A supplemental tax bill is a document sent by a tax assessor’s office to a property owner that reflects a change in the assessed value of the property, resulting in an increase in property taxes. Getting two supplemental tax bills may seem confusing or alarming to property owners. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind receiving multiple supplemental tax bills and what steps can be taken to address them.

Overview

Property taxes are one of the primary sources of revenue for local governments and are based on the assessed value of the property. The assessed value of a property is determined by the tax assessor’s office and is typically based on the market value of the property. When the assessed value of a property changes, it can result in an increase or decrease in property taxes.

Reasons for Multiple Supplemental Tax Bills

There are several reasons why a property owner may receive multiple supplemental tax bills. These include:

Change in Property Value
A change in property value is the most common reason for receiving a supplemental tax bill. This can occur if the property owner makes improvements to the property, such as adding a room or making significant renovations. The tax assessor’s office may reassess the property value, resulting in a higher assessed value and an increase in property taxes.

Change in Ownership
If a property changes ownership during the tax year, the tax assessor’s office may issue multiple supplemental tax bills. This is because the property taxes are prorated based on the number of days the property was owned by each owner during the tax year.

Miscalculation
In rare cases, a property owner may receive multiple supplemental tax bills due to a miscalculation by the tax assessor’s office. This can occur if the assessor mistakenly calculates the assessed value of the property or if there is an error in the tax calculation.

Property Split
If a property is split into multiple parcels during the tax year, the tax assessor’s office may issue multiple supplemental tax bills. Each parcel will be assessed separately, resulting in multiple bills.

What to Do If You Receive Multiple Supplemental Tax Bills

Receiving multiple supplemental tax bills can be confusing and overwhelming for property owners. However, there are steps that can be taken to address the situation.

Review the Bills Carefully
The first step is to carefully review each supplemental tax bill to determine the reason for the increase in property taxes. If the reason is unclear, contact the tax assessor’s office for clarification.

Verify the Assessment
If the reason for the increase is a change in property value, verify that the new assessed value is accurate. Check for any errors or discrepancies in the assessment and provide any necessary documentation to support your claim.

Appeal the Assessment
If you believe that the new assessed value is inaccurate, you may be able to appeal the assessment. Each state has its own procedures for appealing property assessments, so check with your local tax assessor’s office for more information.

Pay the Bills on Time
Regardless of the reason for receiving multiple supplemental tax bills, it is important to pay them on time to avoid penalties and interest charges. If you are unable to pay the full amount, contact the tax assessor’s office to discuss payment options.

Conclusion

Receiving multiple supplemental tax bills can be confusing and overwhelming for property owners. However, by carefully reviewing the bills, verifying the assessment, appealing the assessment if necessary, and paying the bills on time, property owners can effectively address the situation and avoid penalties and interest charges.