How to Contest Property Taxes

Tax assessors determine your property taxes by appraising the market value of your property. Your property taxes are a percentage of this appraised value. Contest your property taxes by showing that the appraised value is too high.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet
• Phone

Preparation

1. Check the property information on your tax bill. Specifically, check the address, square footage, lot size, and number of rooms. Take note of the appraised value of the property. Search your local tax assessor authority's website or call the tax office for your home's appraised value if it does not appear on your tax bill.

2. Compare any listed tax exemptions you think you qualify for with what is listed on the bill. Exemptions vary depending on your location, but you can find that information on your local tax assessor authority's website. Make note of any differences for presentation later.

3. Examine property values or sales prices for similar properties in your area. Find this information using either your local tax assessor authority's website or a real estate agent. Tax assessors make property value public information, so the information is available to property owners.

4. Analyze the appraised value of your home compared to the similar properties researched. Any sizeable difference should be noted and prepared as evidence in presenting your case. Consider hiring an independent appraiser to assess the value of your property. Doing so gives you further supporting evidence.

5. Decide if there is enough difference in your original appraisal value, and what you have concluded is the correct appraisal of your property to contest your property taxes. Go ahead and contest the taxes if you find an exception error.

The Contest

1. Look on your bill for dates in which appraisals can be contested. Call your local tax assessor's office to find out the date if it is not on your bill.

2. Find out if your local tax area allows formal and informal reviews. Schedule a time for an informal review first if your area allows this. Call or fill out paper work for a formal review if informal reviews are not allowed.

3. Prepare all of your collected documentation. Organize it in a way that allows you to present the most important details first. The time given to you to present your case likely will be limited.

4. Show up on time and be prepared for your informal meeting. Present your materials and share copies with whomever you meet.

5. Wait for an answer on your informal request to lower your property taxes. Go ahead and file the formal request if the deadline rapidly approaches and you haven't heard back on your informal request. The tax office will contact you with a formal presentation date.

6. Arrive on time to your formal review. Most areas have an appraisal review board to which you'll be presenting your case. Your local tax assessor will also present the documentation used in your original property tax assessment. Again, be concise and professional.

7. Keep an eye out for a letter stating whether your property tax assessment has been approved and by how much. Some states allow you to appeal the ruling by the review board to district courts if you are still unhappy. Action such as this is best done under a lawyer's guidance.