Updated - February 1, 2007

Please consider carefully the following before initiating a formal assessment appeal.

Divide your new 2006 assessed value by .70 to determine the 100% true value.

Ask yourself this important question.  
“On October 1, 2006 could I sell my property for that 100% true value as determined by the assessor?”

It is most effective to appeal your value and provide documentary evidence that shows the assessor’s valuation was in error.

It may not be effective to base your appeal on other property owner assessed values or their change in assessed value as compared to your change – even if they are located in your neighborhood.

If you decide to appeal your new assessment to the Board of Assessment Appeals you must pick up an assessment appeal form in the Assessor’s Office, complete it, and return it to the Assessor’s Office by February 20, 2007.

The Board of Assessment Appeals will call you to schedule a hearing. At that hearing you will be first sworn in and heard by one member of the board. Each hearing typically takes 15-30 minutes.

Some hearing tips may include:

Bring in three copies of every document you plan to submit. At the conclusion of all hearings all cases will be reviewed by the three members on that board.

Documents to submit may include a single paper stating why the Town’s value is wrong and why you are right. Also bring a copy of the appeal form that you previously submitted.

It is important to be early for your appointment in the event there are prior “no shows”.

It may be wise to provide the Board of Assessment Appeals a copy of a relevant valuation document at your hearing such as a recent appraisal of your property.