How Do You Challenge a High Property Tax Assessment?

By Kandie Frederick

Growing up on the central coast, Kandie is a third generation family in the North County and a second generation family in real estate. Joining Country Real Estate in 2000, and graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, she brings a background of Agricultural Business to combine with her knowledge of the local real estate market. Working with her family and their decades of local real estate development, she is deeply connected to the roots of our community and its growth.

With property values soaring in many areas, homeowners are seeing higher tax assessments, which contribute to a higher monthly payment when your mortgage is setup with an impound account. But did you know you can challenge these assessments? Stick around, and I’ll guide you through the steps to appeal your property taxes effectively.​

#1: Understand your property assessment. First, it’s essential to comprehend how your property has been assessed. Assessments are based on your property’s market value, determined by local tax authorities. Review your assessment notice carefully and look for discrepancies in property details, such as square footage or the number of rooms, which could affect your property’s valuation. Inaccuracies here can be grounds for an adjustment. ​

#2: Gather supporting evidence. Next, collect the evidence to support your claim, such as recent sales of comparable properties in your area. If similar homes have sold for less than Your assessed value, this data can strengthen your case. Additionally, consider any factors that might negatively impact your property’s value, such as needed repairs or nearby nuisances. If we hit a market where values decline, THAT timing is especially important to do appeal your home’s value for tax purposes.

#3: The appeal process. The SLO County assessor’s website has a form for this. It’s called an Assessment Appeal Application. Follow the formal process to appeal your home’s assessed value. Deadlines and requirements vary. For instance, there are different deadlines to appeal specific changes on a tax bill versus challenging your assessed value, in general. Ensure you submit all necessary forms and documentation within the specified timeframe to avoid dismissal of your appeal. From what I have experienced, the County is usually receptive to this and will consider the request.

Challenging your property tax assessment can lead to significant savings. If you’re considering challenging your property taxes or have other questions I can help guide you on, don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to hearing from you.