Property Tax Appeal Evidence Packet: How to Organize Your Case
TL;DR
A well-organized evidence packet makes a strong impression on the review board. Structure it with a cover page, summary of your request, comparable sales table with adjustments, property record corrections, condition documentation with photos, and any additional supporting evidence. Keep it under 15 pages. Number every page. Make copies for each board member. Organization alone does not win appeals, but disorganization loses them.
Why Organization Matters
Review board members see dozens of cases per session. They spend 10-15 minutes on each one. A well-organized packet lets them follow your argument without confusion. A disorganized stack of papers signals that your case may not be well-thought-out.
The Standard Evidence Packet Structure
Page 1: Cover Page
- Your name and contact information
- Property address and parcel number
- Current assessed value
- Requested assessed value
- Date
Page 2: Summary Statement
One page summarizing your case. State what you are requesting, why, and what evidence supports it. This is the executive summary that frames everything that follows.
Pages 3-5: Comparable Sales Analysis
Your comparison table showing your home versus 3-5 comparable sales. Include raw sale prices and adjusted prices. Below the table, briefly explain each adjustment.
Pages 6-7: Individual Comparable Data Sheets
One page per comparable sale with the full details: listing sheet, assessor record, or sale documentation. This backs up the data in your summary table.
Pages 8-9: Property Record Corrections (if applicable)
Your property record card with errors highlighted or circled. A separate page explaining each error and providing the correct information with documentation.
Pages 10-12: Condition Documentation (if applicable)
Photos organized by category with captions. Contractor repair estimates. Inspection reports.
Pages 13-15: Additional Evidence (if applicable)
Equity comparisons, market trend data, location negative documentation, professional appraisal summary.
Formatting Tips
- Number every page
- Use a table of contents if your packet exceeds 10 pages
- Print in color (especially photos)
- Use standard letter-size paper
- Staple or bind each copy
- Make one copy for yourself and one for each board member (typically 3-5 copies total)
Common Packet Mistakes
- Including 30+ pages of barely relevant material
- No table of contents or page numbers
- Black-and-white photos of condition issues
- No summary page, forcing the board to figure out your argument
- Comparable sales data without adjustments
- Handwritten notes that are hard to read
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for property tax appeal evidence packet: how to organize your case?
A well-organized evidence packet makes a strong impression on the review board. Structure it with a cover page, summary of your request, comparable sales table with adjustments, property record corrections, condition documentation with photos, and any additional supporting evidence. Keep it under 15 pages.
Why Organization Matters?
Review board members see dozens of cases per session. They spend 10-15 minutes on each one. A well-organized packet lets them follow your argument without confusion.
What should I know about the standard evidence packet structure?
One page summarizing your case. State what you are requesting, why, and what evidence supports it. This is the executive summary that frames everything that follows.
What should I know about common packet mistakes?
Our $79 Evidence Packet is already organized in the format review boards expect. Comparable sales analysis, adjustments, property data, all formatted and ready to print or upload. Skip the hours of formatting and go straight to a winning presentation.
Get a Professional Evidence Packet
Our $79 Evidence Packet is already organized in the format review boards expect. Comparable sales analysis, adjustments, property data, all formatted and ready to print or upload. Skip the hours of formatting and go straight to a winning presentation.