55 Jeffrey Drive 23. 383 Oak Circle 25. Future Hearings

• Organize Comparable Sales Data

• Consider Discreet Adjustments and more detailed analysis

• Create Photos and Maps

• Make enough copies

• Know your Audience

26. Time for Questions & Discussion 27. Thank You