How-to
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
🇩🇪 Diesen Artikel auf Deutsch lesenReview your assessment notice for errors in square footage, bedrooms or condition, then compare your assessed value with recent sales of similar homes. If it's too high, file an appeal with your local assessor or board of review before the deadline — often 30–90 days after notices go out.
Property taxes are based on your home's assessed value multiplied by the local tax rate. You can't change the rate, but you can challenge an assessment that's too high.
Step by step
- Read your assessment notice
Note the assessed value, the appeal deadline and how your area calculates taxes from that value.
- Check your property record
Look up your home on the assessor's website and verify square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size and features.
- Find comparable sales
Look for 3–5 recent sales of similar homes nearby. Real estate sites and the assessor's database can help.
- Gather evidence
Photos of needed repairs, a recent appraisal, or documentation of errors strengthen your case.
- File before the deadline
Submit the appeal form with your evidence. Many areas allow online filing.
- Attend the hearing if needed
Present your evidence briefly and factually. Focus on value, not on how high taxes are.
What evidence works
| Evidence | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Factual errors on the property record | Easiest win: wrong size, rooms or features |
| Recent comparable sales | Shows market value is lower |
| Photos of needed repairs | Condition lowers value |
| Recent appraisal | Professional opinion of value |
Exemptions you might be missing
Many states offer homestead exemptions for primary residences and additional relief for seniors, veterans or people with disabilities. Check your county's website — some exemptions require an application.
Lower property taxes also lower your housing costs:
How Much Rent Can I Afford?Your maximum monthly rent by the 30% ruleTry the calculator →Frequently asked questions
Can my assessment go up if I appeal?
In some jurisdictions, yes. Check your local rules and make sure your evidence supports a lower value.
Should I hire a property tax consultant?
For complex or high-value properties it can help; many work on contingency. For typical homes, owners often succeed on their own.