Appeal Property Taxes | New Homeowner Benefits
New homeowners: Don’t overpay! Ensure your property tax assessment is accurate. Experts say appealing your assessment can lead to notable savings. Reviewing your assessment is crucial because inaccurate valuations can inflate your tax bill. New homeowners often possess key documentation needed for a prosperous appeal. Property taxes are on the rise, making this advice timely. Learn more at News directory 3. Discover what steps you can take next.
New Homeowners: Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment for Savings
Updated May 25, 2025
real estate experts suggest that new homeowners should verify the accuracy of their property tax assessment. The assessment determines a property’s value for tax purposes, and errors can result in overpayment.
Sal Cataldo, a real estate lawyer with O’Doherty & Cataldo in Sayville, N.Y., noted that new homeowners typically have essential documents for an appeal, including title reports, home inspection reports, appraisals and mortgage documents. Thes papers contain details about the property’s age, condition and comparable values.
A home sale often triggers a property tax reassessment, applying the new market value.However,the timing and frequency of these reassessments vary by location.
Property taxes, along with mortgage payments, home insurance and maintenance, contribute considerably to housing expenses. Realtor.com reported that the median U.S. property tax bill in 2024 was $3,500, a 2.8% increase from 2023.
LendingTree reported that New York City had the highest median property tax in 2023 at $9,937, followed by san Jose, Calif., at $9,554, and San Francisco at $8,156.
Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, said that over-assessment is common. He added that details like incorrect square footage or bathroom counts can inflate tax bills.
“You’ve gotten a wealth of information about your house, whether you realize it or not,” Sal Cataldo, O’Doherty & Cataldo said.
What’s next
Homeowners should contact their local government to understand the appeals process and deadlines for challenging their property tax assessment.