How to Appeal Your Property Taxes

The county or municipal assessor is responsible for valuing residential and business real estate for tax purposes. The valuation should represent the 100 percent fair market value of the home or business. Sometimes a taxpayer receives a tax notice he believes is excessive. In this situation, the taxpayer can initiate an appeal. The appeals process allows the taxpayer an opportunity to submit evidence that the property's value is lower than assessed, which would lower the tax payment.

Instructions

1. Collect the required documentation, such as your most recent tax bill and your tax account number.

2. Contact your municipal taxing authority. Your tax bill should have the contact information, or you can call your state's department of taxation to request the number.

3. Request a meeting with the assessor. Discussing the situation with the assessor of your property may reveal that an error was made. Make sure the details of your property, such as age, number of rooms and physical characteristics, are correct. If the assessor made a mistake, request that she resubmit the valuation and request a confirmation in writing.

4. Collect the documentation required by the board of review if you still disagree with the assessor. You must provide compelling evidence that the assessed value is incorrect. You can collect data, such as property values comparable to yours, to support your case. You can also hire an independent appraiser to complete an appraisal report, which can cost several hundred dollars. The review board may require that you provide your estimate of the property's value in writing.

5. Request the required appeals forms to initiate your appeal. You should have your property address, comparable sales figures, the current assessment amount and your requested assessment amount. Submit the form to the appropriate authority via certified mail. The authority will contact you with a date for a hearing.

6. Present your evidence at the hearing. Once the board hears both sides of the case, it will render a decision. If you disagree with the decision, request information about appealing the decision to the next level.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider hiring an attorney if you do not feel comfortable completing the process on your own.

References

• MSN Money: How to Appeal Your Tax Assessment
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue: Property Assessment Appeal Guide for Wisconsin Real Property Owners