Did You Know that if you disagree with the County Assessors valuation of your property, you can appeal for a review?  To successfully appeal the assessed value of your property, you must show by clear and precise evidence that the value established by the Assessor is incorrect.  Some key examples as to why you might want to file such an appeal are: 

•  Loss of view            
•  Incorrect reporting of square footage of lot or home;    
•  Incorrect valuation of your home relative to recent recorded  home sales in your direct neighborhood for homes of similar size and features;    
•  Change in the condition of the property;           
•  Change in the condition of the neighborhood.   

To appeal your real property valuation, you can: 

1. Call the  County assessor’s office (360) 416-1780  and talk to a staff member regarding the reason why you disagree with the property valuation. 
2. File Petition:  If your issue cannot be resolved through a telephone call, you can elect to file a relatively easy form called an “Appeal Assessed Valuation of Property”.  (You can access this form by going to the County Assessor’s website.  Click on “Find it Here” and then “Forms”.  In the drop-down menu click on “Appeal Assessed Value of Property”.)  You will be asked to submit the form to the County Board of Equalization that will review and make the decision regarding your appeal.

 Your appeal needs to be submitted to the Board of Equalization within 30 days of your being notified of a valuation change or by July 1 of the assessment year, whichever is later.   Your submitted form should include the pertinent information that describes the differences between the assessor’s value and what you believe to be the value of your property.  For example you may want to include pictures, comparisons of recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood and/or architecture designs with documented square footage.

Caution:  Be Patient:  The Appeal process may take 30-60 days, so be patient. You will receive notice of the status of your appeal and/or you may hear directly from an assessor assigned to review your appeal.

Don’t submit a frivolous appeal:  Keep in mind that your appeal is going to receive serious consideration as well as a thorough analysis of your property and the information you have provided.  Submitting a frivolous appeal and/or without proper documentation is not recommended. If you would like further information from a citizen that has successfully experienced the appeal process, you can email to info@did-you-know-anacortes.com.