Help center: property tax appeal questions
Quick answers to common property tax appeal questions: the free check, our packets, filing with your county, deadlines, refunds and privacy. For your county's own rules and dates, see its county page, which lists official sources.
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The free check
What does the free check show?
It finds your home in county records, then compares your assessment with similar homes nearby. You see the key numbers and how your home ranks among those homes.
Why do you ask about a recent purchase, renovations or who owns the home?
We ask right after payment, never before. A recent purchase price can be evidence, and some boards require owners who bought recently to disclose the sale. Renovations can explain a higher value. Where we ask who owns the home, your answer sets how your letter and form are signed: by you, by you as trustee of your living trust, or by you for your company or LLC.
My home's details look wrong. What should I do?
Tell us in the check (use "Edit details") so your comparison uses the right facts. A wrong county record, such as square footage, can itself be a reason to appeal in some counties. Some counties also have a separate correction route; in Cook County the Assessor takes reports of factual errors at any time.
Why isn't my county available?
We add a county only after a person has checked its rules and deadlines against official sources. Join the waitlist on your county's page and we'll email you when it opens.
Packets and plans
What's the difference between Core and Full Season?
Core ($39, once per property per tax year): record check, comparable homes as your county's data and rules allow (up to 13 in Cook County), the full pool they came from, a map and charts, a statement of reasons template, your photos and repair bids as exhibits, a filing guide and checklist, deadline reminders, and a free re-check next tax year. Full Season ($69) adds a packet rebuilt for each later appeal stage in the same tax year (in Cook County: Board of Review, then the state Property Tax Appeal Board), a hearing prep kit and priority support. Upgrading from Core costs $30.
What is the record correction add-on?
A short document ($19) for when the county's record of your home looks wrong. It lists the differences between what you report and the county record (characteristics, class, exemptions), explains the county's correction route with official sources, and gives a checklist of proof. Buy it with either plan or on its own; no appeal is needed. The county decides whether to correct its record.
How are the comparable homes chosen?
By published rules: same area and class, similar size, age and features. The selection does not look at the other homes' assessments or sale prices. The packet shows how many homes qualified.
Does the packet tell me what my home is worth?
No. It is not an appraisal. It reports county records and comparisons with similar homes. You decide what value to request.
Can I add my own evidence?
Yes. Both plans let you add photos and repair bids as labelled exhibits. You can also attach anything else your county accepts when you file.
How long is my packet available?
For 3 years from your purchase. Sign in to your account to view it online or download the PDF at any time during that period.
Filing your appeal
Do you file the appeal for me?
No. We never file, negotiate or contact the county for you. You submit the packet yourself, following the filing guide.
Can I file on my own?
It depends on the county and stage. In Cook County, owners can appeal their own home at the Assessor and the Board of Review, while companies, LLCs and condo associations need an attorney at the Board of Review. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does it cost anything to file with the county?
That depends on the county. In Cook County, there is no fee to appeal to the Assessor, the Board of Review or the state Property Tax Appeal Board.
Will I have to go to a hearing?
Most likely not. Most appeals are settled by mail or through an informal review: no courtroom and no face-to-face meeting. You send your evidence, the county reviews it, and you receive a decision.
How do I check the status of my appeal?
Only the county can tell you; we can't see your status. In Cook County, the Assessor emails a filing confirmation and then a docket number, and mails the result. The Board of Review's Decision Search shows this year's status by PIN, complaint number or address. Elsewhere, your county page links to the official office.
Deadlines
Which appeal deadlines are coming up?
Our upcoming deadlines page lists every appeal window we track that closes in the next 90 days, across all covered counties, with the source for each date.
Where do your deadlines come from?
From official calendars, notices and rules. Each date shows its source and when we last checked it. Dates the county hasn't posted yet are labelled as forecasts, and we never send reminders for them.
What if I miss my deadline?
Deadlines are strict. In Cook County the Assessor accepts no late appeals unless its own system failed, but you can still file at the Board of Review when your township opens there.
Risks and results
What if my taxes go up?
They shouldn't. In the vast majority of states, an appeal can only lower your assessment or leave it as it is. The review looks only at what you challenge; it isn't a reason to raise your value.
Is it really worth $39?
The hard part of an appeal is finding the right evidence and putting it in the form your county expects. For $39, you get that part ready-made: your county record checked, the similar homes near you that are assessed lowest, charts and a map, a statement ready to sign and your county's filing steps. If your appeal lowers your bill by even a few hundred dollars a year, it pays for itself many times over. One flat price, no percentage of your savings, and a full refund within 30 days if you're not happy.
Will I get a lower tax bill?
Results are not guaranteed. The county decides. A lower assessment can lower your share of the tax, but your bill also depends on tax rates and exemptions set later.
Refunds, account and privacy
How do refunds work?
Full refund within 30 days, no questions asked. Our team approves each request (usually within 1 business day) to protect against fraud. Ask from your account or by contacting us.
Do I need an account?
Not for the free check. When you buy a packet we send a sign-in link to your email, so you can come back to your packet. No password.
What do you do with my data?
We use your address and answers to run your check and build your packet. We don't store the names of other owners from public records. See our privacy policy for details and how to delete your data.
Is Property Appeal a government site?
No. We are an independent company, not affiliated with any government agency. You can always file with your county without us.
Still have a question?
A person answers every message. For your county's own rules and dates, see its county page.