If you believe your Oahu property has been assessed at a higher value than its actual market worth, you have the right to appeal your property tax assessment. Understanding the appeal process can potentially save you thousands of dollars in annual property taxes.

The City and County of Honolulu assesses all real property on Oahu annually, with new valuations taking effect each January. Assessment notices are typically mailed in December, giving property owners time to review their valuations before the new tax year begins. It is important to review your assessment carefully each year.

Before filing a formal appeal, gather evidence supporting your case. This includes recent comparable sales of similar properties in your area, any conditions that negatively affect your property's value, and documentation of any errors in the assessment such as incorrect square footage, lot size, or property features.

The first step in the appeal process is to contact the Real Property Assessment Division informally. You can request a review of your assessment and discuss your concerns with an assessor. Many valuation issues can be resolved at this stage without a formal appeal.

If the informal review does not resolve your concern, you can file a formal appeal with the Board of Review. The appeal must be filed within the designated window, typically by January 15th for the current tax year. Missing this deadline means you will have to wait until the next assessment cycle.

When presenting your appeal, focus on objective evidence. Comparable sales data is the most persuasive evidence you can present. Show recent sales of similar properties that sold for less than your assessed value. An independent appraisal from a licensed appraiser can also strengthen your case.

Common reasons for successful appeals include incorrect property details in the assessment records, failure to account for property damage or needed repairs, neighborhood factors that negatively affect value, and comparable sales data showing the assessment is too high.

Keep in mind that filing an appeal could also result in your assessment being increased if the Board determines the current value is actually too low. This is rare but worth considering before proceeding.

At Kristy and Austin Home Group, we can help you understand your property's market value and whether an appeal makes sense for your situation. Our knowledge of Oahu property values and comparable sales data can be valuable in building your case. Contact us if you have questions about your property tax assessment.