Property Tax Appeals

Unlocking Savings: Understanding and Challenging Inaccurate Property Assessments

The statewide average of error on assessed property value is a whopping 11%! This means you may be paying more property taxes than necessary on your home.

Why is there such a high percentage of error? Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties have dedicated staff that search through home listings looking for recently improved properties in order to raise assessed values and collect more taxes. Typically, they are looking for “assumed remodels.” When they find an assumed remodel, they will look at the final occupancy permit (issued by the contractor once the remodel is complete and the home is move-in ready) for the increased value of the property. Unfortunately, remodeling contractors will often erroneously include costs on the final occupancy permit that are not associated with home value, such as dumpster rentals, porta-potty rentals, or remodeling materials. If you are remodeling your home, make sure to ask the contractor not to include these costs on the occupancy permit.

When you get your tax bill in November, look over it carefully to make sure the numbers are accurate. Check to see if an increased assessed value is correct and not due to any sort of “maintenance improvement”. For example, new paint or carpet, a roof replacement, or a new furnace should not count as added value. What should be included as an added value are structural changes like a bedroom addition, a kitchen/bath remodel, or finishing a basement. If you find errors in your assessed value, you have one year to contest it, and can only argue one year’s worth of taxes (unless the increase is 20% over the market value, in which case you can contest the past two years of taxes).

How do you contest your home’s assessed value? The best way to appeal your assessed value is by using comparable (similar) properties in your neighborhood that are more representative of your property’s current value. Have this information prepared and outlined before your scheduled hearing because you will only have 10-15 minutes to make your case. Make sure your evidence is strong and to the point! In all cases, the property assessor is assumed correct unless you can prove otherwise. And, of course, reach out to us if you have questions! We have great professionals that can help you contest your property taxes.

Have more questions or want professional advice on buying or selling a home?