The Very Basics

Here’s the story:
Every good appraiser knows there are just three basic things behind winning a property tax appeal --
(1) a decent format ...
(2) keeping your comparable's similar ... and
(3) making acceptable and reasonable adjustments for each particular valuation category.

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• To prepare a protest, gather data on assessed values for property similar to your property.
• Make adjustments for significant differences between the assessment comparables and your property.
  
• This can include items such as building size, land size, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, size of garage, site influences, age, etc.
  
• Make negative (downward adjustments) to an assessment comparable for items that are superior in the assessment comparable. For example, if the assessment comparable has four bedrooms and your house has three bedrooms, make a downward adjustment to the assessed value for the assessment comparable for this item.
  
• After applying appropriate adjustments to the assessment comparables, calculate the median level of assessment for the assessment comparables. The median is the middle data point after the adjusted assessment comparables are arrayed in order of increasing or decreasing (on a per square foot value basis).
  
• Multiply the median per square foot assessed value times the size of your property (improved area) to calculate the value your home should be assessed for.
  
• However, dont be surprised if your local appraisal district challenges your protest.