05/18/2026
In case you feel you need a review of your property’s assessment. Here are some tips.
🏠 Between 30% and 60% of U.S. homes are over-assessed, according to the National Taxpayers Union. Fewer than 5% of homeowners ever file an appeal.
The first step is pulling your property record card from the county assessor's office or website. Verify square footage, bedroom count, bathroom count, and lot size against what you know about your property.
Factual errors in the record are the easiest wins. An incorrect bedroom count or overstated square footage can produce a meaningfully lower assessment with minimal evidence required.
If the record is accurate, gather 3-5 comparable sales within the past 6-12 months and within half a mile of your home. Your assessed value should align with what similar homes actually sold for.
Filing deadlines vary by county but typically fall 30-90 days after assessment notices are mailed. Missing the window means waiting a full year to refile.
Most counties allow an informal review before a formal hearing. Many reductions are settled at this stage without escalating to the appeals board.
Nationally, 40-60% of appeals succeed. A reduced assessment carries forward until the next reassessment cycle, which can be anywhere from one year to ten years depending on your state.
On a home assessed at $400,000 with a 1.2% effective tax rate, a 10% reduction saves $480 per year.
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*The content shared here is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not personalized investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions based on your specific situation.*