The county auditor and Sheriff Toby Spencer have issued a warning to local residents to beware of companies offering to assist with real estate valuation appeals because taxpayers may file appeals at no charge.

Tax Compliance Services, LLC of Cleveland has mailed letters to area residents, officials said. The letters say residents could be overpaying their taxes because “the County” value of their property might be in error.

Auditor Carol Ginn said owners can do the research on their own and may file an appeal for no charge with the Board of Revision.

“We often advise homeowners to contact a Realtor who is active in their area for an independent opinion of their value,” Ginn said. “They can also review recent sales of comparable properties on our website at www.darkecountyrealestate.org.”