WPT's practical guide to appealing your assessment

Know the timeline.

The timeline for assessment begins January 1, however the assessor normally doesn’t complete the assessment until March or April. Your local Board of Review (BOR) will meet sometime during the 30-day review period beginning the 2nd week in May. A 15-day notice must be given prior to the BOR meeting. You can only appeal during this timeline. If you are unsure of when the hearing will take place, call the municipal clerk’s office.

What should you do first?

Contact your assessor and ask them to explain their assessment and how they made their determination. Assessors are obligated to do so.

Consider this before filing formal appeal.

If you recently bought the property, is the purchase price similar to the assessed value? Are the recent home sales in your area for a comparable home or building similar to your assessment? Would you be able to sell your property for the amount at which it is assessed? Have you had a professionally prepared appraisal completed within the past year that indicates the value is lower than your assessment?

Appealing to the Board of Review.

A written or oral notice must be filed with the BOR Clerk at least 48 hours prior to the first scheduled meeting. A written and signed formal objection must be filed through the BOR Clerk within the first 2 hours of the BOR meeting. These forms are available from your municipal clerk.

Remember, the burden of proof is on you.

If you have a friend in real estate, discuss the possible inequity and get a second opinion before you frustrate yourself further. You will need to show comparable property that demonstrates proof of the inequity. You have rights, but sometimes the fight to determine inequity is not worth the outcome. Typically the best opportunity to achieve an adjustment is with the Assessor.