[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

O.K. Guys. Let the testosterone flow. LET'S start a fight or even shoot someone who is doing their job. Where I come from the meter reader and the tax appraiser are people who come and go. We don't ask them to make an appointment and we aren't offended and we don't feel defensive.

GG:

Usually, meters are in the front of the property near walks or drives that are used by the general public and visitors.

Entering someone's backyard is a completely different issue and normally requires permission prior to entry. Without permission it is trespass and could, and often does, have unwanted consequences.

If the assessor's office needs to inspect the property, they should give written prior notice.

[gowens1]

Welcome to Florida. You can shoot a criminal, but don't shoot the tax man. And they will look in your windows, or if they can, enter your property. I have a rental property in Deltona, when we first bought it we remodeled the interior. The changes I had made showed up, with a letter from codes enforcement, so I asked how they knew. I was told they can check anything they want, and so can codes enforcement. And the worst part is they work together.

gary
Deltona, FL

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by gowens1

Welcome to Florida. You can shoot a criminal, but don't shoot the tax man. And they will look in your windows, or if they can, enter your property. I have a rental property in Deltona, when we first bought it we remodeled the interior. The changes I had made showed up, with a letter from codes enforcement, so I asked how they knew. I was told they can check anything they want, and so can codes enforcement. And the worst part is they work together.

gary
Deltona, FL

terminus adquo

[Boomer]

This is another of my absolutely true stories. I swear.

Before we downsized to our geezer ranch style house, we lived on some acreage where we had built a new barn. We also had a swimming pool. One beautiful summer afternoon, I was entertaining several friends at one of those sangria sippin' girls only pool parties. We were all around age 50, give or take, at the time.

Well, we were having a great time when suddenly two really "old" guys (probably at least in their late 50's) came strolling right across the middle of the yard. They were carrying clipboards, of course.

I had backup so I called them over and asked them who in the heck they were.

"We're here to appraise the barn for property taxes," they answered practically in unison.

We invited them to swim with us and tried to ply them with sangria. But they were dedicated bureaucrats and would not be corrupted. But we did manage to at least chat them up a bit.

When their work there was done and they finally left, we laughed and said that maybe I got a deal on the barn tax. Oh yeah. We thought we were so darned cute. We were saying things like, "Hey, the legs are the last thing to go," and "Hey, they were way older than us even (right, uh huh) and everything is relative," and various other idiotic sangria soaked assessments of our perceived success with flirting with the tax guys.

Well, guess what. When the :edit: tax bill came, it was not even remotely a deal. Those tax guys we thought thought we were so utterly charming had assessed for TWO barns. I did not think I would ever get that mess straightened out at the courthouse.

The moral of the story: If you are going to flirt with the tax guy, make sure you still got it.

Boomer

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Boomer BeBack

This is another of my absolutely true stories. I swear.

Before we downsized to our geezer ranch style house, we lived on some acreage where we had built a new barn. We also had a swimming pool. One beautiful summer afternoon, I was entertaining several friends at one of those sangria sippin' girls only pool parties. We were all around age 50, give or take, at the time.

Well, we were having a great time when suddenly two really "old" guys (probably at least in their late 50's) came strolling right across the middle of the yard. They were carrying clipboards, of course.

I had backup so I called them over and asked them who in the heck they were.

"We're here to appraise the barn for property taxes," they answered practically in unison.

We invited them to swim with us and tried to ply them with sangria. But they were dedicated bureaucrats and would not be corrupted. But we did manage to at least chat them up a bit.

When their work there was done and they finally left, we laughed and said that maybe I got a deal on the barn tax. Oh yeah. We thought we were so darned cute. We were saying things like, "Hey, the legs are the last thing to go." and "Hey, they were way older than us even (right, uh huh) and everything is relative." and various other idiotic sangria soaked assessments of our perceived success with flirting with the tax guys.

Well, guess what. When the :edit: tax bill came, it was not even remotely a deal. Those tax guys we thought thought we were so utterly charming had assessed for TWO barns. I did not think I would ever get that mess straightened out at the courthouse.

The moral of the story: If you are going to flirt with the tax guy, make sure you still got it.

Boomer

Writing this down.

GracieGirl

[kit9240]

A written notice from the Tax Assessor's office should be sent out in advance letting home owners know that there will be tax assessors in their neighborhood the week of 5/5-9, 2008 to do a walk through inspection. They may or may not request to inspect the interior for rennovations/alterations. They should readily provide identification so no one is alarmed or concerned about strangers appearing on their property.

Boomer: Loved your story! I think there's a moral there! ;D

[Talk Host]

I spoke with an attorney friend of mine today and told him this story. His reply was, "They are the government, they can do anything they want."


BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR cold_cold

i got to get into that government job. There are quite a few windows i would like to look into...without getting arrested. ;D

[kerry]

what is the tax rate going to be

[Frangyomory]

When they did the last assessment here in Sumter County they knocked on my door and asked if they could look around the property. Of course, we live in a courtyard villa and have a privacy fence so maybe that was the only reason they asked permission. Plus, I have a beward of dog sign on my gate.

[The Great Fumar]

KERRY
It really depends on your window !!!

(I think thats what their saying)

[Rokinronda]

My husbands profession is to go on your property to do his job. We have done this type of work for several years and seldom have a problem. He wears his identification badge, carries a clipboard and a measuring device and rings your bell and knocks. He never enters gates or fenced yards. If a no trespass sign is posted you can be sure he heeds the warning, takes a photo and leaves. Insurance companies have the right to verify their risks. Please don't shoot him he is working!!

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by Rokinronda

My husbands profession is to go on your property to do his job...Insurance companies have the right to verify their risks. Please don't shoot him he is working!!

OK Ronda,

I won't shoot. And I promise I won't try to ply him with sangria either. Boy, did I learn my lesson.

Boomer

[Sgt Mac]

Hay is the Tax rate $26.00 per 1000 in TV?

Sgt Mac

[captain1202]

Keep your drapes/blinds closed.