Appeals
There are ways to successfully challenge
the Assessor's estimated market value when it is found to be inequitable
or erroneous. Although the Assessor has no hand in budget spending
within a district, they do determine the estimated market value
of all real property and some classes of personal property.
Detailed below are six simple, but effective actions taxpayers can
take in order to make a successful argument to lower the estimated
market value of their property:
- Review the current assessment from the County Assessor's
Office and look for obvious errors with regard to size, description
or condition of the property in question.
- Compare the estimated market value of the property in question
with similar properties in the same neighborhood and look for discrepancies.
Assessor records are public information and are available at the
County Assessor's Office or via Internet access through the Assessor's
web site.
- Check recent sale prices of homes in the same neighborhood
that are similar to the property in question. These prices are public
information and can be obtained from a local Realtor or at the County
Assessor's Office.
- Have a new appraisal performed by a reputable certified
appraiser.
- List factors that could decrease the value of a property
as of the assessment date. Factors that could lower a property's
value are deteriorating condition, undesirable neighborhood influences
like smells, air quality or heavy street traffic and declining market
prices.
- Be sure to take advantage of special programs. See Assessor's
Duties on this site.
Documentation of your case before an appeal board should include
photographs of the property in question and a complete explanation
of any detrimental factors affecting the property value. Each year
you will receive a Valuation of Real Property Notice from the Assessor's
Office. This notice will explain the appeal process in detail. There
are specific appeal dates to follow. Generally, appeals are made
prior to June 1st each year.
As always, your first appeal should be with the Assessor's Office.
In many cases, an appraiser from the Assessor's Office will visit
your property and resolve any discrepancies.
