Who sends it: Your county, city or town assessor, often once a year or after a reassessment.
What this notice is
An assessment notice tells you the value your local assessor has placed on your property, and sometimes estimates the tax that will follow. In most places it is not a bill. The tax bill comes later, from the tax collector or treasurer, and is based on this value and local tax rates.
How often it comes, what it is called, and how values are set all depend on where you live.
What to check
- Owner name and property address
- The description of your home: square feet, bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size and garage. A mistake here can raise the value.
- The new value compared with last year
- Exemptions applied, such as a homestead, senior, veteran or disability exemption. If one you get is missing, ask why.
- The appeal deadline. It is printed on the notice and can be short.
What to do if the value seems too high
- Look at recent sales of similar homes near you. Your assessor's office often lets you view records for free.
- Note anything that lowers your home's value, like needed repairs.
- Call or visit the assessor's office. Many mistakes get fixed in an informal review.
- If you still disagree, file a formal appeal by the deadline. The board that hears appeals has different names in different states.
Tax relief for older homeowners
Many states and localities offer property tax help for older adults, such as exemptions, a freeze on the assessed value, or programs that let you put off paying until the home is sold. Ages, income limits and rules vary. Ask your assessor's office what you qualify for and when to apply. Some programs need a new application every year.
To find local help, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. If you are at risk of losing your home over taxes, contact a legal aid office.
How to tell a real one from a fake
The real notice comes from your local government. You can check it on your county or city website, or by calling the assessor at a number you look up yourself.
Be careful with official-looking mail from private companies that offer to lower your assessment, or to get you a copy of your deed, for a fee. You can usually ask for a review yourself, often at no cost, and deed copies are available from your county recorder.
Have one in front of you?
Take a clear photo and text it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093. He tells you in plain words what it says, what it wants from you, and anything that looks wrong. How to take a clear photo.
This page explains what this kind of letter usually means. Your letter is the final word on your dates and amounts. For a decision about taxes, health coverage or a legal matter, call the office that sent it, using the number on its official website, or ask a professional you trust.
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Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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