Your Guide to Property Tax Assessments for 2025

By Vicki Schamel

Has been a dedicated Realtor for over 30 years. She first entered real estate to balance work and raising her two young daughters, but it soon grew into a lifelong passion.

As we move into May, it is not just the blooming flowers and greener grass that signal the season’s arrival. For many property owners, May also marks the time when tax assessment letters begin to appear in the mail. This can be a stressful moment, especially when the notice reveals an increase in assessed value.

If you are a property owner, it is important to understand how your property taxes are calculated and what steps you can take if you receive one of these notices. Here’s everything you need to know:

Understanding your tax assessment. A property tax assessment is an estimate of your property’s value which is determined by your local tax assessor. This value is used to calculate your annual property tax bill. If the assessed value goes up, your taxes may also increase unless offset by a lower tax rate.

Check your taxes regularly. Property owners should make a habit of checking their taxes regularly. Local assessors maintain property cards, which include detailed information about the house and any structures on the land. Reviewing this information is essential. Sometimes, buildings have been removed, or additions have been made with proper permits, which can affect assessed values. Confirming that everything is accurate ensures that the property is being evaluated fairly.

It is important to know that the window for action is short. The formal grievance process is held annually on the fourth Tuesday of May, which this year falls on May 27. Proper preparation is essential to ensure that any concerns or discrepancies with your property’s assessment are addressed within this brief window.

Take the time to review your property’s assessment to ensure everything is accurate. With proper preparation and awareness of the process, you can approach the tax assessment season with confidence. If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at (607) 351-6933 or send an email to vickischamel@kw.com. I look forward to hearing from you.