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 Wisconsin
Facing high property assessments, incorrect valuations, or unfair taxation in Wisconsin can significantly impact your financial well-being. Many property owners feel overwhelmed by the complex process of challenging these decisions. However, residents of Wisconsin are protected by specific legal provisions, such as Wisconsin Constitution Article VIII, Section 1, ensuring uniform taxation and providing clear avenues for recourse. Understanding these rights is crucial for safeguarding your property investment and ensuring you pay only your fair share.
Wisconsin’s property tax laws are primarily outlined in Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 70, which governs General Property Taxes. This chapter details procedures for individual assessments (Wis. Stat. § 70.85) and group appeals (Wis. Stat. § 70.75). The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) provides guidance, including the Property Assessment Appeal Guide for Wisconsin Real Property Owners, updated August 15, 2025, which helps taxpayers navigate the process. For instance, the City of Madison announced its Open Book & Assessment Appeals for May 1, 2025, with an objection filing deadline of May 15, 2026. Appeals to the DOR from a notice or bill must be filed within 60 days of receipt, while appeals from a Board of Review decision are typically within 20 to 30 days.
Several key agencies in Wisconsin are involved in property and tax appeals. The initial step often involves the Local Board of Review (BOR), where property owners can object to their assessments. If unresolved, appeals can proceed to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), which handles a wide range of tax-related appeals. The Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission (TAC), located at DOA Building, 5th Floor, 101 E. Wilson St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703, serves as an independent body for further review of DOR decisions. The DOR provides an online portal for appealing notices or bills at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/pcs-appeal.aspx, and Form PA-115A is used for objections with the BOR.
To appeal a property tax assessment in Wisconsin, begin by discussing your assessment with your local assessor. Next, file a formal objection with your Local Board of Review using DOR Form PA-115A, adhering to specific municipal deadlines, such as May 15, 2026, for Madison. If the BOR decision is unsatisfactory, you can appeal to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue or the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission. Most disputes are resolved within 60 to 120 days, depending on the appeal level. Always gather evidence like comparable sales data and property condition reports. To simplify the initial steps, use the petition generator above to create a tax appeal letter in under two minutes, ensuring your case is formally presented.