Can appealing raise my property taxes?
This is the single most common fear homeowners have, and it deserves a straight answer: yes, it is legally possible for an appeal to result in a higher value — but it is rare, and it is avoidable.
How it could happen
When you appeal, the Board of Equalization reviews the evidence and can raise, lower, or keep your value. If you file with weak evidence — or if your home is genuinely under-assessed compared to recent sales — the review could surface that and your value could go up.
How to avoid it
Only appeal when the evidence clearly supports a reduction. Before filing, compare your assessed value to recent sales of similar homes. If comparable homes sold for less than your assessed value, you have a safe, strong case. If they sold for more, do not appeal.
The bottom line
A well-built appeal backed by comparable sales is low-risk. A guesswork appeal is not. Check the evidence first — free, two minutes.
Frequently asked
Is it common for taxes to go up after an appeal?
No — it is rare, and it generally only happens when an appeal is filed without supporting evidence or on a property that was under-assessed.
How do I make sure my appeal is safe?
Only file when comparable sales clearly support a lower value. We review every case before filing and advise against appeals that could backfire.
Check your own assessment — free
Two minutes. No card. We tell you straight if you shouldn’t appeal.
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