How To Navigate the Property Tax Appeal Process in MD, DC, and VA

Owning a home comes with many expenses, including annual property taxes. Although it’s an anticipated cost, steep increases in annual taxes can come as a shock, especially as property values have shot up in the last few years. Fortunately, there’s a process for appealing your property tax assessment that could potentially lower the amount you owe. Below is an overview of the process from the experts at Coakley Realty.

Property Tax Appeal – What is It?

Your home’s property taxes are based on its valuation, which is reassessed by the assessor’s office every year in Virginia and Washington, DC, and every three years in Maryland. If you believe the valuation of your home is too high, you can file a property tax appeal. This petitions the assessor’s office to review and reassess your property valuation and, thus, your taxes.

Each state has different rules for how long you have to file an appeal after you receive a notice of valuation change. An experienced professional like those at Coakley Realty can help you file the paperwork within the necessary timeline.

3 Reasons To Appeal a Property Tax Assessment

If your property tax assessment is higher this year than last, you can either pay the new amount or appeal the assessment. If any of the following circumstances describe your situation, you likely have a strong case for an appeal.

Property Details Are Inaccurate.

If your assessment’s property details aren’t correct, it could lead to an inflated property valuation. Once you receive your assessment, double-check the building square footage, the land acreage, year of construction, and all special property features. If anything is incorrect, you’ll want to appeal.

Your Property Value Increased Significantly in One Year

If your property value has increased more than seems reasonable over a year, it’s worth an appeal. Many states have laws that limit large increases. A professional like those at Coakley Realty can help you determine what’s reasonable for your area.

Property Assessed Twice

Most states’ assessment offices are understaffed and overworked, which can lead to mistakes. Sometimes, properties are mistakenly assessed twice due to clerical errors like similar names (i.e., Mike Smith and Michael Smith) or addresses (i.e., 4567 E. Line St. and 4567 East Line). If you receive two notices or your valuation is double what it was last year, it’s important to follow up with an appeal.

How To Appeal Property Taxes

Appealing your property taxes is as simple as completing and filing the proper paperwork with the appropriate filing fee. To be successful with your challenge, however, you will likely need the help of an experienced professional who has a deeper understanding of the valuation process and can make a persuasive case for your appeal. Coakley Realty has over 30 years of experience, ensuring we can negotiate if needed. We can help with every step of the process, including appealing the valuation of your property, determining the actual property value, filing a property appraisal dispute, and, if necessary, litigation.

Get a Free Tax Appeal Consultation

Since 1989, Coakley Realty has been committed to delivering excellent and trustworthy service. We offer free tax appeal consultations to review your real estate assessment notice to determine if it’s worth appealing. We’ll give you our honest and professional opinion on whether it’s worth your time, effort, and money to appeal the assessment. Moving forward, our team will create a compelling case for your best chance at a positive appeal outcome.

Schedule your free tax appeal consultation today. Call Coakley Realty at 301-340-8700 to get started.