Challenging Your Property Tax Assessment Text Size:

If you own real property and you disagree with the tax assessment on the property, you probably want to have your property reassessed and challenge the assessment. The "Notice of Assessment" that you receive from your local taxing authority should include information about appealing the assessment. You must follow the appeal process that is set out in the notice.

Challenging the Assessment

The assessment process usually goes like this:

• The county department of revenue or other local taxing authority values the real property located in that county or township
• The department of revenue then notifies you, the property owner, of the valuation, as well as the amount of tax due on the property
• You can then challenge the amount of the assessment

The term assessment refers to the percentage of the valuation that is subject to property tax, although the term is commonly used to describe the valuation process.

In challenging the assessment, you should carefully review the assessment notice. The assessment notice will explain the appeal process and provide important information concerning the assessment. You must follow the procedure set out in the notice, including meeting the deadline for filing your appeal. The notice may also provide information as to how you can request the assessor's worksheet and notes with regard to the assessment. The assessment procedure varies widely from state to state; thus, local laws must be consulted individually for details.

Your goal in challenging an assessment is to present enough evidence to convince the department of revenue that the assessment is wrong, thereby reducing the amount of the property tax due on the property. To do so, collect information on sales of comparable homes in the area. If you recently purchased the property, you can establish the purchase price by presenting a copy of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement. In addition, you should review the assessments on nearby properties. Lastly, you may request an appraisal, but that depends on the cost of the appraisal and the possible savings to be gained by the assessment appeal.

You should not make an emotional plea, such as stating that you cannot afford the tax increase, when challenging an assessment. The authorities reviewing your assessment challenge will make their decision based on facts regarding the value of your property.

If you are successful in your appeal, you will receive a reassessment notice showing the reduction in the valuation and, as a consequence, the reduction in the amount of property tax due on the property. If you are unsuccessful in your appeal, the assessment will stand until the next assessment period.

Questions for Your Attorney

• How can I get my real property reassessed?
• Where can I find out how to appeal my property tax assessment?
• How do I prove that the tax assessment on my real property is wrong?

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