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 Maine
Disputing property tax assessments in Maine is a critical right for homeowners and businesses who believe their valuations are unfair or inaccurate. Common issues include overvaluation, incorrect property classifications, or errors in abatement decisions. When you suspect your property taxes are too high, understanding the appeal process is essential to protect your financial interests. Maine law provides clear avenues for challenging these assessments, ensuring that taxpayers receive fair and equitable treatment. By following the established procedures, you can effectively contest erroneous valuations and seek appropriate adjustments in Maine.
Property tax appeals in Maine are governed by several key statutes. Maine Revised Statutes Title 36, §1118 outlines appeals to the State Board of Property Tax Review for decisions under §841 or recommended current use values. For nonresidential property, Title 36, §844 allows appeals to county commissioners if the municipality lacks a Board of Assessment Review. Furthermore, Title 36, §843 permits direct appeals from a Board of Assessment Review decision to the Superior Court under Rule 80B. A recent clarification in November 2023 affirmed that taxpayers in municipalities without a Board of Assessment Review can appeal to county commissioners. Appeals from Maine Revenue Services decisions to the Maine Board of Tax Appeals must be filed within 60 days.
The State Board of Property Tax Review is a primary agency for property tax appeals in Maine, handling abatement appeals initiated by written petition. If your municipality does not have a Board of Assessment Review, county commissioners serve as the appeal body. The Maine Board of Tax Appeals, reachable at (207) 287-2864, handles appeals from Maine Revenue Services decisions. For general guidance on property tax abatement and appeal procedures, Maine Revenue Services provides helpful bulletins and resources. These agencies ensure that property owners have access to a structured process for challenging their tax assessments in Maine.
To appeal your property tax assessment, first, seek an abatement from your municipal assessors within 185 days of the commitment date. If denied, you can appeal to the local Board of Assessment Review, if one exists, or directly to the county commissioners for nonresidential property. Appeals to the State Board of Property Tax Review or Superior Court typically have a 30-day deadline from the adverse decision. Always gather strong evidence, such as comparable property sales, professional appraisals, and detailed property records, to support your claim. Most appeals are resolved within 60 to 120 days. Use the petition generator above to create an appeal letter in under two minutes.