Common Errors in Property Tax Assessments in Hannover and Surrounding Areas: How to Address Them

Mon 3rd Feb, 2025

The recent distribution of new property tax assessments in Hannover has sparked significant concern among homeowners, with many expressing disbelief over the substantial increases in their tax liabilities. In response to this wave of anxiety, financial offices, municipalities, and real estate associations have reported a surge in inquiries, complaints, and requests for amendments to the assessments.

Frequent Mistakes in Property Tax Assessments

According to officials from financial authorities and representatives from the real estate sector, the majority of errors are not due to mistakes made by the offices themselves but rather stem from inaccuracies in the information provided by property owners.

Error 1: Overlooking Allowances

One of the most common mistakes made during the property tax declaration process is failing to account for allowances. Property owners were required to submit details regarding their living spaces in 2022, but many mistakenly included areas such as basements and storage rooms, which should not be counted as living space. Additionally, only garages larger than 50 square meters need to be reported, leading to inflated assessments when smaller garages are included erroneously.

Error 2: Incorrectly Defined Usable Space

Another prevalent error involves misclassifying spaces such as basements or carports as usable areas. In the context of property tax assessments, usable space refers exclusively to areas designated for commercial use, such as retail or office space within a residential building. As a result, if a property owner mistakenly lists a 30-square-meter basement as usable space, it can significantly increase the property tax assessment due to the multiplier effect of the local tax rate.

Error 3: Miscalculating Shared Ownership

For owners of condominiums in multi-family homes, there have been frequent instances where the total living area of the entire building was reported rather than the area specific to the individual unit. Additionally, errors were observed in reporting the land area and the proportionate share of the property owned. These mistakes can lead to inaccuracies in the overall property tax assessment.

Error 4: Measurement Mistakes

Basic measurement errors have also contributed to the discrepancies in property tax assessments. Official measurements should be used; however, many property owners have relied on outdated contracts or previous rental agreements, resulting in incorrect square footage being reported. Accurate measurements are critical, as they form the basis for tax calculations.

Steps to Address Errors

Property owners who suspect that they have made an error in their property tax assessment should contact their local financial office, rather than the municipality. Contact details can be found on the property tax assessment notice typically received in 2023. Given the high volume of inquiries, it is advisable to submit any correction requests in writing, preferably through the electronic tax filing system.

While the deadlines for appealing the 2023 assessments may have passed, property owners should still request a re-evaluation for the following year to avoid overpayment in the future. It is essential to ensure that all information submitted is accurate to prevent issues with subsequent tax bills.

In conclusion, understanding and addressing these common errors can help property owners navigate the complexities of the new property tax assessments and ensure they are not paying more than necessary.


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