Tip of the week: How to appeal a property-tax bill
Visit the assessor; Know the rules; Insult your house
Visit the assessor. Request a copy of your property card, which contains the data used to determine your house’s value—including square footage and number of rooms. Look first for simple mistakes: math errors, the “mention of a nonexistent porch.” Sometimes a polite chat will win the day.
Know the rules. The annual window for appeals is often brief. Learn what an appeals board might expect in a formal appeal. In most cases, you’ll need to compare your assessment with those of nearby homes. “This public information can be found at your local municipality or online at value​appeal.com or domania.com.”
Insult your house. You’ll want to include photos in your appeal, as well as a list of your home’s faults, such as a leaky roof. “Those problems might save you enough cash that you’ll be able to afford to fix them.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellation
Cartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop scene
In the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle