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How to Challenge Your Assessment
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There are several opportunities for homeowners to challenge their assessments. The first opportunity is generally at an informal "meeting" that is offered with a representative of the company retained by the town to conduct the re-evaluation. Typically, the homeowner will receive notice of this meeting along with the notice of their new assessment. This meeting is the best opportunity to address an incorrect or excessive assessment. 

The best information to present at this meeting is a real estate appraisal demonstrating that the proposed fair market value of the homeowners' property is too high. The homeowner may also want to  present the following: (1) proof of a mistake in the new assessment; (2) comparable sales which demonstrate that the fair market value assigned by the town is too high; (3) comparable assessments which demonstrate that the assessment is too high; (4) specific issues pertaining to their property that may diminish its value (i.e. unusable lot, water in basement, roof in disrepair). 
                                                                                                                               
Following this informal meeting, the homeowner will receive written notice of any change to their assessment. If this is not acceptable, the next opportunity for the homeowner to challenge their assessment is at a "formal hearing" before the town's Board of Assessment Appeals. The procedure for this hearing varies from town to town and will range from a simple sit down meeting with a single member of the Board to a formal legal hearing before the full board. 

Following a decision by the Board of Assessment Appeals, the next (and final) opportunity for the homeowner to challenge an assessment is by filing a formal appeal of the Board's decision in Superior Court.