The assessment appeal process will vary depending on which county you live in, but generally the process will go something like this.
You can always call us if you have more detailed questions about your particular county.
1. Informal Review:
Usually, you will receive a phone call in which the assessor's representative will attempt to settle your appeal without a formal appeal board hearing. You will discuss the information ValueAppeal has provided you with over the phone and attempt to come to an agreement for a lower value. For instance, you may have asked for a $100,000 reduction in your assessed value, and the county offers a $50,000 reduction, and you agree on $75,000.
This informal process is called “stipulating” a lower value. Because there are so many over-assessed homes these days, the Appeal Board (aka the Board of Equalization) has more formal hearings than they can handle. Therefore, the representative is often incentivized to settle with you in your informal review conversation. ValueAppeal has given you a strong case so don't let them talk you out of the full amount savings you're due.
2. Formal Review Hearing
If the informal review process is unsuccessful, you will receive a notice in the mail with your hearing date for you to present your case to a property tax appeals board. Do not be intimidated! Most counties do not require you to attend your appeal hearing. However, we STRONGLY recommend you attend your hearing which usually only lasts 15 to 20 minutes. If you don’t attend your hearing you are at a great disadvantage in winning your case. During the hearing your job is to point out all of the reasons why the ValueAppeal comps you submitted with your appeal form are better than the comps the assessor uses to support their case.
Please refer to ValueAppeal's county specific FAQ’s for a more detailed description of the appeal process in your particular county.
