In response to concerns, the tax secretaries from Cobb, Fulton, and DeKalb counties decided it was important to let residents know that certain services are available at no cost from the county.
“We want to emphasize that these services are free for taxpayers and homeowners; all you need to do is visit the tax office,” said Cobb Tax Secretary Carla Jackson in a recent interview.
Even local officials have been targeted by advertisements.
Dante Handel, deputy director for the Association of Governments at the Georgia Association County Commissioners, mentioned he received mailers from firms offering help with filing tax appeals. However, residents of Cobb largely overlooked them.
“I have a different role than most citizens,” Handel stated. “If someone wants to appeal, they shouldn’t need to go through a third-party service.”
Angela Walton, the communications manager for DeKalb County, noted that inquiries about a company called Ownwell started around June 9, shortly after assessment notices were sent out. These notices typically initiate the appeal process.
Walton reported an uptick in confused calls from residents questioning the legitimacy of the company’s outreach. The mailers they received seemed to mimic official county documents.
Ownwell described its aim as providing helpful services to homeowners, focusing on saving them time.
“Homeowners can always choose to file appeals themselves, and every state allows for that,” Ownwell’s president, Eleanor Bonner, mentioned. “We have a good success rate and do most of the heavy lifting for our clients.”
The company claims that if it successfully lowers a customer’s property tax valuation, it will charge 35% of the savings. Since launching in Georgia in 2022, Ownwell has been involved in assessing over 50,000 properties in the state.
Fulton County Chief Appraiser Roderick Conley mentioned he handles around 25% of the housing appeals in his county.
Conley expressed concerns over some practices of Ownwell, especially regarding the similarities between their mailings and official filings that property owners might recognize.
Ownwell chose not to comment on these concerns about document appearances.
To inform residents, the Cobb Tax Commissioner’s Office initiated a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness about third-party businesses offering property tax assistance. Their message warns: “Don’t be fooled by lawyers and junk mail!” The campaign includes graphics of the mailers and official county stickers.
“The goal of our posts is not to target any specific company but to make sure the public knows Cobb County does not charge for services like submitting Homestead exemption applications,” Jackson explained.
She encouraged residents to reach out to her office with any questions and to be mindful of what they might be paying for.
Ownwell maintains that it aims to alleviate the stress of tax filing while aiding clients in reducing their tax bills. Their website claims they have a comprehensive understanding of local tax laws, assuring homeowners the best chance for a successful appeal.
“Our mailer doesn’t suggest that the county handles the appeal process,” Ownwell clarified. “Homeowners have the option to file through their local offices, but property tax laws can be complex and time-consuming for many.”
