NOTE: All property tax appeals must be submitted to the County Board of Equalizers no later than the fourth Monday in June — this year, the deadline is Monday, June 28, 2021.
Homeowners will soon be receiving an assessment notice from the county which determines the amount owed through property taxes. If you disagree with the assessed value noted, there is a process for appeals. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
- Determine if the information about your home is correct
The first step in an appeals process is to determine if the information about your home on the assessment is correct. Did they get the number of bedrooms and bathrooms right? What about the size of the lot? Documenting characteristics that you can prove are incorrect will make your appeal stronger.
To locate the characteristics of your property according to the county assessor, visit your county’s online parcel search tool — Ada County, Elmore County, and Gem County.
- Work with a REALTOR® to find comparable properties
The next step in the appeals process is to find comparable properties. A REALTOR® can help you with this, identifying homes that are similar in size and amenities. Once you have a few in mind, look them up on the County’s website to see what values those properties have been assessed. If there is a significant difference, you can use this information as part of your appeal.
Keep in mind, if the homes identified are currently for sale or have recently sold, those prices are considered the market values, which could differ from the assessed values use to determine property tax. More on those differences here.
- Contact your appraiser
Once you have the information you need to make your case, call or email your appraiser, whose information should be on your assessment notice. This will put you in contact with the person who assessed your home allowing you to share your research with them directly.
- File an appeal with the County Board of Equalization
If you are still unsatisfied with your assessment after speaking with the appraiser, you can file a formal appeal with the County Board of Equalization. This group will determine if your complaint is valid and make the necessary changes to your assessment if deemed appropriate.
All property tax appeals must be submitted to the County Board of Equalizers no later than the fourth Monday in June — this year, the deadline is Monday, June 21, 2021.
For more information on how to file your appeal, please review the steps on the back of your assessment notice, or, visit the County Assessors’ websites and other resources:
