Appealing Your Property’s Tax Assessed Value

Did you know that you can lower your property tax bill by appealing your home's tax-assessed value with your county? I've been asked this question a lot lately as home values have either declined or remained stagnant, especially by clients that bought at the height of the market between 2019 - 2022. If this sounds like you, it might make sense to file for an appeal.

Condo homeowner’s in San Francisco tended to be hit the hardest, so I’m including a “how-to” below with links and next steps catered for you:

Here’s how to appeal your property’s tax assessed value in 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Reach out to me right away for a complimentary comparable market analysis, in which I’ll analyze the most applicable recent sales to determine today’s market value for your property. If market value is the same or higher, congratulations your home has appreciated in value (!) but unfortunately this means you are stuck with your tax-assessed value and property tax requirements.

Step 2: Go to this link to create an account, complete an application, and pay the $60 application fee. This should take you less than 10 minutes and you’ll find all of the required information on the property tax notice you received in the mail (or ask me). Step 4 of the application will ask you to choose between a hearing officer or a Board hearing. I’d advise choosing the hearing officer, since it’s free and a less formal process.

Step 3: Await your hearing date and come prepared with your supporting documents and opinion of value. If your appeal is accepted you can submit your claim for a refund at this time. If it is rejected, you have the option to schedule a Board hearing for a final disposition.

Remember, the review process for an informal assessment (decline in value) is open between Jan. 2nd - March 31st. The deadline to request a formal review is September 15th.

Reach out anytime if you need help or want to know more!

*This process can also be found online at the link here.