Frequently asked questions about appealing property tax
SEATTLE -- Some local homeowners who just got their property tax bills have major case of sticker shock. Their property taxes just took a huge jump. But how do you know if you should appeal to get your valuation reduced?
After seeing our Problem Solvers report on appealing your valuation (read earlier story at this link), more people are scrutinizing their property tax bills and asking more questions.
Here are common misunderstandings about filing an appeal when you think the assessor made a mistake on the value of your property.
You cannot appeal the property tax.
The appeal deals with the assessor's valuation of your property. The value notice cards are typically mailed between May and September of each year in most counties. Depending on the county where you live, you have either 30 days or 60 days to file a petition with your County Board of Appeals and Equalization.
In most cases, you do not appeal over the phone or in writing
The appeals process requires you to fill out the petition form online or in person at the County Board of Appeals office.
You must include the value you think your property is worth. Once you file the petition, you'll be scheduled for a hearing. At the hearing, either you or your representative presents your case.
One of the only exceptions is if you purchased a home at below the asking price, after it was assessed at a higher value. In that case, the price you paid becomes the "market value" and often the assessor will change the valuation without going through a hearing.
The decision on your appeal does not come at the hearing.
In most counties, after the hearing is over, the board of appeals reviews all of the evidence before making a decision. The timing of the decision depends on the county and its caseload, but generally you'll have to wait at least a couple of weeks.
You have the right to appeal the county's decision.
If the County Board of Appeals denies your appeal, you can appeal to the state. The appeals process at the state level is similar to that at the county.
Even if you appeal, you must still pay your taxes.
Since your hearing date may come after your property taxes are due, you must pay the full tax amount. If you win your appeal, the excess tax will be refunded to you.
After seeing our Problem Solvers report on appealing your valuation (read earlier story at this link), more people are scrutinizing their property tax bills and asking more questions.
Here are common misunderstandings about filing an appeal when you think the assessor made a mistake on the value of your property.
You cannot appeal the property tax.
The appeal deals with the assessor's valuation of your property. The value notice cards are typically mailed between May and September of each year in most counties. Depending on the county where you live, you have either 30 days or 60 days to file a petition with your County Board of Appeals and Equalization.
In most cases, you do not appeal over the phone or in writing
The appeals process requires you to fill out the petition form online or in person at the County Board of Appeals office.
You must include the value you think your property is worth. Once you file the petition, you'll be scheduled for a hearing. At the hearing, either you or your representative presents your case.
One of the only exceptions is if you purchased a home at below the asking price, after it was assessed at a higher value. In that case, the price you paid becomes the "market value" and often the assessor will change the valuation without going through a hearing.
The decision on your appeal does not come at the hearing.
In most counties, after the hearing is over, the board of appeals reviews all of the evidence before making a decision. The timing of the decision depends on the county and its caseload, but generally you'll have to wait at least a couple of weeks.
You have the right to appeal the county's decision.
If the County Board of Appeals denies your appeal, you can appeal to the state. The appeals process at the state level is similar to that at the county.
Even if you appeal, you must still pay your taxes.
Since your hearing date may come after your property taxes are due, you must pay the full tax amount. If you win your appeal, the excess tax will be refunded to you.