Home address: 102 Birdstone Ln

2021 Taxable Value: $264,834

Recent Sales Price: $200,000 – Over-taxed by 32%

Property tax assessments not carefully reviewed lead to paying more than your share of property taxes. Most market value protests are successful, typically saving the owner hundreds or thousands of dollars. Property owners can appeal both market value and unequal appraisal. Property tax appeals are often won with a smile and a bit of data.

Property owners are sometimes reluctant to protest their property taxes because the believe the appeal process is difficult. It is not difficult and 60 to 80% of owners who appeal are successful. Appraisal districts use the cost approach to value houses. It is generally considered the least reliable method of appraisal. Most tax protests are settled at the informal level so appraisers can return to measuring and valuing new construction. Protesting your property taxes annually is analogous to regularly changing the oil in your car. Preventative maintenance avoids serious problems.