Best property tax attorney Alternatives (2026)

Last updated: February 13, 2026

The best alternative to hiring a property tax attorney depends on your case complexity. For standard residential overvaluation appeals, AppealDesk provides professional evidence packets for $49. For full-service representation without attorney fees, Ownwell (9 states) or O'Connor (40+ states) handle appeals on a contingency basis. Most residential property tax appeals don't require legal expertise.

Rob Hartley·Updated February 13, 2026

Why People Look for property tax attorney Alternatives

Property tax attorneys charge $200-500/hour or 30-50% of savings on contingency. For a straightforward residential appeal, this is far more than the situation warrants.

Standard residential appeals involve presenting comparable sales data to an informal review board — not arguing case law. Legal expertise is unnecessary for most homeowners.

Finding a good property tax attorney is difficult. Many attorneys handle property tax as a side practice, lacking the specialized knowledge of dedicated appeal services.

property tax attorney Alternatives at a Glance

Service	Price	Coverage	Type	Best For
AppealDesk	$49 flat fee	All 50 states	DIY with professional evidence packet	Standard residential appeals where the issue is overvaluation based on comparable sales
Ownwell	25-35% of savings	9 states	Full-service	Homeowners who want someone else to handle everything without attorney fees
O'Connor & Associates	Percentage of savings	40+ states	Full-service	Homeowners who want established representation across a wide service area
DIY (no service)	Free	Anywhere	Self-research	Homeowners with time and data access who want to pay nothing

1. AppealDesk

AppealDesk provides the evidence component of a property tax appeal — comparable sales analysis, assessment ratio verification, and a professional cover letter — for $49 flat. This is what most residential homeowners actually need. The filing guide provides county-specific step-by-step instructions so you can file without a lawyer. At $49 vs $200-500/hour for an attorney, the savings are dramatic for a straightforward overvaluation case.

See detailed AppealDesk vs property tax attorney comparison →

2. Ownwell

Ownwell provides full-service appeal management (filing, hearings, negotiation) without being a law firm. Their 25-35% contingency fee is substantially less than most attorneys charge. They handle everything, so you get the "someone else does it" benefit of a lawyer without the legal fees. Available in 9 states.

3. O'Connor & Associates

O'Connor has been handling property tax appeals since 1974 with over 100,000 clients. They offer full-service representation in 40+ states using contingency pricing. As the most established non-attorney appeal firm, they bring deep expertise without law firm billing rates.

4. DIY (no service)

You can appeal entirely on your own for free. Most county appeal processes are designed for homeowner self-representation — you don't need a lawyer to present comparable sales data. Expect 15-40 hours of research time. Your county assessor's website and taxpayer advocate office are free starting points.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to appeal my property taxes?

No. Most residential property tax appeals involve presenting comparable sales data to an informal review board. You don't need legal training for this. AppealDesk provides the evidence and filing instructions for $49.

When should I actually hire a property tax attorney?

Hire an attorney for commercial property, assessment methodology challenges, multi-year corrections, or cases heading to court. Standard residential overvaluation appeals typically don't need legal representation.

How much cheaper is AppealDesk than a property tax attorney?

AppealDesk charges $49 flat. A property tax attorney charges $200-500/hour (typically $600-2,500 total) or 30-50% of savings. For a standard residential appeal, AppealDesk costs 95-99% less.

Is a property tax consultant the same as an attorney?

No. Consultants (like Ownwell or O'Connor) handle appeals without legal licensing. Attorneys can represent you in court. For standard residential appeals, a consultant or evidence service like AppealDesk is sufficient.

Can I appeal my property taxes without any service?

Yes. You can research comparable sales, prepare evidence, and file your own appeal at no cost. The trade-off is 15-40 hours of research time. AppealDesk provides the research and evidence for $49.

Want a detailed head-to-head comparison? See AppealDesk vs property tax attorney →