How to Challenge a Property Assessment

Property assessments are based on the current market value of properties in an area. An incorrect assessment can result in an unfair, higher property tax. If you believe that your property is assessed too high, you have the right to challenge the assessment. Being properly prepared to support your case will increase your chances of winning.

• 1

  Review your assessment notice carefully to check for obvious errors that resulted in a high valuation. Verify whether the size of the home and the number of rooms are correct. Make sure the notice accurately describes the features of the property and doesn't list any features that the property does not have.

• 2

  Obtain market comparisons to determine whether the market value of your property used in the assessment was accurate. Search for recent sales prices in your neighborhood and compare them to the valuation in your assessment. Newspapers have lists of recent real estate transactions showing the sale price for each address. Make copies of any listings in newspapers or printouts from online real estate databases that you plan to use. Contact a realtor and request a market comparison of your neighborhood. A professional-looking market comparison document can be useful when you complete your appeal.

• 3

  List any problems in your home that would lower the value. For example, a roof that needs to be repaired or replaced, or cracks in the foundation are conditions that would come up in an inspection. Think about what problems would be listed if the property was inspected. Describe the problems and condition of the property in writing.

• 4

  After you obtain the market comparisons and describe the property's condition, analyze your assessment to determine the difference between the assessed value and what you think it should be. The amount of reduction you request should be based on factual information.

• 5

  Contact the local taxing authority to get information about the procedure for challenging or appealing your property assessment. Find out whether there will be a meeting or a hearing. Ask people in your area if they have challenged their assessments and whether they won or lost. Any advice or encouragement from local people who won their cases could be helpful.