How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment Without a Lawyer
Last updated August 2026
Who this is for
Homeowners who think their property tax assessment is higher than it should be.
What you'll actually do
- Compare your assessment against real recent sales of comparable homes
- Build the evidence package your county actually wants to see
- Track your county's exact appeal deadline and filing requirements
- Prepare your appeal, informal or formal hearing
- Know when a property tax attorney's percentage-of-savings fee is worth it
Why not just hire someone
Property tax consultants typically take 25-50% of your first year's savings, or charge a flat fee in the thousands.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my property tax assessment is too high?
Compare your assessed value against recent sale prices of genuinely comparable homes nearby - similar size, condition, and location. A meaningful gap is usually the basis for a successful appeal.
What evidence do I need for a property tax appeal?
Recent comparable sales are the core of most appeals, along with anything documenting condition issues your assessment may not reflect - photos, repair estimates, or an independent appraisal if you have one.
Is there a deadline to appeal my property taxes?
Yes - every county sets its own appeal window, often a narrow one after assessment notices go out, so confirming your specific county's deadline early matters more than almost anything else in the process.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal my property tax assessment?
No - most property tax appeals are designed for homeowners to handle directly, especially at the informal or first-level hearing stage. Attorneys and percentage-fee consultants tend to make more sense for larger, contested commercial assessments.
3Stone Counsel walks through this exact process with you - screened for your specific situation, not generic advice.
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