How to Appeal Your Property Tax Bill

No one like forking over more money to their local government than they have to, yet it’s not unusual for municipalities to over-value properties. As much as 60 percent of U.S. property tax, according to the National Taxpayers Union, has an inflated valuation.

Here’s how to appeal your property tax bill if you believe it was calculated incorrectly because your home or business was overvalued.

First, Confirm That It’s True

Firstly, ensure the accuracy of your property assessment by confirming the criteria used to determine your house’s value. Initiate the process by obtaining a copy of your property card from the county assessor’s office, which contains vital information such as square footage, lot size, bedroom and bathroom count, parking spaces, and more. This document serves as a valuable resource for estimating your house’s market worth. 

Take the time to meticulously review your property card for potential typos, as inaccuracies may stem from the assessor’s office mistakenly attributing non-existent improvements to your property, such as an additional bedroom. 

Additionally, be attentive to any essential details that might be absent from the card, such as your property’s location on a major thoroughfare, which could lead to an inflated assessment. These steps are integral in preparing for a property tax fight, ensuring that your documentation is comprehensive and accurate.

Ensuring the accuracy of your property card is crucial, especially when aiming to Dispute property taxes. It’s imperative to meticulously verify the document for any typos that might inadvertently lead to an inaccurate assessment. One potential source of discrepancies could be the assessor’s office envisioning improvements that don’t exist on your property, such as an additional bedroom.

Additionally, pay close attention to the details presented on your card, as essential information like your property’s location on a major thoroughfare might influence an inflated assessment. Remember to thoroughly review all relevant paperwork when preparing to dispute property taxes, as these discrepancies could significantly impact the valuation of your property.

Confirm the Accuracy of Your Property Assessment:

• Obtain a copy of your property card from the county assessor’s office.
• Review vital information such as square footage, lot size, bedroom and bathroom count, and parking spaces.
• Check for potential typos or inaccuracies, like attributing non-existent improvements to your property.

Consider the Alternatives:

You should check the assessed value of your property to the values of similar homes in the area. Find five to seven comparable homes that share your home’s square footage, update level, and general area.

Your appeal has a decent likelihood of being upheld if your home’s price is at least 10% greater than the comparables.

Consider the Alternatives:

• Compare the assessed value of your property to similar homes in the area.
• Identify five to seven comparable homes with similar square footage, update level, and general location.
• If your property’s price is at least 10% greater than the comparables, you have a strong case for appeal.

Collect Your Proof And Visit The Local Assessor’s Office

Collect Your Proof And Visit The Local Assessor’s OfficeGet in touch with a representative from your county assessor’s office before submitting a formal appeal. Bring in the proof you have gathered, such as your tax bill, comparables, a copy of your property card, pictures, and so on.

Keep in mind that the evaluator can refuse to meet informally. They can also choose to ignore your request for a reduction in your property tax. You should next look at filing a legal appeal. Different cities and towns may have somewhat different procedures, but your local assessor’s office should be able to point you in the right direction.

Collect Evidence and Visit the Local Assessor’s Office:

• Contact a representative from your county assessor’s office before submitting a formal appeal.
• Bring supporting evidence, including your tax bill, comparables, a copy of your property card, and photos.
• Be aware that an informal meeting may be refused, and the evaluator might choose to ignore your request.

Filing a Formal Appeal of Property Taxes

In most cases, you’ll need to file a formal request with accompanying documents explaining why the initial property assessment was wrong. The length of time it takes to hear back after submitting a request depends on how busy your local assessor’s office is.

And remember, when you get your property tax increase notice, you need to take care of these things right away. You shouldn’t risk missing the window of opportunity within which most cities will consider your appeal.

Filing a Formal Appeal:

• File a formal request with accompanying documents explaining why the initial property assessment was incorrect.
• The time it takes to hear back depends on the workload of your local assessor’s office.
• Act promptly upon receiving your property tax increase notice to avoid missing the appeal window.

Conclusion:

Objecting to a property tax increase involves careful scrutiny of your property assessment, consideration of comparable homes, and gathering evidence to support your case. By following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of a successful appeal and potentially reduce your property tax burden. Remember, timing is crucial, so act promptly when you receive your tax increase notice.

Q: How do I know if my property tax bill was calculated incorrectly?

A: Start by confirming the accuracy of your Property Assessment. Obtain a copy of your property card from the county assessor’s office and review essential details such as square footage, lot size, and room count.

Q: What should I look for when reviewing my property card?

A: Check for potential typos or inaccuracies, such as the inclusion of non-existent improvements. Ensure that essential details, like your property’s location on a major thoroughfare, are accurately represented.

Q: Why should I consider alternatives when appealing my property tax bill?

A: Comparing the assessed value of your property to similar homes in the area helps establish whether your property has been overvalued. If your home’s price is significantly higher than comparable properties, you may have a strong case for appeal.

Q: What evidence should I gather before visiting the local assessor’s office?

A: Collect supporting documents, including your tax bill, information on comparable homes, a copy of your property card, and any relevant photos. This evidence strengthens your case when discussing the assessment with the assessor.

Q: Can I have an informal meeting with the assessor before filing a formal appeal?

A: Yes, it’s advisable to contact a representative from your county assessor’s office before filing a formal appeal. Bring your gathered proof to this meeting. However, be aware that the assessor may refuse an informal meeting.

Q: What if the local assessor’s office rejects my informal appeal?

A: If your informal appeal is rejected, you may need to file a formal request. The process may vary by location, so consult your local assessor’s office for guidance on filing a formal Property Appeal.

Q: How long does it take to hear back after filing a formal appeal?

A: The time it takes to receive a response depends on the workload of your local assessor’s office. Be prepared for some variability in the response time.

Q: Is there a deadline for filing a property tax appeal?

A: Yes, it’s crucial to act promptly upon receiving your property tax increase notice. Most cities have a specific window during which they consider appeals, and missing this deadline could limit your options.