The system to calculate property taxes is flawed and based on an outdated model. The government uses an automated bulk-assessment method that is considered a black box. In other words, it is not transparent. It also may rely on old and/or inaccurate information. Since the type of data being used isn’t always publicly visible, many homeowners can’t really review how their property values are being calculated.
To resolve the issue, homeowners have to hire an expensive property tax attorney who may only take “big” cases to deal with their property tax appeal. They can also attempt to do it themselves to get a property tax reduction, but the bureaucratic process is data-heavy, and many homeowners give up or fail.
Owlue is an AI-native platform specifically created to make property tax appeals accessible to everyone.
“We saw that over 35% of homeowners overpay because county assessments are often based on flawed, automated models. Bulk assessment is the process used today for property evaluations at scale. It’s not personal, it’s not fair, and it leaves the ‘average American’ in a severe knowledge and financial disadvantage,” says a spokesperson for Owlue.
The “Profitability Gap” in Professional Help
Traditional tax attorneys and appraisers aren’t interested in average residential properties because their fee is based on the potential savings they can secure for the homeowner. If they can’t secure a significant fee for their work, they’ll pass on the tax reassessment. This leaves the average homeowner with limited or no professional help in their area.
“Large firms and corporations employ CPAs, lawyers, and appraisers to optimize their tax exposure, which is typically not available for the average homeowner. We produce appeals of equivalent quality, and we make this service available to everyone,” says the spokesperson for Owlue.
Democratizing the “Evidence Game”
When a homeowner decides to self-file, they might submit a few Zillow screenshots, but most don’t understand the regulatory nuances. Without the correct data and expertise, their appeal will most likely fail. The failure isn’t because the case isn’t valid, but it’s because the homeowner doesn’t understand the process and what is required.
The appeal process is different depending on the county where someone lives, and each county has specific deadlines, evidence, and processes. Owlue’s designers overcame this hurdle by building an AI-driven “Jurisdiction Engine” that covers most of the territories in the United States. The technology handles the variables that make the appeal process difficult and ensures that filing windows and procedural details are met.
Owlue generates a 20-30-page evidence packet of the highest quality using the methods of an appraiser. The packet is well-researched, so the evidence makes it difficult for the county to deny.
Owlue operates on a success-only fee. If the homeowner doesn’t end up saving money after the tax reappraisal, they pay nothing.
The Human-in-the-Loop Safeguard
The founding team behind Owlue is composed of people with engineering and product experience in data infrastructure and AI. The team excels in building operating systems that serve billions of users. They understand the importance of maintaining a human-in-the-loop for quality assurance to ensure that the total automation in the platform doesn’t lead to errors.
“Our AI is cross-referenced against a framework built on decades of professional tax experience. This hybrid approach ensures that while we move at the speed of light, every appeal maintains the precision and ‘nuance’ of a veteran tax expert,” says a spokesperson for Owlue.
Through its AI platform, Owlue gives the everyday homeowner access to what they define as “rich man’s justice,” empowering them to save money on their property taxes.