Appeal Property Taxes | Lower Your Bill
- Many homeowners are seeking ways to reduce thier financial burdens as housing costs and property taxes rise.
- Property tax assessments determine the value of your property for taxation.While market value is a key factor, the assessment process varies by location, according to Melissa Cohn, regional...
- Sal Cataldo,a real estate lawyer and partner at O'Doherty & Cataldo,advises homeowners to challenge the numbers used in the assessment formula.
Defend your wallet: Learn how to appeal your property tax assessment and potentially slash your bill. With property taxes on the rise, knowing how to challenge your assessment is a must. In 2024, the median U.S. property tax bill hit $3,500, yet over 40% of homeowners could save considerably—potentially saving a median of $539 annually.You could be one of them. Start by verifying the accuracy of your assessment, comparing it with those of similar homes, and exploring all possible tax exemptions available to you. Don’t forget those all-critically important deadlines, too.Inaccuracies in property details often lead to overpayment, but armed with the right information, you can rectify this. Consulting with a real estate agent or appraiser can bolster your case. News Directory 3 has the latest insights. Discover what’s next in ensuring you’re not overpaying.
Lower Your Property Tax Bill: A Guide to Appealing Your Assessment
Updated May 28, 2025
Many homeowners are seeking ways to reduce thier financial burdens as housing costs and property taxes rise. Appealing your property tax assessment can lead to significant savings. Realtor.com reported the median property tax bill in the U.S. reached $3,500 in 2024, a 2.8% increase from the previous year. Though, over 40% of homeowners coudl save $100 or more annually by protesting their assessment, potentially saving a median of $539 each year.
Property tax assessments determine the value of your property for taxation.While market value is a key factor, the assessment process varies by location, according to Melissa Cohn, regional vice president of William Raveis Mortgage. Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, notes that over-assessment is common due to inaccuracies in property details.these errors, such as incorrect square footage or outdated roof age, can lead to years of overpayment.
Appealing an assessment is a worthwhile endeavor. Sal Cataldo,a real estate lawyer and partner at O’Doherty & Cataldo,advises homeowners to challenge the numbers used in the assessment formula. Here’s how to navigate the process:
Steps to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
- Verify Assessment Accuracy: Obtain your assessment records online or through your local assessor. Check for errors in details like square footage and roof age. Gather supporting documents, such as contractor invoices or home inspection reports, to dispute inaccuracies.
- Compare with Neighbors: Research property tax records of comparable homes in your neighborhood. If you’re paying more,it suggests a potential over-assessment,Cataldo said.
- Explore Tax Exemptions: Investigate available tax exemptions for older residents, veterans, low-income households, or disabled individuals.
- Note Deadlines: Be aware of appeal deadlines,often found in the assessment’s fine print.
- Seek Expert Advice: consult a educated real estate agent or appraiser to compare home values and understand their service fees.
“You’re banking on several years of savings,” said Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union Foundation.
What’s next
Successfully appealing your property tax assessment can result in immediate savings and serve as the basis for future assessments. By taking these steps, homeowners can potentially lower their property tax bills and ensure they are paying a fair amount.