An appeal must include specific market reasons why you believe the assessor's valuation is incorrect. Statements that the assessor's valuation is too high or property taxes are excessive are not sufficient.
Be specific as to why the assessed value does not reflect market value. Examples might include:
- recent appraisals of the property
- excessive deterioration of the property
- sales of similar properties reflecting a lower value for your property
If you are challenging the fair market value of your property, consider supplying the following information:
| Most Recent Sale |
Date |
Price |
# of Weeks |
| Recent Listing(s) |
Date |
Price |
# of Weeks |
| Recent Appraisal(s) |
Date |
Value |
Appraisal Reason |
| - provide copies |
Date |
Value |
Appraisal Reason |
Comparing the assessment, percentage of increase or other uniformity issue alone is not sufficient to win your case.
You must provide market evidence demonstrating the comparison properties are valued at 100% true & fair market value, while your parcel is not valued at 100% true and fair market value.
Your appeal must include the following information:
- Parcel number of the property you are appealing.
- County assessor’s determination of value.
- Your estimate of value.
- Comparable sales or other supporting evidence you wish to include.
- Indication if you intend to submit additional evidence prior to the hearing.
Listing comparable sales
You can get comparable sales information from online records at www.AugustaCountyVA.gov/realestatedatabase, realtors or title companies.
You should use property sales that are most comparable to your property, and which sold closest to the assessment or appraisal of your property. The best sales comparisons are sales of your property or similar properties in your area or neighborhood.
For each comparable sale you use, make sure to include the parcel or account number, property address, date of sale, sale price and comparable property characteristics.
Comparable characteristics to consider are:
- Land
- Location (sales in the same subdivision or neighborhood).
- Unit of comparison (lot size, acreage, square feet and front feet).
- Desirable features such as a view or waterfront.
- Sewer/septic systems.
- Undesirable features such as an access problem.
- Wetlands.
- Water systems.
- Zoning.
- Improvements
- Type of construction (wood frame, brick or other).
- Square footage of total finished living area.
- Year built.
- Number of stories.
- Improvement type and grade.
- Building condition.
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Fireplace.
- Garage/carport.
- Other supporting evidence
- A map showing the location of your property and comparable sales properties.
- Appraisals prepared by others.
- Documentation by others concerning problems.
- Written estimates of the cost to repair problems.
- Photographs.
