Property Tax Appeal Checklist: Printable Step-by-Step Guide
TL;DR
Use this checklist to ensure you do not miss any step in the property tax appeal process. It covers everything from receiving your assessment notice to attending your hearing and following up on the decision. Print it, check off each step as you complete it, and keep it with your appeal documents.
Phase 1: Assessment Review (Day 1-7)
- Receive and review your assessment notice
- Note the appeal deadline and mark it on your calendar
- Record your current assessed value
- Request your property record card from the assessor
- Review the property record card for errors:
- Square footage correct?
- Lot size correct?
- Number of bedrooms/bathrooms correct?
- Year built correct?
- Features listed correctly (garage, basement, pool, etc.)?
- Condition rating accurate?
- Document any errors found with supporting evidence
Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Day 7-21)
- Search for comparable sales (3-5 minimum):
- County assessor website
- Zillow recently sold filter
- Redfin sold properties
- Ask a real estate agent for MLS comps
- For each comp, record: address, sale price, sale date, square footage, beds/baths, year built, lot size
- Verify each sale was arm's-length (not foreclosure, family, or estate)
- Calculate adjustments for each comp
- Calculate the average adjusted sale price
- Take photos of any property condition issues
- Get repair estimates from licensed contractors (if applicable)
- Pull assessment records for equity comparison (if applicable)
- Determine your requested assessment value
Phase 3: Filing (Day 21-30)
- Complete the appeal form (online or paper)
- Write your appeal letter if required
- Organize your evidence packet:
- Cover page with property info and requested value
- Comparable sales comparison table
- Individual comp data sheets
- Photos (labeled and organized)
- Repair estimates
- Property record corrections
- Any additional supporting evidence
- Make copies: one for you, one for each board member
- Submit before the deadline
- Save confirmation receipt
Phase 4: Hearing Preparation (Day 30+)
- Review your evidence packet
- Practice your 5-10 minute presentation
- Prepare for likely questions from the board
- Research the assessor's likely counter-arguments
- Decide your minimum acceptable reduction
- Print extra copies of evidence
- Confirm hearing date, time, and location (or virtual login)
Phase 5: Hearing Day
- Arrive 15 minutes early (or log in 10 minutes early for virtual)
- Bring photo ID
- Bring all copies of your evidence
- Bring a calculator and notepad
- Present your case calmly and concisely
- Answer questions directly
- If offered a settlement, consider it against your minimum target
- Note the decision timeline (when to expect results)
Phase 6: After the Hearing
- Review the decision when received
- If approved: verify new assessment is reflected on your next tax bill
- If denied: consider escalation options (state tribunal, tax court)
- File for next year if assessment remains too high
- Keep all documents for future reference
For detailed guidance on each step, see our complete appeal guide.
Let Us Handle the Evidence
The biggest item on this checklist is gathering and organizing evidence. Our $79 Evidence Packet does that for you, creating a professional, formatted document ready for your hearing.