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Property Assessment Appeal Example

The example given is fictitious.  Actual property photographs are used but all details and dollar amounts are made up so as to provide an example of differences in assessments of similar properties, thereby providing the property owner with just cause to question his or her assessments correctness.  You should provide as much information as possible and point out any differences.

A special note here!  If you have a recent professional certified appraisal, it will be recognized for determining the value of your property as of the date of the appraisal.

Begin by locating similar pieces of property in similar areas.  They do not necessarily have to be in the same community.  Take photographs.   Learn as much as you can about the property.  Get the address and if possible the property owners name.  Even better, try to obtain the property ID number.

Next, ask the assessor to give you a copy of the Property Record Card for each of the properties.  Go to the Assessors Office at the county Court House and obtain any other helpful information from the computer.  They will help you if you have a name and address or parcel ID number.  Determine the Assessed Value of each.

If possible, note any differences such as size, quality of construction, considerable age difference, condition, availability of amenities, etc.  Each item can affect the assessment.   Compare the properties and point out why you feel that your property should be assessed differently than it is.

When you have your presentation prepared, contact your assessor and give him/her your information.  If you can not agree on an adjustment, then go to the Assessors Office and obtain an appeal application.  Follow the directions and use your presentation with the review board.

Here is the Example:                                                         

 
Board of Review:

Please note the properties comparable to mine.  Each is accessed differently even though they apparently differ very little.  I believe, and hope that you will agree, that my assessment should be no higher than  $25,400 ($2,900 lot + $22,500 home) which is approximately equal to the other home ID # 00-33-4422-113  and land ID # 00-33-4434-107  that is most like my home and lot.

Thank you for your consideration.

My property:  ID#00-33-4544-114

1½ story frame home consisting of 1000sq ft with a loft having 300sq ft of floor space.  Wood siding and asphalt shingle roof. 1 full bath, 1 car garage (220sq ft) + storage & partial basement, wood burning fireplace with stone.  12500 sq ft wooded lot on cul de sac.   assessed home $24,000,  assessed lot $3,100, total assessment: $27,100.

   Comparable Property: ID#00-33-4434-107

1½ story frame home consisting of 1300sq ft on ground floor (650sq ft 2nd level).  Wood siding and asphalt shingle roof. 1 full bath,  + storage & partial basement with 1 car garage, wood burning fireplace with stone.  12500 sq ft wooded lot on cul de sac.   assessed home $22,000,  assessed lot $2,900, total assessment: $24,900.

Comparable Property: ID#00-33-4444-102

1½ story frame home consisting of 1250sq ft on ground floor plus 450 sq ft loft.  Wood siding and asphalt shingle roof. 1 full bath, 1 car garage (220sq ft) + storage & partial basement, wood burning fireplace with brick.  12500 sq ft wooded lot.   assessed home $21,500,  assessed lot $2,750, total assessment: $24,250.

Comparable Property: ID#00-33-4422-113

1½ story frame home with attic consisting of 1100sq ft on ground floor with a loft having 300sq ft of floor space, 1 car garage (200sq ft) and basement.  Wood siding and asphalt shingle roof. 1 full bath.  12500 sq ft wooded lot on cul de sac.   assessed home $22,500,  assessed lot $2,900, total assessment: $25,400.