What to Do if Your Property Taxes Increase in 2025

Steps U.S. Homeowners Can Take to Appeal High Property Tax Bills and Explore Relief Options

If you’ve noticed a spike in your property tax bill this year, you’re not alone. In many parts of the U.S., homeowners are seeing higher taxes in 2025 due to rising home values, updated county assessments, and shifting local tax rates.

Whether your home’s assessed value jumped or your local government changed its tax formula, a larger bill can feel overwhelming. But don’t panic—there are steps you can take to dispute, reduce, or offset these costs.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for what to do if your property taxes go up in 2025.

1. Understand Why Your Property Tax Increased

Property taxes are calculated using two factors: the assessed value of your property and your local tax rate. If either of these increases, your bill goes up.

In 2025, property tax hikes are especially common in areas with rising home prices or reassessments conducted by county or city officials. Some homeowners are also affected by new levies or millage rate increases approved by voters in local elections.

While you can’t usually challenge the tax rate itself, you can take action if you believe your home’s assessed value is too high.

2. Act Quickly to Dispute the Assessment

When your local assessor’s office sends a property tax notice, check it immediately. Most jurisdictions give you a limited window—often 30 to 45 days—to appeal the assessment or request a reassessment.

Don’t wait. If you miss the deadline, you may be stuck with a higher bill until the next tax cycle.

Here’s what to do:

• Contact your local tax assessor's office to confirm the appeal process and deadline.
• Request your property record card, which includes the details used to determine your home’s value.
• Check your bill for obvious errors like incorrect square footage, number of bedrooms, or property features that no longer exist.

Mistakes in your record can artificially inflate your property’s value—and your tax bill.

3. Review Your Home’s Assessed Value

Assessors often rely on mass data and formulas to calculate property value, but these systems aren’t perfect. Take time to review your assessment line-by-line.

Ask yourself:

• Does the description of your property match reality?
• Have there been recent repairs or damage that reduce your home’s market value?
• Is your home being compared to higher-value properties in a different part of town?

Even small inaccuracies can make a difference in your assessment—and correcting them could lower your tax burden.

4. Compare Similar Properties in Your Area

To make a compelling appeal, you’ll need data. Search for comparable properties (or “comps”) in your area that recently sold or were reassessed.

You’re looking for homes with:

• Similar square footage
• Similar age and construction
• The same number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Located within the same neighborhood or district

If comparable homes have lower assessed values or sale prices, include that documentation with your appeal.

Tip: Use public records or work with a local real estate agent to gather this information.

5. Consider Hiring a Property Tax Expert

If navigating this process feels overwhelming, consider hiring a property tax consultant. These professionals specialize in identifying discrepancies and handling appeals on your behalf.

You can also request a professional home appraisal, which may cost a few hundred dollars but can provide official evidence to support your case.

In many states, a successful appeal can result in retroactive reductions, lowering your current and future property taxes.

6. Submit a Formal Appeal

Once you’ve gathered your evidence, it’s time to file your appeal—typically called an abatement request.

Here’s what you’ll likely need:

• A completed appeal form (available from your tax assessor)
• Documentation of any errors in your assessment
• Comps or recent sale data to support your claim
• Optional: A formal appraisal or contractor estimates for needed repairs

Make copies of everything and keep a record of your submission. In some jurisdictions, you may be invited to a hearing to present your case.

7. Explore Property Tax Relief Programs

Even if your appeal is denied—or if your assessment is accurate—you might still qualify for property tax relief.

Many counties and states offer programs for:

• Seniors
• Veterans
• People with disabilities
• Low-income homeowners

These programs may reduce your taxable property value or defer taxes until the property is sold. Some states also have homestead exemptions that reduce taxes on primary residences.

Check your local assessor’s website or call their office to ask about eligibility and how to apply. You’ll likely need to provide documentation like proof of income, age, or disability status.

8. Monitor Your Credit and Home Costs

While your credit score doesn’t affect your property tax rate, improving it can help you reduce other home-related expenses, such as:

• Lower insurance premiums (some insurers use credit-based insurance scores)
• Better refinancing options with lower interest rates
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) or personal loans to cover large bills

Use this opportunity to check your credit score and identify areas for improvement. Building strong financial habits now can open doors to better mortgage options and lower long-term costs.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Powerless

An increase in your property tax bill can be frustrating—but you’re not powerless. By acting quickly, verifying your assessment, and exploring every available option, you can potentially lower your property taxes and avoid overpaying in 2025.

And remember, even if you don’t win your appeal, applying for a relief program can make a meaningful difference. Homeownership comes with challenges, but with the right knowledge and strategy, you can stay in control.

Take Action Today:

• Start by checking your tax assessment notice.
• Gather your property records and neighborhood comps.
• File your appeal or apply for a relief program.

Explore our resources to stay informed about tax relief programs.

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