07 Jul What are the grounds for an appeal?

If you believe the estimated value of your property is incorrect, you will want to know:

• How the assessor values property
• How to gather information about your property and similar properties
• How the appeals process works and what the deadlines are

You also have a responsibility to furnish accurate information about your property to the assessor.

An assessment appeal is not a complaint about higher taxes. It is an attempt to prove that your property’s estimated market value is either inaccurate or unfair.

You may appeal when you can prove at least one of three things:

• Items that affect value are incorrect on your property record. You have one bath, not two. You have a carport, not a garage. Your home has 1,600 square feet, not 2,000 square feet.
• The estimated market  value is too high. You have evidence that similar properties have sold for less than the estimated market value of your property.
• The estimated market value of your property is accurate but inequitable because it is higher than the estimated value of similar properties.

Note: You will not win an appeal because you think your taxes are too high. This is an issue you must take up with the officials who determine budgets and set your millage rates .

However, you may be eligible for tax relief or exemptions. The assessor’s office can give you information about exemptions.