A property owner has the right to appeal their property tax assessment. The burden of proof, however, is always on the taxpayer to prove why they should have their assessment changed. Simply saying: "My assessment is too high (or low)" or "My property value went up but my neighbors' all went down" is not sufficient; an appeal must be substantiated. There may be factors involved of which an owner may be unaware. You may appeal by either submitting a written appeal or by scheduling a face-to-face hearing.
Results of an Appeal
The following may happen on appeal:
- The assessed value may be raised
- It may be lowered
- It may remain the same
Board of Equalization
Any appeals that are not resolved by the initial appeal hearing may be reviewed by the Board of Equalization.
A new appeal application must be submitted to the Board of Equalization in order for the Board to rule on the appeal.
The final appeal after the Board of Equalization would be to petition the City of Hopewell for judicial review. The Code of Virginia provides all property owners the opportunity to appeal an unfair reassessment through the Circuit Court system.