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Save Thousands on Your Property Taxes

Wednesday, Sep 15, 2010 | Updated 5:30 PM EST

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Unless you're a senior citizen in New Jersey, you can kiss your property tax rebate check goodbye under the new budget.

At first, Arturo Bendek didn't really think he would be able to take a huge chunk out of his tax bill.

But he figured why not? If he saved money on his property taxes, he would be able to do more for his daughter and family. Then came fantastic news.

"When I first heard about this I was skeptical. I didn't expect to see that much money," Arturo explained.

How much money?

"Just about $8,000 per year," said Arturo.

That's right. Arturo's property tax bill for his large home was $24,000 before. He appealed the bill and saw it reduced to $16,000.

Melanie Hyer from Keller Williams Realty breaks it down very simply.

"Homeowners can save money and everybody wants to save money. In Florida the property taxes have been high and you can change that and get a reduction and make your property taxes go down as well."

Hyer says you can start the process yourself by filling out a form on your tax appraiser's website and paying a small fee, or you can hire a professional to do it for you. Then the appraiser will come to your home and take a second look a what you're being charged.

There are lots of ways to get discounts.

"They will find you anything that can get you a discount," Bendek said, "construction problems, a roof leaking, chinese drywall."

But don't delay Hyer warned, as the deadline is coming up quickly -- Monday, September 20th.

To apply for these appeals in your county, visit www.miamidade.gov/pa; www.bcpa.net/homepage.asp; www.mcpafl.org; or www.fpts.net.