An informal review is the quiet first step most homeowners skip. It is a simple talk with your county assessor about the value on your tax notice. You do not need a lawyer. You do not need a formal hearing. You just show them why your home’s assessed value looks too high. In most cases, this is the fastest, cheapest way to lower a bill that jumped. If your notice gave you a shock, an informal review is where you begin.
Informal Review: Where to Start
Start by reading your assessment notice closely. It shows your home’s assessed value. That is the number your tax is built on. The Tax Foundation notes that property tax is the largest local tax most families pay. So a wrong value costs you real money every year.
Next, call or visit your county assessor’s office. Most assessor sites end in .gov. Ask how to request an informal review. Many counties let you do it online, by phone, or in person. Typically, staff will explain the deadline and the forms. This first chat is friendly, not a fight.
The goal is simple. You are not arguing that taxes are too high in general. You are showing that the assessor’s estimate of YOUR home’s market value is too high. For example, maybe they listed four bedrooms when you have three. Small errors like that are common and easy to fix.
The Evidence That Actually Works
Evidence is everything here. The strongest proof is comparable sales, often called “comps.” These are homes near you, similar in size and age, that recently sold. If they sold for less than your assessed value, you have a case. The International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) sets the standards assessors use, and comps sit at the center of them.
Look for three to five recent sales. Same neighborhood is best. Similar square footage, lot size, and condition matter too. Your county assessor’s site often has a sales search tool. Real estate sites can help, but county records carry the most weight.
Also check your own property record for mistakes. Wrong square footage, a phantom bathroom, or a finished basement you do not have all inflate value. Photos of needed repairs help as well. This checklist keeps you organized.
| Evidence | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| 3-5 comparable sales | Shows what similar homes truly sold for |
| Your property record card | Reveals errors in size, rooms, or features |
| Photos of damage or repairs | Proves your home is worth less than assumed |
| A recent appraisal, if you have one | Gives an independent value estimate |
| Your assessment notice | Confirms the value and any deadline |
The Deadline You Cannot Miss
Timing decides everything. The window to ask for a review or file an appeal is short. It varies widely by state and county. Miss it, and you usually wait a full year for another chance.
How Informal Review Can Pay Off
An informal review can pay off in real dollars. When the assessor lowers your value, your tax drops too. The savings then repeat every year the lower value holds. Many homeowners are surprised how a short conversation changes their bill.
Your tax is roughly your assessed value times your local rate. That rate is often shown as a mill rate (the tax per $1,000 of value). Lincoln Institute of Land Policy data shows rates swing a lot by state and city. So the same value cut saves different amounts in different places.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The biggest mistake is waiting too long. As a result, homeowners lose their whole window. Mark the deadline the day your notice arrives. Then act early, while the office is less busy.
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Another mistake is arguing about your taxes instead of your value. Assessors set value, not tax rates. So focus on comps and errors, not on how much you owe. Stay calm and factual. A polite, well-prepared homeowner is taken seriously.
Finally, do not skip this step and jump straight to a formal appeal. The informal review is simpler and often enough. For example, a clear set of comps may settle it in one call. If it does not, you can still appeal formally afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does asking for a review make my taxes go up?
In most cases, no. An informal review looks at whether your value is too high, not too low. Ask your county assessor how their process works before you file, so you know what to expect.
Do I need to pay someone to do this?
Usually not. Most homeowners handle an informal review on their own for free. You can always hire help later, but this first step is designed to be simple and do-it-yourself.
What if the assessor says no?
You still have options. If the informal review does not lower your value, you can typically move to a formal appeal. Ask your assessor for the next steps and the deadline right away.
How many comparable sales do I need?
Three to five strong, recent, nearby sales are usually enough. Quality matters more than quantity. Homes that closely match yours in size, age, and location carry the most weight.
Where do I find my home’s assessed value?
It is printed on your assessment notice. You can also find it on your county assessor’s website. If the number looks wrong, that is your signal to start an informal review.
Ready to lower your bill?
You can appeal your property taxes yourself — most homeowners can, and it is free. Start with our step-by-step appeal guides to gather the evidence, hit the deadline, and make your case.
Lowering your tax bill? Check your home insurance too.
Property tax isn’t the only home cost worth a second look. Many homeowners are overpaying for home insurance without knowing it — comparing quotes is a fast way to keep more of your money.
Sources & How to Verify
The figures and rules on this page come from official and authoritative sources. Property tax rates, median bills, and exemption amounts reset every year and vary by state, county, and school district — so always confirm the current figure, any exemption, and any deadline with your county assessor before you act. We are an independent educational resource, not a government agency or a tax-appeal service, and this page is not legal, tax, or financial advice.
- Tax Foundation: taxfoundation.org — property taxes by state & county
- U.S. Census Bureau: census.gov — median property tax paid and home values
- Lincoln Institute of Land Policy: lincolninst.edu — property-tax research and the 50-state data
- IAAO (assessment standards): iaao.org — how assessors are supposed to value property
- Your county assessor & state Department of Revenue: search “[your county] assessor” for your exact rate, exemptions, and appeal deadline
Content last reviewed July 2026. If you notice an outdated figure, please contact us.
Related Guides
- How to Appeal & Lower Your Property Taxes
- Exemptions & Relief
- Property Tax Basics
- More in This Category
- Property Tax by State
- Property Tax Glossary
Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Know Property Tax is an independent educational resource, not a government agency, a county assessor, a law firm, or a tax-appeal service, and this page does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Property tax rates, median bills, exemption amounts, and deadlines change every year and vary by state, county, and school district, and any estimate is illustrative only. Always confirm your rate, any exemption, and any deadline with your county assessor and a licensed professional before you act.