| Appeal Process | The appeal process basic steps are outlined later in this |
| page 1 of 4 | article. But first there is some background questions and |
| information you should know. |
| The first question you need to ask yourself is my |
| assessment correct? Your opportunity to review the |
| assessed value is when you receive the Reassessment |
| Notice usually in the month of August. You will have |
| thirty days from the date the township assessments are |
| published in the paper to file an appeal. |
| The assessor is mandated by law to assess property |
| equitably at thirty-three and one third percent (.3333) of |
| "Market Value". |
| The assessor cannot just simply give anyone a lower |
| assessment just because a person wants to pay less real |
| estate taxes. Even if the assessor under assesses the |
| value of the whole township does not mean you will pay |
| less taxes because there is a direct relationship between |
| the assessed value and the tax levy and the tax rate. |
| Please read topic "Relationship of Tax Rate, Tax Levy, and |
| Assessment" to get a more detailed explanation. |
| Your real estate property is entitled to an assessment |
| based on "Market Value". Your real estate property is |
| also entitled to an equitable assessment. |
| Your basis for appeal is either the assessment is not |
| according to "Market Value" or it is not an equitable |
| assessment compared to very similar properties. |
| The burden of proof in the appeal process is on the |
| property owner so be prepared to prove the basis of the |
| appeal. |
| Market Value Appeal: |
| The most supportable evidence of "Market Value" is a |
| recent arms-length transaction that meets all the criteria of |
| the definition of a "Market Value" sale. An arms-length |
| traction is one that is not influenced by any undue |
| circumstances such as foreclosure, between related |
| parties, etc. A recent sale is considered to be one year or |
| less. |
| The next most supportable evidence of "Market Value" is |
| a recent appraisal by a state certified independent fee |
| appraiser for the purpose of establishing "Market Value". |
| This type of appraisal should use comparable properties |
| very similar to the subject property and preferable within |
| one square mile of the subject when possible. A state |
| certified appraiser is bound by law to give you a unbiased |
| appraisal. A recent appraisal is considered to be one year |
| or less. |
| page 1 of 4 | Note: Independent Fee Appraisers are listed in the yellow |
| Next to view page 2 | pages. A typical residential property appraisal will cost |