January is the month to do the research. The filing deadline is April 1. You can download the appeal forms here......
APPEAL FORMS.
When to appeal?
Well, if you purchased last year below the assessed value and it was an Arms Length Transaction (not a short sale, foreclosure, tax sale, etc) then a tax appeal is probably in order. All you will need is a copy of your deed.
If you purchase some time ago your best evidence is an experienced appraiser.
Even if your assessed value is below current value a tax appeal may be possible. The assessment may be old, reflecting old(higher) values. You can get the ratio of value above assessment by calling the townhall and speaking with the tax assessor.
Example: Your home is worth $500,000. You are assessed at $350,000. However the town tax assessor's ratio says homes are valued at 2 times assessed value. That means the tax assessor values your home at $700,000. If you can prove it is worth only $500,000, you can get lower taxes. Again this is where an experienced appraiser comes in.
Happy New Year!