Property / Tax Appeals
Contest property tax assessments, real estate valuations, and assessment errors across all US states. Save money with a professional property tax appeal letter.
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What is a property tax appeal?
A property tax appeal is a formal challenge to the assessed value of your property as determined by your local tax assessor. If your property is overassessed, you may be paying more in property taxes than you legally owe.
How to appeal your property tax assessment
Property tax appeal deadlines are strict and vary by state — typically between 30 and 90 days from when you receive your assessment notice. In many states, the deadline is May 15 or within 30 days of the assessment notice. Missing this deadline usually means waiting until next year.
Grounds for a property tax appeal
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1
The assessed value is higher than your property’s actual market value
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2
Errors in property description (wrong size, number of bedrooms, lot size)
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3
Comparable properties in your area are assessed at lower values
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4
Recent damage or deterioration not reflected in the assessment
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5
Incorrect exemptions not applied (senior, veteran, homestead)
Property / Tax Appeals in California
Disagreeing with your property tax assessment in California can lead to significant financial strain. Whether you believe your home's value has declined or there's an error in the assessor's records, understanding your right to appeal is crucial. California law provides a structured process for property owners to contest their assessed values, ensuring fair taxation. This guide will help you navigate property tax appeals in California, offering clear steps to challenge assessments and potentially lower your tax bill.
Property tax assessments in California are primarily governed by Proposition 13, which caps the tax rate at 1% and limits annual increases to 2%, unless there's a change in ownership or new construction. However, Proposition 8 allows for temporary reductions if the market value falls below the assessed value. The California Revenue and Taxation Code outlines the appeal process, typically requiring appeals to be filed between July 2 and November 30 for regular assessments. Recent legislative discussions, such as Senate Bill 336 (2025-2026 session), continue to shape property tax exemptions and rules.
The primary state agency overseeing property tax administration in California is the State Board of Equalization (BOE). While the BOE provides guidance, such as Publication 30 on Residential Property Assessment Appeals, actual appeals are handled at the county level. You must file an appeal with your local Assessment Appeals Board or County Clerk. For example, the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office handles local disputes. The BOE can be contacted for general information at 1-800-400-7115, but specific appeal forms and deadlines are county-specific.
The process for a property tax appeal in California typically involves four steps: reviewing your assessment notice, requesting an informal review with the county assessor, filing a formal appeal application, and attending an Assessment Appeals Board hearing. Most appeals are resolved within a year, depending on the county's caseload. Always gather strong evidence, such as recent comparable sales in your neighborhood or professional appraisals. To initiate your appeal efficiently, use the petition generator above to create a formal appeal application or request for review in under two minutes.