Rob Hartley
Founder, AppealDesk · February 16, 2026
Is My Property Overassessed? How to Tell
Updated February 2026 · 8 min read
Your property is likely overassessed if your county’s assessed value is more than 5-10% above what similar homes actually sold for recently. The National Taxpayers Union Foundation estimates 30-60% of properties are overassessed, yet fewer than 5% of homeowners challenge it. With U.S. homeowners paying over $600 billion annually in property taxes, even a modest overassessment adds up. Here’s how to check yours in 15 minutes.
The 3-Minute Test
Answer these three questions. A “yes” to any means you’re likely overassessed:
- Is your assessed value higher than market value? Check your assessor’s website, then compare to recent sales on Zillow/Redfin. If your assessment exceeds comparable sales by 5%+, you’re likely overpaying.
- Are your property details wrong? Wrong square footage, lot size, bedroom count, or year built? Every error costs money.
- Are you missing exemptions? Homestead, senior, veteran, disability? If you qualify but haven’t applied, your taxable value is too high.
Check Your Overassessment in Seconds — Free
Enter your address to see your assessed value compared to actual market data.
How to Do a Thorough Check
For evidence that holds up in an appeal, compare against 3-5 comparable sales. Strong comps share:
- Location: Within 0.5-1 mile, same subdivision ideally
- Size: Within 10-20% of your square footage
- Age/condition: Similar year built and updates
- Recency: Sold within 6-12 months
- Sale type: Arm’s-length only (no foreclosures or family transfers)
If the average comp sale price is below your assessed value (adjusted for your assessment ratio), you have a strong case.
5 Red Flags of Overassessment
1. Assessment jumped 15%+ in one year. Large increases often reflect mass reassessment errors, not actual market movement.
2. You wouldn’t list your home at the assessed value. If you wouldn’t sell at the county’s number, it’s too high.
3. Similar neighbors are assessed lower. Same size, age, condition — but $40,000 less? Clear equity argument.
4. Undisclosed property issues. Foundation problems, aging systems, needed roof — all reduce value the county doesn’t know about.
5. You bought for less than the assessment. A recent purchase price is strong market evidence.
What Overassessment Costs You
| Overassessed By | At 1.5% | At 2.0% | At 2.5% | Over 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $375/yr | $500/yr | $625/yr | $1,875-3,125 |
| $50,000 | $750/yr | $1,000/yr | $1,250/yr | $3,750-6,250 |
| $100,000 | $1,500/yr | $2,000/yr | $2,500/yr | $7,500-12,500 |
What to Do If You’re Overassessed
1. Confirm with data. Use AppealDesk’s free address lookup for your estimated overassessment.
2. Check your deadline. See our deadline calendar by state.
3. File with evidence. 3-5 comparable sales showing lower value. AppealDesk provides a complete evidence packet for $49 flat.
4. Attend your hearing. Many counties allow phone or written submission. See what to expect at a hearing.
Find Out If You're Overassessed — Free
Enter your address to see estimated overassessment and potential savings.