When was the last time you actually looked at your property tax bill?

If your taxes are included in your monthly mortgage payment, it’s easy to overlook how much you’re paying each year. And as property taxes continue to rise in many areas, that monthly expense can become a bigger part of your overall housing costs.

What many homeowners don’t realize is that their property tax assessment isn’t necessarily set in stone. If your home is assessed for more than it’s worth, you could be paying more in property taxes than you should.

In fact, the National Taxpayers Union Foundation estimates that 30% to 60% of taxable property in the U.S. may be over-assessed.

Property Taxes Are Getting More Expensive

Property taxes have become a growing expense for homeowners. Since 2019, the average property tax payment has increased by approximately 31%.

In 2025, the average homeowner paid $4,427 in property taxes, an increase of 3% from the previous year.

For many homeowners, those increases are making a noticeable difference in their budgets. A recent survey found that:

• 76% said their property taxes were higher than they had budgeted for.
• 64% were surprised or shocked by their most recent property tax bill.
• 9 in10 expressed concern about the long-term financial impact of rising property taxes.

Yet despite the rising costs, most homeowners haven't challenged their assessments. Nearly three-quarters have never appealed their property tax bill, and more than half didn't realize an appeal was even an option.

So, what can you actually do if you think your home is being over-assessed?

5 Steps to Check Your Property Tax Assessment

1. Start With Your Assessed Value

Your first step is to find out how your local assessor has valued your property. You can typically find this information on your property tax bill or through your local assessor's website.

Before assuming the number is right, take a closer look.

One important distinction to understand is that assessed value and market value are not necessarily the same thing.

• Your assessed value is determined by your local taxing authority and is used to calculate your property taxes. The assessor may consider factors such as your home's size, lot, location, condition and other property characteristics.

• Your market value, on the other hand, represents what your home could reasonably sell for in the current market. Factors such as recent sales, buyer demand, inventory and current market conditions all play a role.

Depending on where you live, your assessed value may represent all, or only a portion, of your home's estimated market value. Local assessment rules vary, so it's important to understand how your municipality calculates taxable value.

 

2. Make Sure Your Property Record Is Accurate 

Next, review the information your local assessor has on file.

Check details such as:

• Square footage
• Lot size
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Property improvements
• Finished or unfinished space
• Other physical characteristics

An incorrect property record could contribute to an inaccurate assessment.

If you spot an obvious mistake, contact the assessor's office to see whether it can be corrected without going through the formal appeals process.

But even if every detail is correct, your home's valuation could still be too high. That's where the next step comes in.

 

3. Compare Your Home With Similar Properties 

Recent sales of comparable homes, often called "comps," can help you determine whether your property may be overvalued.

Look for several homes nearby that are reasonably similar to yours in terms of size, condition, location and features. Ideally, focus on sales from the past six months. Real estate websites can be a helpful starting point, and a local real estate professional may also be able to provide insight into recent comparable sales.

Keep in mind that you're not simply comparing your tax assessment to the sale prices of nearby homes. You first need to understand how your area's assessment system works.

For example, if your area assesses homes at 80% of market value and your assessed value is $250,000, your estimated market value would be approximately $312,500.

You could then compare that estimated market value with recent comparable sales to determine whether your property appears to be valued appropriately.

 

4. Determine Whether an Appeal Makes Sense 

After reviewing your property record and comparable sales, you may have a stronger case for challenging your assessment.

An appeal may be worth considering if:

• Your assessment appears significantly higher than comparable properties.
• You discovered inaccuracies in your property record.
• Your home's condition isn't reflected in the assessment.
• Recent comparable sales suggest your property is worth less than the assessor's valuation.

The process varies by location, but your local assessor's or tax authority's website should explain how to file an appeal and what documentation is required. Supporting information might include comparable sales, photographs, property records or documentation showing conditions that could affect your home's value.

And if you don't feel comfortable handling the process yourself, you can look into local property tax appeal professionals or ask a trusted real estate professional for a recommendation.

 

5. Pay Attention to the Deadline

Don't wait too long if you believe your assessment is incorrect.

Property tax appeals typically have a specific filing period, and the deadline can vary significantly depending on where you live. Some jurisdictions may give homeowners only a limited number of days after an assessment notice is issued. Check your local assessor's office for the exact deadline and filing requirements. Missing the window could mean waiting until the following tax year to challenge your assessment.

Could an Appeal Actually Save You Money? 

It's worth investigating if you have reason to believe your property is over-assessed.

According to the National Taxpayers Union, 30% to 50% of homeowners who appeal their property taxes receive some type of reduction. For a median property, that could translate into savings of more than $539 per year.

And because property taxes are an ongoing expense, even a relatively small annual reduction can add up over time.

The bottom line? Don't automatically assume your property tax assessment is correct. Take a few minutes to review your property's information, understand how your local assessment system works and compare your home's value with recent sales.

If something doesn't look right, it may be worth taking the next step.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice regarding your individual situation.

 

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice regarding your individual situation.

Sources

[1] National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF), “Are You Paying Too Much in Taxes?”

[2] ICE Mortgage Monitor, March 2026.

[3] ATTOM, “Average Single-Family Home Property Tax Bill Rose 3 Percent in 2025,” April 9, 2026.

[4] Ownwell, “64% of U.S. Homeowners Are Shocked by Their Property Tax Bill, but 3 in 4 Have Never Appealed,” April 20, 2026.

[5] National Taxpayers Union, as reported by Bankrate, “Your property tax bill may be higher than it needs to be. Here’s what to do about it,” October 31, 2025.

[6] Realtor.com, “Death and Taxes, Only One Can Be Protested,” April 29, 2025.