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Answers to an Inaccurate Property Tax Assessment - 7/30/2025

Each year, homeowners receive a notification of their property tax assessment, which, when combined with the local tax rate, determines how much they owe in property taxes. While this process is meant to fairly reflect a home's value, assessments are not always accurate. If the valuation is incorrect, homeowners may end up paying more than they should. Fortunately, you have the right to challenge the assessment if you believe it is inaccurate.

Here are some of the most common reasons a property tax assessment may be incorrect:

  1. Overvaluation - Assessors estimate your home's market value, but if they overvalue it, your taxes will be higher than necessary. This can happen if they rely on outdated or incomplete data or if home values in your area have declined since the last assessment.
  2. Errors in Property Information - Mistakes in the assessor's records can lead to an inflated value. Common errors include incorrect square footage, an inaccurate number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or outdated details about renovations and improvements. If the records show more features than your home actually has, you may be paying too much in taxes.
  3. Comparable Sales Discrepancies - If similar homes in your neighborhood are assessed at a lower value, your home's assessment may not be consistent with market trends. Assessors use comparable properties to determine value, but if they fail to factor in differences—such as location, lot size, or condition—it could lead to an unfairly high assessment.
  4. Market Value Decline - Real estate markets fluctuate, and if your property's value has dropped since the last assessment, your tax bill may not reflect the change. Assessors do not always adjust values quickly enough to keep up with market shifts.
  5. Damage or Deterioration - If your home has suffered significant damage—such as structural issues, fire damage, or foundation problems—it could be worth less than its assessed value. If these factors aren't considered, you may be overpaying.
  6. Incorrect Classification - If your home is classified incorrectly—such as being assessed as commercial property instead of residential—it can result in a much higher tax bill.
  7. Exemptions Not Applied - Many homeowners qualify for tax exemptions, such as homestead, senior citizen, or veteran exemptions. If these were not applied, your tax bill could be higher than it should be.

If you believe your property tax assessment is incorrect, you have the right to challenge it. This typically involves gathering evidence, such as recent comparable home sales, correcting errors in the property records, or providing proof of market decline or damage.

Your real estate agent can be a valuable resource in this process. They can help you find comparable sales data and provide insights into market trends. If you have questions about your property's value or the process of appealing your tax assessment, reach out to your agent—they're there to help!

Arlin Fisher Realtor PARK CO., REALTORS - (701) 261-8812 Fargo, ND (701) 261-8812 ND # 9568 / MN # 40508393 Greetings! I'm Arlin Fisher, a dedicated and accomplished REALTOR® proudly associated with PARK CO., REALTORS® renowned for its commitment to excellence in the real estate industry. My primary mission is to deliver exceptional customer service to my valued clients, ensuring their buying and selling experiences are tailored to meet their needs and aspirations. A solid educational foundation has enriched my journey in real estate. In 1991, I graduated with distinction from North Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a second degree in Economics. This comprehensive academic background equipped me with the necessary skills to navigate the intricacies of the ever-evolving real estate market. Fueled by a passion for continuous growth and professional development, I pursued a Master of Business Administration degree in 1996 while maintaining a full-time job. This commitment to learning has been instrumental in my ability to stay ahead in the dynamic real estate landscape, bringing insightful strategies and expertise to every client interaction. For over 27 years, I have held diverse positions within a prominent technology company. My tenure in this organization has allowed me to collaborate with employees, partners, and customers from around the globe, providing me with invaluable cross-cultural experiences. These encounters have honed my ability to understand and anticipate my client's needs, making me a perceptive and empathetic advocate for their real estate goals. As your trusted representative, I am dedicated to maximizing your investments and facilitating a seamless process in all your residential real estate endeavors. Whether you're buying or selling, my goal is to make your experience stress-free, enjoyable, and ultimately successful. I sincerely appreciate my clients' trust in me and consider it an honor to guide them on their real estate journey. If you're seeking a results-driven REALTOR® who puts your satisfaction above all else, I'd be delighted to represent you. Please don't hesitate to contact me at your convenience; your business is genuinely valued, and I'm eager to be a part of your real estate success story. Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter