How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
Step-by-step guide to appealing your property tax assessment and potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.
When Should You Appeal?
You should consider appealing your property tax assessment if: your assessed value is higher than what you could realistically sell your home for; comparable homes in your neighborhood are assessed lower; your assessment increased significantly without corresponding improvements; or you believe there are errors in your property record (wrong square footage, bedroom count, etc.).
Step 1: Review Your Assessment Notice
When you receive your annual assessment notice, review it carefully. Check the property details for errors: square footage, lot size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, year built, and any listed improvements. Errors in these fields can significantly inflate your assessed value. Request your full property record card from the assessor's office.
Step 2: Research Comparable Sales
The strongest appeal argument is that similar homes sold for less than your assessed value. Search public records or use Zillow/Redfin to find 3–5 comparable sales (same neighborhood, similar size, similar age) from the past 6–12 months. If those comps average $350,000 and your home is assessed at $420,000, you have a strong case.
Step 3: File Your Appeal
Most jurisdictions have a 30–90 day window after assessment notices are mailed to file an appeal. The process typically involves: completing an appeal form; submitting your evidence (comparable sales, photos, appraisal); and attending a hearing (in person or virtual). Many jurisdictions now allow online filing.
Step 4: The Hearing
At the hearing, present your evidence clearly and professionally. Stick to facts: comparable sales data, any errors in your property record, and your estimate of fair market value. Many appeals are settled informally before the formal hearing — assessors often reduce assessments when presented with strong comparable sales evidence.
Success Rates and Savings
According to the National Taxpayers Union, approximately 30–40% of property tax appeals result in a reduction. The average reduction is 10–15% of assessed value. On a $400,000 assessment at a 1.5% tax rate, a 10% reduction saves $600/year — and that savings compounds every year until the next reassessment.