Property Tax Assessment Appeal Documentation Checklist
Property tax appeals require systematic documentation and timely filing. This checklist guides commercial property owners through the evidence gathering and filing process to successfully challenge overassessed property values.
- Industry: Real Estate
- Frequency: Annual (Per Assessment Cycle)
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Property Manager / Asset Manager / Tax Consultant
- Total Items: 31
- Compliance: State Property Tax Code (varies by jurisdiction), Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), IAAO Standards on Mass Appraisal of Real Property, IRS Revenue Procedure 2011-44 Qualified Settlement Fund
Assessment Analysis
Analyze the assessment for appeal grounds.
- Assessed value compared to estimated market value - significant overassessment identified?
- Assessment ratio (assessed value / market value) compared to jurisdiction standard?
- Similar properties with lower assessments identified for equity argument?
- Assessor's property record reviewed for factual errors (square footage, classification)?
- Any potentially tax-exempt areas (parking, vacant space) incorrectly assessed?
Income Approach Documentation
Prepare income approach evidence.
- Rent rolls for subject property for past 3 years on file?
- Operating statements (CBRE, JLL, or internal) for past 3 years?
- Market vacancy and occupancy data for comparable properties?
- Market capitalization rates from recent comparable sales?
- Stabilized NOI calculated per market-based income and expense assumptions?
Sales Comparables
Gather market sales evidence.
- 3-5 comparable recent sales of similar property type in market?
- Adjustments to comparables for size, age, condition, location?
- Price per square foot or per unit analysis comparing subject to comps?
- Assessor's comparable sales reviewed and challenged if inappropriate?
- USPAP-compliant appraisal obtained for major appeal?
Physical Condition and Obsolescence
Document physical condition evidence.
- Deferred maintenance quantified and documented with contractor estimates?
- Functional obsolescence (inadequate parking, floor plates, ceiling heights) documented?
- Economic obsolescence (market oversupply, neighborhood decline) documented?
- Photographs of property condition documenting any issues?
- Inspection or engineering report supporting condition claims?
Filing and Procedural Requirements
Verify filing requirements and deadlines.
- Appeal filing deadline tracked in calendar system?
- Correct appeal/protest form obtained from assessor's office?
- Owner or authorized agent standing to file appeal confirmed?
- Informal conference with assessor scheduled before formal hearing?
- All evidence organized and indexed per hearing board requirements?
Documentation and Tracking
Complete appeal documentation file.
- Complete appeal file organized with all evidence, filings, and correspondence?
- Original assessment notice on file with date received?
- Prior year appeal history reviewed for strategy and precedent?
- Settlement authority from property owner documented?
- Projected tax savings and appeal cost ROI calculated?
- Appeal documentation summary report prepared?
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Why Use This Property Tax Assessment Appeal Documentation Checklist?
This property tax assessment appeal documentation checklist helps real estate teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for property manager / asset manager / tax consultant professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annual (per assessment cycle).
Ensures compliance with State Property Tax Code (varies by jurisdiction), Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), IAAO Standards on Mass Appraisal of Real Property, IRS Revenue Procedure 2011-44 Qualified Settlement Fund. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Property Tax Assessment Appeal Documentation Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Assessment Analysis, Income Approach Documentation, Sales Comparables, Physical Condition and Obsolescence, Filing and Procedural Requirements, Documentation and Tracking. It is designed for real estate operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annual (per assessment cycle). Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Property Tax Assessment Appeal Documentation Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Property Manager / Asset Manager / Tax Consultant professionals in the real estate industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.