Governor signs property value appeal bill

Last week Gov. Nathan Deal has signed House Bill 202, a comprehensive local taxation law that modifies some appeals procedures for property taxpayers.  The new law allows taxpayers to request a “description of the methodology used by the board of tax assessors in setting the property's fair market value” after receiving their annual assessment notice.  The act also allows a taxpayer to use a privately commissioned property appraisal in support of a pending appeal.  HB 202 also provides an option to taxpayers to meet with somebody from the tax assessment office to discuss their property value within 30 days of a written request.  The law also amplifies on existing board of equalization, arbitration, and superior court appeals procedures.