Best Ownwell Alternatives (2026)
Last updated: February 13, 2026
The best alternative to Ownwell depends on what you're looking for. For a budget-friendly option with nationwide coverage, AppealDesk offers professional evidence packets for a $49 flat fee across all 50 states. For another full-service option, O'Connor & Associates operates in 40+ states. For zero cost, you can file your own appeal using free county resources.
Rob Hartley·Updated February 13, 2026Why People Look for Ownwell Alternatives
The 25-35% contingency fee adds up quickly on larger reductions — a $3,000 annual savings means paying $750-1,050 to Ownwell, while AppealDesk charges a flat $49 regardless of savings.
Ownwell only operates in 9 states (TX, CA, WA, GA, FL, IL, NY, CO, PA). Homeowners in the other 41 states — including high property tax states like New Jersey, Ohio, and Tennessee — need another option.
Some homeowners prefer understanding their appeal rather than outsourcing entirely. With Ownwell, you don't see the evidence or learn why your assessment is wrong.
Ownwell Alternatives at a Glance
| Service | Price | Coverage | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AppealDesk | $49 flat fee | All 50 states | DIY with professional evidence packet | Homeowners who want professional-grade evidence and filing guidance at a fraction of Ownwell's percentage fee |
| O'Connor & Associates | Percentage of savings | 40+ states | Full-service | Homeowners who want full-service representation from an established firm with 50+ years of experience |
| DIY (no service) | Free | Anywhere | Self-research and filing | Homeowners with 15-40 hours to research comparable sales, assessment ratios, and filing procedures |
| Local property tax attorney | $200-500/hr or 30-50% contingency | Varies by attorney | Full legal representation | Complex cases involving commercial property, assessment methodology disputes, or multi-year corrections |
1. AppealDesk
AppealDesk provides a professional evidence packet with comparable sales analysis, assessment ratio verification, a county-specific filing guide, and a cover letter — all for a flat $49 fee. Unlike Ownwell's percentage-based pricing, you keep 100% of your savings. AppealDesk covers all 50 states and over 3,100 counties, compared to Ownwell's 9 states. The trade-off: you file the appeal yourself using the step-by-step filing guide (typically 10-15 minutes), whereas Ownwell handles filing for you.
2. O'Connor & Associates
O'Connor (also known as "Cut My Taxes") has been in the property tax appeal business since 1974 — longer than anyone else in the industry. They offer full-service representation in 40+ states, handle filing and hearing attendance, and use in-house appraisal teams. Like Ownwell, they charge a percentage of savings. They're a strong choice if you want established, full-service representation with broader geographic coverage than Ownwell.
3. DIY (no service)
Filing a property tax appeal yourself costs nothing. You research comparable sales through county records and Zillow, prepare your evidence, and file directly with your county's appeal board. The trade-off is time: expect 15-40 hours of research to do it well. Common pitfalls include using non-comparable sales, ignoring assessment ratios, and missing filing deadlines. If you have the time and enjoy data research, DIY can produce good results.
4. Local property tax attorney
A property tax attorney provides full legal representation including courtroom advocacy. This is the most expensive option ($200-500/hour or 30-50% contingency) but necessary for complex cases: commercial property, assessment methodology challenges, or multi-year corrections. For standard residential appeals based on comparable sales, an attorney is typically more expertise than the situation requires.
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