Property taxes: they’re the cost of owning a home that nobody loves, but everyone pays. And if you’ve opened your annual tax bill and felt your jaw drop, you’re not alone. Across the U.S., homeowners are seeing property taxes rise — sometimes because their homes are worth more, sometimes because their assessed value is way off the mark. The good news? You can fight back. Here’s what you need to know about appealing your property tax assessment — and potentially lowering your bill.
What Is a Property Tax Assessment?
Every year (or every few years depending on your state), local governments assess the value of your property to determine how much you’ll owe in taxes. This assessed value, multiplied by your local tax rate, equals your annual property tax bill.
But assessments aren’t always perfect. If the assessor overvalues your home — or uses outdated or incorrect information — you could be paying hundreds or even thousands more than you should.
Signs Your Property Might Be Over assessed
– Your home’s assessed value is way above recent sales in your neighborhood
– Your square footage or home details are listed incorrectly
– You’ve noticed significant repairs or damages that weren’t accounted for
– Your tax bill went up dramatically without a clear reason
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
The process varies slightly from state to state, but generally follows these steps:
1. Review Your Assessment Notice
Most counties mail an assessment notice before sending the actual bill. This is your first chance to catch errors. Look at your property details — are the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage accurate?
2. Do Your Homework
– Look at comparable sales in your area from the past year.
– Collect photos and documentation showing why your property may be worth less than assessed.
3. File a Formal Appeal
Check your local assessor’s office for instructions. Some areas allow online appeals (like King County in Seattle), while others require forms or in-person submissions. Pay attention to deadlines — some counties only give you 30 to 60 days after you receive your assessment.
4. Prepare Your Case
You may need to attend a hearing or submit a written explanation with your supporting documents. Be clear, concise, and focused on facts — emotional arguments rarely sway assessors.
What’s the Worst That Can Happen?
If your appeal is denied, you’ll still owe the original tax amount. But if you win? You could lower your annual bill and potentially get a refund for overpayments.
Some homeowners save hundreds to thousands by appealing — especially in fast-growing housing markets like Seattle, Austin, or Phoenix, where assessments often lag behind actual conditions.
Pro Tip: You Can Hire Help
If diving into comps and tax forms isn’t your thing, there are tax appeal services that will handle the process for you — usually for a percentage of what you save. Just be sure to check reviews and fees up front.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to accept your property tax bill at face value. If it doesn’t feel right — it might not be. Reviewing and appealing your assessment is easier than most people think, and it could mean serious savings.
At Insim Properties, we believe that affordable luxury includes being informed and empowered — not just about your home, but about what it really costs to own it.