How do you dispute a new tax assessment?

Question

I just received a new state property tax assessment and they say the value of my home has more than doubled. We have not made any additional improvements and the home does not have many of the features that neighboring homes have (ie: central heat/ac (we have elec baseboard), basement, garage, etc.) How do I show that the states assessment is incorrect?

Answer 1

Property taxes are levied at the local level not by the state. On the assessment notice itself there should be some disclosure on how AND BY WHEN to initiate an appeal of the assessed value. If you do not see it contact the office who issued the assessment notice.

Your re-evaluation more than likely was solely by formula. They probably just took the old value and upped it by a percentage. To get it reduced you need to show deficiencies in your house such as poor construction, drainage issues, lack of amenities etc. Your question indicates you are headed in the right direction. The other alternative is to research recent sales in your area of similar properties and show that they are below your new assessed value.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Call the assessor's office - there should be a phone number on the paperwork that you received. They'll send you a form to fill out saying why you think your assessment is too high, then schedule a hearing on it. If you take pictures to the hearing, it might help.

Good luck.