Property Tax Appeal Checklist

A step-by-step checklist to prepare and file your property tax appeal. Select your state to see deadlines, terminology, and requirements specific to your location.

Select Your State

Select your state above to see a customized checklist with deadlines, terminology, and steps specific to your location.

Why Use a Checklist

The most common reason property tax appeals fail isn’t bad evidence — it’s missing steps. Homeowners forget to check their property record card for errors, miss the filing deadline by a day, or show up to a hearing without enough copies of their evidence. Each of these mistakes is easily preventable with a systematic approach.

This checklist walks you through every step in order, from reviewing your assessment notice to preparing for your hearing. It adapts to your state’s specific terminology, deadlines, and assessment ratio so you’re never guessing about what applies to you.

What Happens After You File

After you submit your appeal, most counties offer an informal review first. This is a one-on-one conversation with an appraiser from the assessor’s office where you present your comparable sales and any evidence of errors or condition issues. In states like Texas, roughly 85% of protests are resolved at the informal stage without a formal hearing.

If the informal review doesn’t resolve your case, it proceeds to a formal hearing before a review board (called different things in different states — see the hearing guide for details). The hearing is typically 10–20 minutes. You present your evidence, the assessor presents theirs, and the board decides. It’s not a courtroom — it’s usually a conference room.

Most appeals are decided within 2–6 months of filing. If you’re successful, your reduced assessment takes effect for the current tax year and stays in place until the next reassessment cycle. For a full walkthrough of the process, see our complete appeal guide.

How AppealDesk Can Help

This checklist gives you the roadmap. If you want the evidence packet handled for you, AppealDesk generates everything you need for a flat $49: comparable sales analysis, assessment ratio verification, pre-filled appeal forms, a cover letter, and a hearing script. Enter your address on our homepage to get started.

Not sure if an appeal is worth it? Use our property tax savings calculator to check whether your assessment numbers support a reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file a property tax appeal?

For most residential properties, no. The appeal process is designed for homeowners to navigate without legal representation. Review boards expect to see regular homeowners, not attorneys. A lawyer may be worthwhile for properties valued over $1 million, commercial properties, or if you’re escalating to a state-level court.

What happens if I miss the appeal deadline?

If you miss your state’s appeal deadline, you must wait until the next assessment cycle to file. Depending on your state, this could mean waiting one full year (in annual reassessment states like Texas) or even longer in states with multi-year cycles. There are no extensions or exceptions in most jurisdictions.

How long does the appeal process take?

The timeline varies by state and county, but most appeals are resolved within 2–6 months from filing. The informal review stage (if available) is usually the fastest, often resolved in a single meeting. Formal hearings may take 1–3 months to schedule after filing.

Can my taxes go up if I appeal?

In most states, an appeal can only result in a reduction or no change — the board cannot raise your assessment above the original amount. However, if your property is significantly underassessed, the act of drawing attention to it could trigger a review. If you believe your home is underassessed, it’s generally best not to file an appeal.

What evidence is most effective in a property tax appeal?

The most effective evidence is comparable sales — recent sales of similar homes in your area that sold for less than the county’s implied market value of your home. Three to five strong comps within 0.5 miles, sold in the last 6–12 months, form the foundation of most successful appeals. Photos of condition issues and documentation of assessment errors strengthen the case.