Shocked by your Fayette County property valuation? Here’s how you can appeal it
The Fayette County Property Value Administrator office is sending out assessment notices to local property owners, and the agency reports some may experience “sticker shock” as the result of a hot housing market and other factors.
While it’s important to note these notices aren’t your property tax bill itself, the assessed value of your home does heavily influence what kind of bill you’ll get in the fall.
According to Fayette County PVA David O’Neill, some property owners are getting a bit of “sticker shock” when they encounter higher than expected increases in their assessed home value.
Here’s what you need to know about the process and how to navigate it before a key, upcoming deadline arrives.
I think my assessment is too high. How do I appeal it?
The most important date you need to be aware of is Monday, May 16, 2022. That’s the deadline for appeals to be made.
“Once that date comes and goes, there’s nothing more I can do,” O’Neill told the Herald-Leader in an interview Tuesday.
Since the deadline is only about three weeks away, you might want to get the appeal process going immediately. You can begin your protest now by going online to FayettePVA.com/protest.
The Fayette County PVA typically has protests begin online, with follow-ups available by phone, email or teleconference.
It’s worth noting a PVA office representative will be assigned to your assessment to answer any questions you may have — whether you plan to challenge the assessment or not.
The contact information for that representative can be found on that property assessment notice.
As explained on your property assessment notice, you must complete the protest process and receive your verification number by 4:30 p.m. May 16.
Gather all the documentation you can to support your claim. This includes sales of comparable properties, recent appraisals, photographs, insurance policies, construction costs and listings for sale or contracts.
PVA office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, May 7 and May 14.
If you don’t reach an agreement with the PVA office, you may also appeal in writing to the Local Board of Tax Appeals, located at the Fayette County clerk’s office at 162 East Main St. in Lexington.
You must make this appeal to the county clerk’s office no later than Wednesday, May 18. If you make the appeal through a paid representative, they must have a letter of authorization from you, the property owner.
On a separate but related note, you can review and confirm the accuracy of certain data points Fayette County PVA has about your home, like square footage, number of bathrooms, a finished living area in the basement or other data points.
If something is wrong and needs to be corrected, it could alter your assessment and by extension your tax bill.
Your property assessment notice will direct you to an online link where you can do that.
Do you have a question about real estate or taxes in Fayette County or greater Kentucky? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out the form below or email ask@herald-leader.com.