Real Estate Tax Value Challenge

In Ohio, every 3 years all 88 counties are required to update real estate values and consequently adjust tax amounts. Homeowners dread these because the taxes always seem to go up. However, they can actually adjust down as they did after the Great Recession. The county is looking at recent sales in your area and an exterior view of your home so there is room for error. Particularly, if you have deferred maintenance or damage on the interior which they cannot see. If you feel your taxes have gone up by an unjust amount you do have several options to challenge your new tax value.  

In Montgomery County, Ohio you can schedule an informal review. You’ll discuss your property value via Zoom or telephone call with one of their county appraisers. If you don’t like the outcome of that conversation you have the option to file a formal appeal with the county’s Board of Revisions (BOR). They will schedule a hearing with their 3 member Board. You’ll have 10 to 20 minutes to present your case. You’ll want convincing evidence like:

A record of a recent sale of the home within the last 2 years

A recently completed independent appraisal

A list of recently sold similar properties in the area

A Realtor’s market analysis

If you don’t like the outcome of this, you can appeal to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals or the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.  

There are timelines.Filing with the BOR is required between Jan 1 and March 31. Being an active Realtor in the Dayton, Ohio area for years, I’ve helped a number of clients challenge their tax values. If you need advice or assistance, just reach out.