How to Fight Property Appraised Value

You can challenge your property tax assessment.

Property values are assessed by your county's property assessor. The assessor is a supposed "expert" who knows the area, knows the value of properties similar to yours (called "comparables") and determines the value of your home. The value of your home is what the property tax is based upon. Often, assessors don't know the true value of a home. If you feel your property tax assessment was incorrect, here is how to appeal that determination.

Things You'll Need

• pen
• paper
• computer with Internet connection

Instructions

How to Fight Appraised Property Value

1. Locate the proper forms for a property tax appeal with your local government. Most communities have a "tax assessor" or "office of the assessor." You can find the phone number online or in the government section of your local phone book.

2. Determine how your neighborhood is zoned. Most communities have a system of classification for properties. Find out which area your home is in.

3. Use the Internet to determine recent home sales prices of similar homes in your area. Call a local real estate agent if you need help. Focus on homes that have the same number of beds and bathrooms and a similar square footage as your home.

4. Determine if the prices the homes were sold for are significantly lower than the value of your home as determined by the appraiser. If so, you have the foundation for a strong appeal. Write down all the information of those homes, and print listings for or take photographs of those homes.

5. Schedule an appeal with your tax assessor. Your tax assessor's office may have specific dates for hearing appeals. Be prepared, thorough, and confident when you present your estimate of your home's value.

Tips & Warnings

• Make extra copies of your paperwork so that you can provide documents for all of the appeals board members.

• Don't take in only homes that have sold for much higher than your value if they have more bedrooms or more square footage. You will only annoy the appeal board.

References

• Consumer Affairs: Fighting Property Tax
• Business Week: Reduce Your Property Tax
• Oregon Gov: How to Appeal Your Property Tax