Property Tax Appeals

          King County has very specific methods by which taxpayers can appeal their 2008 assessed property value.  The first place to begin your appeal process is by following this link http://www.metrokc.gov/appeals/ and click on the “Appeals to the Board of Equalization” page.  The following is an important excerpt from that website

  Remember, the issue before the Board is the market value of your property.  Accordingly, you will need to furnish evidence that demonstrates that the Assessor’s valuation exceeds your property’s fair market value.  Successful forms of evidence include:  comparable sales and/or sales of the subject property; contractor estimates of costs to repair building or land defects; letters or documents from government agencies and/or experts regarding development limitations; deeds describing easements that impact value; independent appraisals; photographs of features or conditions that you believe diminish your property’s market value; and maps showing proximity to high traffic areas, access limitations, etc.  When gathering evidence and formulating arguments, it is important to keep in mind that, by law, the Assessor is presumed to be correct.  The burden of proof is on you to show that the Assessor’s determination is incorrect.  Evidence must be “clear, cogent and convincing”.  {WAC 458-14-046(4)}

Why should I include comparable sales and how do I find them?

Sales of the subject property and/or comparable properties are the foundation of our State’s market value standard.  Accordingly, comparable sales typically provide the best indicators of market value.  [RCW 84.40.030]  This is particularly true for residential properties.  The best comparables are sales located in your neighborhood, with similar land and improvement features, which sold closest to the valuation date at issue.  

Edgecliff Appraisal can assist you with the King Counties Real Property Petition Form.  We can also provide you with print-outs of comparable sales from data sources that are available only to real estate professionals.   But, first we will conduct a feasibility study to determine if there is a possibility of helping you prove an error has been made regarding your property value.  The following fees have been established for the tax assessment appeal process...

1.  Feasibility Study                              $30.00

2.  Comparable Sales Printouts             $50.00  

3.  Interior Inspection with photos         $75.00

3.  King Co. Property Petition form        $150.00

The cost of the feasibility study is due when you agree to use our services and will be deducted from the cost of any additional service you decide upon.  The fees for items 2,3 & 4 are due prior to our transmitting them to you which is typically done via email.  

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