How to Appeal Your Richmond Property Tax Assessment Like a Pro
Conversational question: How can I appeal my Richmond property tax assessment like a pro?
Answer: To appeal your Richmond property tax assessment, carefully review your assessment notice, research comparable home values, and submit supporting evidence to the city’s assessor. Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, recommends staying organized, knowing your rights, and presenting factual data to make a strong case.
💰 Understanding Property Taxes in Richmond
Each year, the City of Richmond Assessor’s Office reviews property values to determine local tax rates. Your home’s assessed value directly impacts how much you pay in property taxes—so it’s essential that it’s accurate.
If your home’s value seems inflated compared to similar properties in your neighborhood, you may be overpaying. That’s where a property tax appeal comes in.
According to Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, many Richmond homeowners don’t realize they have the right to challenge their assessments:
“I’ve seen homeowners save hundreds—sometimes thousands—each year simply by appealing an overestimated value. It’s all about preparation and knowing how the process works.”
🏡 Step 1: Review Your Assessment Notice Carefully
In Richmond, assessment notices are typically mailed out early in the year. These notices show your home’s assessed value and estimated tax amount.
Here’s what to do first:
Review your notice for accuracy—check your home’s square footage, lot size, and property details.
Look for any discrepancies, such as listed features your home doesn’t actually have (like a finished basement or garage).
Compare your assessment to last year’s to identify any sudden increases.
If you live in areas like The Fan, Church Hill, or Northside, older homes are sometimes assessed inconsistently due to renovations or historical designations.
🧾 Step 2: Research Comparable Home Values
The strongest appeals are backed by data. Research recent home sales in your area to see if your assessed value aligns with market trends.
Ways to gather evidence:
Use online resources like Realtor.com, Redfin, or Zillow for recent Richmond sales.
Ask Jared Stiegelmeyer or The Hogan Group for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on verified MLS data.
Focus on homes of similar size, age, and location—ideally within your same neighborhood or zip code.
“A professional CMA can carry real weight during your appeal,” Jared explains. “Assessors want solid, verifiable numbers—not just opinions.”
If your property’s assessed value is significantly higher than comparable homes, you likely have a valid basis for appeal.
🕒 Step 3: Know the Deadlines and Process
Each locality in Central Virginia—including Richmond City, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County—has its own appeal procedures and filing deadlines.
For City of Richmond homeowners, the general process includes:
Administrative Review: File an informal appeal with the City Assessor’s Office (typically within 30–45 days of receiving your notice).
Board of Equalization Appeal: If the informal review doesn’t resolve the issue, you can file a formal appeal to the Board of Equalization (BOE).
Judicial Review: As a final step, homeowners may take the case to court—but most appeals are resolved before this stage.
Always confirm the latest deadlines directly through the City of Richmond Assessor’s Office website, as they can vary year to year.
📄 Step 4: Gather Strong Supporting Evidence
When you submit your appeal, include clear, concise documentation that backs up your claim.
Recommended materials:
A professional CMA or appraisal
Photos of your home’s current condition
Repair estimates for any structural issues
Sales data for comparable homes in your neighborhood
A detailed letter explaining why the assessed value is too high
Keep your tone factual and professional. Avoid emotional language—stick to data and logic.
🏠 Step 5: Present Your Case Effectively
If you attend an appeal hearing (informal or BOE), treat it like a professional presentation.
Tips from Jared Stiegelmeyer:
Be polite, prepared, and confident.
Bring multiple copies of your evidence for the review panel.
Highlight key differences between your property and higher-valued comparables.
Focus on facts—like square footage, age, and condition—rather than general market trends.
Many Richmond homeowners find that assessors are willing to make adjustments if presented with clear, well-supported evidence.
⚖️ Step 6: Understand What to Expect After Filing
After submitting your appeal, the assessor may:
Adjust your value downward (reducing your tax bill)
Uphold your current assessment
Request additional documentation or inspection
You’ll receive a formal notice of the outcome. If your appeal is denied, you can still escalate it to the Board of Equalization within the stated timeframe.
Keep a copy of all forms, letters, and evidence for your records—especially if you plan to appeal again in the future.
📊 Richmond Market Insight: Why Assessments Can Be Tricky
Richmond’s real estate market has been dynamic in recent years. According to Realtor.com’s 2025 data, the median home price in the Richmond Metro Area has risen roughly 6% year-over-year.
However, not all neighborhoods appreciate at the same rate. Increases in values for homes in Short Pump or Midlothian may not match those in Bellevue or Woodlake. Assessors sometimes rely on broad averages that don’t capture local nuances—leading to inflated values for some properties.
That’s where local expertise comes in. The Hogan Group understands these neighborhood variations and can provide accurate, up-to-date insights when building your case.
💡 Pro Tips for Richmond Homeowners
To improve your chances of a successful appeal:
Stay calm and professional throughout the process.
Always double-check your property details for accuracy.
Request a copy of your property record card—it may reveal mistakes.
Provide 3–5 recent comparable sales for support.
Keep your explanations clear, concise, and data-driven.
Don’t miss the filing deadline—late appeals are automatically denied.
“Preparation and precision win these cases,” Jared says. “If you present organized, local data, you stand a much better chance of getting a fair assessment.”
🤝 Partner with a Local Real Estate Expert
Whether you’re appealing your property tax assessment or simply want to understand your home’s market value, working with a local expert makes all the difference.
Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, has years of experience analyzing Richmond-area market data and helping homeowners make informed decisions. His insights into neighborhood trends—from Church Hill to Glen Allen—can help you identify whether your assessment truly reflects your property’s current worth.
📞 Call to Action
Think your Richmond property tax assessment might be too high?
Contact Jared Stiegelmeyer, Associate Broker with The Hogan Group, for a free consultation and data-driven market analysis to help you determine if an appeal is worth pursuing.
