What if I disagree with the Assessment Value of my Property?

If your opinion of the value of your property differs from the assessment value, by all means go to the office and discuss the matter. The staff will be glad to answer your questions about the reassessment procedures. When questioning the assessment value, ask yourself three questions:

  • Is my data correct?
  • Is my value in line with others on the street?
  • Is my value in line with recent sale prices in my neighborhood?

Keep in mind what’s important: recent sale prices, condition, neighborhood, building area and lot area are the most critical factors in the valuation process. There is a variety of information available to help you determine whether your assessment is fair and equitable. The staff will be happy to assist you, and no appointment is necessary.

If after discussing the matter with the staff, and researching the assessments of comparable properties within your area, a difference of opinion still exists, you may appeal your assessment to the Board of Assessors by filing an abatement application.
 
THE APPEAL WINDOW IS ONLY 30 DAYS. If an actual tax bill is sent to taxpayers, then the abatement procedure takes place in the Fall and the application is due 30 days after the Fall postmark date. If an estimated bill is sent to taxpayers, then the abatement procedure takes place in the Spring and the application is due 30 days after the Spring bill postmark date.
You are appealing you assessment, not your taxes.

You must pay your taxes pending your appeal.

Wish to appeal? The application is easy, but…Make a case…Give reasons. We do respond to your specific concerns and comparisons.

Have you refinanced or purchased the property within the last year? It may help quicken the abatement process to submit a copy of the appraisal report, usually done through the bank or mortgage company.

Once the application is time-stamped by the Assessor’s Office, it cannot be added to or changed or withdrawn – it is accepted as is, once it is stamped with the date, time and "Received by the Board of Assessors".

Please contact the Assessors Office as soon as you receive your bill; applications are not available until after the tax bills are mailed.

Abatement Denied
You will receive a notice indicating your application was denied.
You may appeal to the State Appellate Tax Board (ATB) within 90 days of the Assessor’s decision.

Abatement Approved
You will receive a letter indicating the amount of the abatement.
How much was your assessment reduced? Divide the tax abatement by the
tax rate.

Example:

Original Value: 300,000.00 ( 4,224.00 - .01408)
Abatement Allowed: 20,000.00 ( 281.60 - .01408)
Adjusted Value: 280,000.00 ( 3,942.20 - .01408)
Original Tax: 4,224.00 (300,000.00 x .01408)
(.01408 equals $14.08 per $1,000.00 value)
Your abatement will normally be credited toward your Spring tax bill.
If your abatement is granted after your Spring bill is paid, you will
Automatically receive a refund check.

ATTENTION: NEW HOMEOWNERS!
Keep in mind the assessment date (January 1) as it affects your ownership statue: The property is legally "assessed" to the previous owner, but make sure you get a bill!