California Property Tax Appeal:
How to Fight Your Over-Assessment
In California, 52% of appeals succeed with an average savings of $1,800/year. Yet fewer than 5% of homeowners ever file. Here’s how to do it — and how Tax Ghost generates your formal appeal letter for $24.99.
California Property Tax Appeal — Key Facts
How to Appeal in California
Check your assessment notice
Your county assessor mails assessment notices — usually in spring. The notice shows your assessed value and the appeal deadline. In most states you have 30–90 days from the notice date.
Gather comparable sales
Find 3–5 similar properties in your neighborhood that sold recently at prices below your assessed value. Use Zillow, Redfin, or your county recorder's public records. The more recent and similar the sales, the stronger your case.
File your formal appeal
In California, you file with the County Assessment Appeals Board. File Application for Changed Assessment with your county clerk. Hearings are conducted by the county Assessment Appeals Board. Processing times vary widely by county. File before November 30 annually (or 60 days after notice for supplemental assessments).
Present your evidence at the hearing
Show up with your comparables. Be calm and factual. You don't need a lawyer. Appeals boards are accustomed to homeowners representing themselves. Simply demonstrating that comparable properties sold for less than your assessment is often enough to win a reduction.
Expert tip for California
In California, your assessed value should equal the property's market value as of January 1. Request the assessor's work file to see how they valued your property.
Get your California appeal letter — $24.99
Formal appeal letter citing Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code § 1603, addressed to the County Assessment Appeals Board. Evidence checklist and filing instructions included. PDF delivered in 60 seconds.
Free scan → pay only if you want the letter
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I appeal my property tax assessment in California?
In California, you file an appeal with the County Assessment Appeals Board. The deadline is November 30 annually (or 60 days after notice for supplemental assessments). You can file yourself — no attorney required. File Application for Changed Assessment with your county clerk. Hearings are conducted by the county Assessment Appeals Board. Processing times vary widely by county.
What is the property tax appeal success rate in California?
Approximately 52% of property tax appeals in California result in a reduced assessment. The average annual tax savings for successful appeals is around $1,800.
What evidence do I need to win a property tax appeal in California?
The strongest evidence is 3–5 recent comparable sales in your neighborhood with sale prices below your assessed value. An independent appraisal is also very effective. You can find comparables on Zillow, Redfin, or your county recorder's public records.
What law governs property tax assessments in California?
Property tax assessments in California are governed by Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code § 1603. Under this law, property must be assessed at fair market value — defined as what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an arm's-length transaction.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal my property taxes in California?
No. The vast majority of successful California property tax appeals are filed by homeowners without attorneys. You simply need to file your appeal before the deadline and present evidence (comparable sales) showing your property's market value is lower than the assessed value.