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Property Tax
What Is Assessed Value vs. Market Value?
Understand assessed value vs market value, why they differ, and how the difference affects your property tax appeal.
Property Tax FAQ
Quick Answer
Assessed value is the value assigned by the local assessing authority for property tax purposes.
For many homeowners, the next step is to compare the assessment to market value, review the property record, check exemptions, and look for comparable sales. lowerpropertytax.com/ helps homeowners turn that review into a ready-to-file property tax appeal packet.
Why Homeowners Ask This Question
This is one of the most common property tax questions because homeowners often receive an assessment notice or tax bill without a clear explanation of how the number was created. The concern is simple: am I paying more than I should?
Property taxes are local, so the answer depends on your state, county, city, township, school district, exemption status, property record, and appeal deadline. Start with your notice, then compare your home against recent local sales and similar assessed properties.
What to Check First
- Assessed value: Is the value higher than what your home would likely sell for?
- Comparable sales: Did similar nearby homes sell for less?
- Property record: Are square footage, condition, bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size, and improvements correct?
- Exemptions: Are you receiving all homestead, senior, veteran, disability, or local exemptions you qualify for?
- Deadline: Does your assessment notice list a filing deadline or appeal window?
How This Can Affect Your Tax Bill
Your tax bill is usually driven by taxable value and local tax rates. If your assessed or taxable value is too high, or if an exemption is missing, you may pay more than necessary. Correcting the value or claiming the right exemption may reduce the amount you owe.
Learn more about assessed value vs. market value, comparable sales for a property tax appeal, and common property tax exemptions.
How lowerpropertytax.com/ Helps
lowerpropertytax.com/ helps homeowners review their property tax assessment and prepare an appeal packet. You enter your address, answer a few questions, and receive a packet designed to help you file with your local authority.
Click. Print. Mail. You keep 100% of your savings.
Check Whether Your Property Taxes May Be Too High
Start with your address and see whether your assessment deserves a closer look.
FAQ: What Is Assessed Value vs. Market Value?
What is assessed value?
Assessed value is the value assigned by the local assessing authority for property tax purposes.
What is market value?
Market value is the price a willing buyer might pay for your home in the open market, based on recent sales and property condition.
Why are assessed value and market value different?
They can differ because of assessment formulas, caps, reassessment cycles, exemptions, outdated records, or local valuation methods.
Which value matters in an appeal?
Appeals often focus on whether the assessed value is supported by market evidence and local assessment rules.
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