Ross County Auditor Tom Spetnagel is warning property owners to beware of companies promising to reduce their taxes for a fee.

One such company, the Cleveland-based Tax Compliance Services, LLC, has been mailing letters to area residents offering a “100% guaranteed reduction” in property taxes because the value of their property might be in error.

However, information about comparable sales is readily available on the Auditor’s website at www.co.ross.oh.us/Auditor.

“If you wish to challenge your property value, there is no need to pay an out-of-town company to do so. Any taxpayer can file an appeal with the Board of Revision (BOR), and our office will assist you through the process,” Spetnagel said.

The BOR is a three-member board which includes the County Commission President, County Treasurer, and Auditor.

Spetnagel further noted that no one can offer a “guarantee” or “a very high likelihood” of a value reduction. “Promises of ‘risk free’ filings are extremely misleading. Each case is considered on its merits and the BOR can increase a value,” he said.

Owners who believe their value is inaccurate should file their BOR complaint with the Auditor’s office no later than 4:30 PM on March 31, 2013.

Complaint forms are available from the Auditor’s office inside the Ross County Courthouse.