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16 | Page <br />CAN A PROPERTY OWNER APPEAL? <br />An assessment appeal is not for complaints about high property taxes. If, as a property owner, <br />you feel that your property taxes are too high, you will NOT win an appeal. High property taxes <br />are an issue for the entities who determine budgets. <br />A valuation can be appealed if: <br />1.Items that are affecting the valuation are incorrect on the property records. For <br />example, there is only one bath, not two; a double stall garage not a triple; or the <br />square footage of property is wrong. <br />2.Evidence that comparable properties are selling for less than the true and full <br />valuation of your property. <br />3.The property valuation is accurate, but unfair, because it is higher than the property <br />valuation of similar properties. <br />4.Property is eligible for an exemption that was not granted by the assessment officials. <br />If a property owner believes there may be a possible error in their valuation, the first step <br />would be contacting the assessor's office for an informal meeting to discuss the valuation. At <br />this meeting, you can expect to: <br />1.Review the facts of the property record with the assessment personnel. <br />2.Determine if the information is correct pertaining to your property. <br />3.Develop an understanding of how your property is valued. <br />4.Check that the value is fair when compared to other similar properties in your <br />neighborhood. <br />5.Determine if any exemptions or credits are available to ease your tax burden. <br />Information regarding a formal appeal of your valuation can be obtained from your assessor. <br />Remember, you will not win an appeal because you feel that taxes are too high. The appeal is <br />only for determining if your valuation is a fair and equitable representation of the market. <br />For a formal appeal, a property owner must have documentation showing that the valuation is <br />incorrect. A board of appeals will not decide that your valuation is incorrect unless supporting <br />evidence proves otherwise; they will not take your word on it. The assessment staff will be there <br />with documentation to inform the board of how the valuation was determined. The property <br />owner must be able to prove to the board that there is a problem with the valuation. At an <br />appeal hearing, the burden of proof lies with the appellant; therefore, it is our <br />recommendation to provide the following: <br />1.Comparable properties in the current market that are currently assessed less than your <br />property.