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GUIDE · HOME COSTS

Appeal Your Property Tax Bill

A step-by-step plan for homeowners.

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§ 1 · HOME COSTS

Read the Notice

Find your assessed value and the appeal deadline. Mark it today.

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§ 2 · HOME COSTS

Watch the Clock

Deadlines are often 30 to 90 days after the notice, by county.

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§ 3 · HOME COSTS

Check the Facts

Wrong square footage or extra rooms? Errors are the easiest wins.

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§ 4 · HOME COSTS

Find Comps

Pick 3 to 5 similar nearby homes that sold in the past 6 to 12 months.

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§ 5 · HOME COSTS

Show Condition

Photos of an old roof or cracked foundation can lower a value.

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§ 6 · HOME COSTS

Start Informal

A free informal review with the assessor settles many cases.

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§ 7 · HOME COSTS

Formal Appeal

File with the county board. Bring evidence and keep it short.

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§ 8 · HOME COSTS

Claim Exemptions

Homestead, senior, veteran and disability breaks often need an application.

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§ 9 · HOME COSTS

Keep Paying

In many places you must pay on time while you appeal.

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Thanks for Reading

How to find comps, what to bring and the mistakes to avoid, in our full guide.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons (credits on each page)