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Property taxes are understandably confusing for many people so having the right lawyer to help you with it is crucial. He or she should be able to help you understand the basics and guide you in how the tax is calculated. First off, ask around. Your friends or coworkers must have had an experience with property tax at some point so this would be the first line of help for you. One of them might be able to refer you to a reliable lawyer who can help with your property tax appraisal and guide you throughout the process. Before you pick up that phone to schedule an appointment, try doing some background check first. Also, beware that you don't get taken in by fancy slogans and claims of accomplishments. Reserve your judgment once you've done your research and met up with the lawyer. You also have to make sure he or she belongs to some legal or appraisal organization like the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). And while you're at it, check out if there are some reviews left on their professional sites, similar to those of Elliott & Associates property tax lawyer review. Once you've already decided on a shortlist, it's best to ask for their former clients if you can. You might get very useful feedback from them about who to stay away from and who to give a shot. When you're ready to meet with one, discuss the details of your case with him and be sure to inquire how your tax appeal will be handled, for instance. Make it a point to ask him about the most fitting approach to the case. Are you confident in his skills? Do you feel he's trustworthy enough? In terms of experience, it won't hurt to ask if the lawyer you are considering has taught at a law school at some point. A published legal article or book written by him would be a plus, too. It could prove his expertise and commitment to good form, not to mention his reputation in the legal world. Lastly, remember that if you're dealing with a law firm, make sure to ask who will be handling your case. For example, an Elliott & Associates property tax lawyer could delegate certain tasks to be handled by the firm's other staff and leave the real important stuff to the main attorney of your choice. Details like policies about tax assessment and how communications will be handled are also important to agree upon beforehand.