As a homeowner in Jackson County, it is important to understand the process of appealing your property assessment in order to potentially lower your property taxes. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to appeal your Jackson County assessment for residential real property value.
Step 1: Check Your Mail
Keep an eye on your mailbox for the arrival of your 2023 residential value and interior inspection notices. These notices will provide you with important information regarding your property assessment. If you have not received your notice yet, there is no need to panic. The notices are being sent out in small batches starting from May 1st in order to effectively manage call volume.
Step 2: Request an Interior Inspection and File an Appeal
To begin the appeal process, visit the official Jackson County website at jacksongov.org. On the website, you can request an interior inspection and file an appeal for your 2023 evaluation with the Board of Equalization. It is important to note that informal meetings with the assessment department can be scheduled at the end of the online appeal process.
Step 3: Login or Create an Account
In order to access the appeal filing system, you will need to log in using your email. If you have already created an account for your personal property declaration, you can use the same account. However, if you are a new user, click on “create an account” to get started.
Step 4: Start the Filing Process
Once you are logged in, click on “property dispute filing” to begin your appeal process. It is essential to read the important information provided on the website. This information will give you a clear understanding of the deadlines and the overall appeal process. After reading the information, click on the “begin filing” box to proceed.
Step 5: Select Property Type and Filing Type
In this step, you will need to select the type of property you are appealing for – real estate or personal property. Then, choose the type of filing you wish to make – interior inspection or Board of Equalization (Boe) appeal. If you wish to do both, it is recommended to complete the appeal process first and then return to complete the inspection after receiving your appeal confirmation.
Step 6: Search for Your Property
You can search for your property in three ways: by parcel ID, owner name, or property address. Choose the search option that is most convenient for you. Once you find your property, click on “start filing” to initiate the filing process.
Step 7: Confirm Your Parcel and Answer Questions
Confirm that the selected parcel is indeed yours, and proceed to answer the questions provided based on your specific situation. It is important to provide accurate and honest answers to ensure a fair evaluation of your appeal.
Step 8: Choose Your Hearing Attendance
At this point, you will have the option to attend your hearing or waive your right to attend. If you choose to waive your right, the Board of Equalization will make a decision based on the submitted documents, and you will receive a decision notice in due course. Make your selection and click “next” to proceed.
Step 9: File and Acknowledgment
Read the file and acknowledgment carefully, add your name and the date filed, and then click “next” to proceed.
Step 10: Attach Supporting Documentation
In this step, you have the opportunity to provide supporting documentation for your claim. This may include an independent appraisal, comparable property sales, photos of your residence, sales documents, or any other relevant information. Select the appropriate category and upload your documents from your computer. If you are filing as a representative of the owner, remember to upload the signed authorization form obtained from the owner.
Step 11: Review and Submit
After attaching all the necessary documentation, you have the option to print a draft of your filing for your own records. Once you have reviewed your filing, press the submit button to process the filing. You should receive a confirmation screen stating that your filing has been submitted. Additionally, an email will be sent to you as verification.
Step 12: Schedule an Appointment with Assessment Staff
If you wish to attempt to resolve your dispute before the Board of Equalization hearing, you can schedule an appointment with the assessment staff. Starting from May 8th, you can call 1-877-895-9675 between 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, to schedule an appointment. If you reach an agreement on your property value with the assessment department, your Board of Equalization appeal will be canceled.
Step 13: Attend the Board of Equalization Hearing
If you choose not to meet with the assessment department prior to your Board of Equalization hearing, you will receive a notice providing the day and time of your hearing. The Board of Equalization hearings are scheduled to begin on July 10th. It is crucial to attend the hearing or have a representative present. If you or your representative do not attend, the board will make a decision based solely on the documents provided in your filing.
If you have any questions regarding the appeal process or need further information, you can contact the assessment department by emailing [email protected] or calling 816-881-3530. For inquiries specifically about the Board of Equalization process, email Board of [email protected] or call 816-881-3309.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the appeal process for your Jackson County assessment. Taking proactive steps to appeal your property assessment can potentially lead to a reduction in your property taxes.