How to appeal a property assessment
The usual steps, deadlines and evidence for challenging an assessed value you believe is too high.
Updated Oct 24, 2026
Start with the assessment, not the bill
An appeal almost always targets the assessed value, not the tax rate. If the value is too high relative to comparable sales, the bill is too high.
Deadlines are short — often 30 to 60 days after assessment notices are mailed. Missing the window usually means waiting a full year.
Build the evidence
Gather recent sales of similar homes nearby, photos of any condition problems, and the assessor's own record card to check for errors in square footage, lot size or features.
Many jurisdictions offer an informal review first, then a formal board hearing, then a judicial or state-level appeal.
What a win changes
A successful appeal lowers the assessed value for that cycle; it does not change the rate others pay. Keep the decision for the next reassessment.