We cannot tell you if you will "win" or "lose" your appeal. It is completely up to you if you appeal. This Guide will help you with this decision.
Need help? See the above link to instructions or
contact us
Introduction:
This is one of the most common issues. We will recommend what support or evidence you will need.
We cannot assist you if you have not first appealed to the Property Assessment Review Panel by their deadline.
There is only one exception: something happened beyond your control that caused you to miss the deadline - see Appeal Guide.
Do not spend time using this Guide, unless we have told you that we may be able to handle your appeal. For further information: contact us.
Instructions:
Estimate what your property was worth around July 1 last year. This is the valuation date for your assessment.
You should have some market evidence for your estimate. For suggestions: researching market evidence.
Before you proceed further, make sure you get your own evidence.
If you do not have better evidence than BC Assessment, you probably will not succeed. Ask yourself: Is it worth my time and expense to appeal?
Researching market evidence:
You have two options:
OPTION 1: Advice from Professionals:
You may get advice from an appraiser or real estate sales agent on your property's market value.
An appraisal:
Real estate agent's opinion:
OPTION 2: Research evidence on your own
You can do your own research, especially now, when deciding whether or not to appeal.
Listings of properties for sale are not very useful, because they do not truly indicate market value. A Listing is just one owner's asking price.
For further guidance you can view: Step 1 in Preparing Submissions on the Market Value of your Property.
Later in this section, we will help you interpret the sales.
Instructions:
When you are comparing other properties that sold, make sure they are similar enough.
If you pick sales that are significantly different from your property, they are not good comparisons.
If you have not selected the most similar properties, you will probably not convince us that your assessment is wrong. See Hints on Comparables.
Unless you find better evidence, you probably will not succeed. Ask yourself: Is it worth your time and expense to appeal?
You have finished evaluating this issue.
Timing of Sale:
Choose properties that sold as close to July 1 last year as possible:
You should look for sales comprables that are the most similar to your property:
Listings:
Listings of properties for sale are less useful than actual sales:
Instructions:
This is the trickiest part of estimating value. There are two possible methods to account for differences. We recommend you use the qualitative method, which is the quickest and easiest. For assistance see in Step 2 in Preparing Submissions on the Market Value of your Property .
To have good evidence, you must consider the key differences between the sales comparables and your property.
If you prefer, you can do this analysis later. However, talk to BC Assessment now. This discussion may help you decide whether or not to appeal. See the instructions in the next question.
Instructions for question:
Normally, you and BC Assessment cannot "prove" that your property is worth one precise figure. Because it is difficult to estimate the value, usually you can only say that your property is worth something within a range of values.
For example:
If you both agree the assessment should change, ask BC Assessment to confirm they will issue a new assessment.
If you both agree that no change is necessary, then you do not need to do anything else.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
See acceptable variation.
You and BC Assessment are close in your estimates of market value.
Because these are just estimates, we do not know who is correct. For this reason, we will usually not make a small change in the assessment. See acceptable variation
You should also think about the potential benefit of appealing:
Possible savings in property tax may be less than your time and expense to participate in the appeal steps;
This cost-benefit decision is completely yours.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Acceptable variation:
Estimating market value is not an exact science. It is usually hard to interpret the differences between your property and the sales comparables. We, therefore, cannot say that your property is worth one precise figure. There is a range of values, all of which are equally correct.
For example:
Unless you have precise market evidence (such as the sale of your property), we will usually not reduce your assessment.
Your deadline is April 30th.
Final check:
See Common weaknesses in market value positions.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Let’s look at common weaknesses that you should avoid. You can appeal now and then begin to strengthen your spport. However, if you cannot provide good evidence, then you may not have a strong case and it may not be worth your time and expense to appeal.
Percentage increase:
A common mistake is to just look at the percentage increase between last year's assessment and this year's assessment.
No evidence to support your arguments:
Make sure you provide your own evidence.
Inferior evidence:
Watch the quality of your evidence. If BC Assessment has provided some sales , ask yourself:
Keep in mind: listings of properties for sale are usually weaker evidence than actual sales of similar properties.
Small adjustments:
Do not expect us to make a small adjustment to your assessed value (e.g. a few percent or less).
Assessment comparisons:
Do not simply compare your assessment to other assessments. For example:
Introduction:
This issue deals with the condition of your property. Your property might be worth less if it has a problem or needs major repairs.
Keep in mind:
We must look at what the condition of your property was on October 31 last year. For example:
We cannot assist you if you have not first appealed to the Property Assessment Review Panel by their deadline.
There is only one exception: something happend beyond your control that caused you to miss the deadline - see Appeal Guide.
Do not spend time using this Guide, unless we have told you that we may be able to handle your appeal. For further information: contact us.
Keep in mind:
We suggest you invite BC Assessment to see your property. You can show BC Assessment your concerns and they may agree to reduce your assessment.
Example:
Your house is 25 years old and your roof must be replaced. Do most other houses in your area need new roofs? If so, the answer to this question is "yes".
We suggest you take these steps:
You should not expect to receive a discount compared to other properties which are about the same age and condition as your property.
For more assistance with these steps: Review market value using common methods.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
You will need some evidence. This might be an estimate of the repair costs from a contractor or other documents. It is best if you can show how much the problem reduces the value of your property.
Unless you find evidence, you probably will not succeed. Ask yourself: Is it worth my time and expense to appeal?
You have finished evaluating this issue.
Keep in mind:
Usually, we will not reduce your assessment if the repair costs are small (less than 5% of your total assessment).
Example of damage or problem with your property:
What happened?
Is this a "large" problem compared to your assessment?
Water damages of $8,000 are not large compared to your assessment:
Anything less than 5% is a small amount and usually we would not reduce your assessment.
Your assessment is an estimate of your property's market value. Therefore, we cannot say that your property is worth one precise figure. It could be worth a little less or a little more than your assessment.
For this reason, we will usually not make a change in your assessment for a small amount of repairs.
Think about the potential benefit of appealing:
Possible savings in property tax may be less than your time and expense to participate in the appeal steps;
This cost-benefit decision is completely yours.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Instructions:
If you both agree your assessment should change, ask BC Assessment to confirm they will issue a new assessment.
If you both agree that no change is necessary, then you do not need to do anything else.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Introduction:
This issue deals with BC Assessment's description of your property.
Your assessment is based on the type of property, the size of the land and house, age and other important factors.
If BC Assessment's records are wrong, your assessment may also be wrong.
We cannot assist you if you have not first appealed to the Property Assessment Review Panel by their deadline.
There is only one exception: something happened beyond your control that caused you to miss the deadline - see Appeal Guide.
Do not spend time using the Guide, unless we have told you that we may be able to handle your appeal. For further information: contact us.
Example:
Your assessment description says you have a 600 square foot basement suite. But, your basement is complete unfinished.
You have finished evaluating this issue.
Instructions:
Example of an error in your property description:
The error:
Is this a "large" error compared to your assessment?
A 7% error is large enough to request a change in your assessment. Usually, we say:
In this example, the answer to the question would be "yes". The error does make a large difference.
Your assessment is an estimate of your property's market value. Therefore, we cannot say that your property is worth one precise figure. It could be worth a little less or a little more than your assessment.
For this reason, we will usually not make a small change in your assessment for a minor error.
Think about the potential benefit of appealing:
Possible savings in property tax may be less than your time and expense to participate in the appeal steps;
This cost-benefit decision is completely yours.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Instructions:
If you both agree your assessment should change, ask BC Assessment to confirm they will issue a new assessment.
If you both agree that no change is necessary, then you do not need to do anything else.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Introduction:
Equity or fairness appeals are probably the most complex.
Principles of Equity:
Your assessment should be accurate which means your property should be assessed at market value. Your assessment should also be fair. This is also called equity.
What is an equitable assessment?
If other similar properties in your area are assessed below their market values, then your property should also be under its market value.
For example:
What should I do?
Look at how similar properties are assessed:
You need to:
It is difficult to find the market values for your property and for similar properties. We will give you some assistance later in this website.
What if my property is also assessed above its market value?
You should examine the issue my assessment is not at market value (too high or two low). You might have both a market value and an equity issue. It is easier and more effective to first examine the market value.
We cannot assist you if you have not first appealed to the Property Assessment Review Panel by their deadline.
There is only one exception: something happened beyond your control that caused you to miss the deadline - see Appeal Guide.
Do not spend time using this Guide, unless we have told you that we may be able to handle your appeal. For further information: contact us.
See level of assessment example.
Instructions:
Level of assessment examples:
Example 1:
Example 2:
Unless you get better evidence, you probably will not succeed. Ask yourself: Is it worth my time and expense to appeal?
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Common weaknesses in equity positions:
Let's look at common weaknesses that you should avoid. You can appeal now and then begin to strengthen your support. However, if you cannot provide better evidence, then you may not have a strong case and it may not be worth your time and expense to appeal.
Assessment increase from last year:
You may be unhappy your assessment went up more than your neighbours. Usually, you will not succeed with this argument:
Only choosing equity comparables that support your point of view:
Have you compared your assessment with all similar properties in your area?
Comparison group:
What is the best comparison group?
Only comparing assessments within the same area:
When you are looking at equity, you cannot compare properties that are in different municipalities or taxing jurisdictions from your property.
Must look at the total assessment:
When you are comparing your assessment with others, you cannot just look at the land or improvements.
(i) your entire taxing jurisdiction, municipality or rural area;
(ii) your neighbourhood; or
(iii) a smaller group.
Keep in mind:
It is important that they are so different that buyers see them differently from other properties. See equity examples.
Equity examples:
Example 1 - Waterfront:
Buyers usually see waterfront properties as very different from non-waterfront properties. (And, usually pay much more for being on the water).
Example 2 - Number of bedrooms:
You have a 3-bedroom house. Some houses in your neighbourhood have 3 bedrooms and some have 4 bedrooms.
Probably, it is more appropriate to compare all single family houses in your municipality.
As a general rule:
We, at the Board, prefer a larger group of comparables unless there is a clear reason to look at a smaller group.
You may not succeed in your appeal. We have decided in numerous other appeals:
Unless the smaller group is unique, you should look at equity based on the whole neighbourhood or taxing jurisdiction.
See equity example.
As yourself: Is it worth my time and expense to appeal?
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Obtaining equity stats:
BC Assessment can usually provide you with the equity statistics for the entire taxing jurisdiction and, sometimes, for your neighbourhood.
If you are using a smaller comparison group, you must calculate the statistic:
Finding the market values is the most difficult step.
You may not succeed in your appeal. In previous other appeals:
We did not reduce the assessments in similar circumstances.
For more guidance see common weaknesses in equity positions.
Ask yourself: Is it worth my time and expense to appeal?
You are finished evaluating this issue.
If you both agree your assessment should change, ask BC Assessment to confirm they will issue a new assessment.
If you both agree that no change is necessary, then you do not need to do anything else.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Final check:
See Common weaknesses in equity positions.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Introduction:
You may be concerned that a negative factor has reduced the value of your property. This could be:
If this is your concern, continue with this issue.
If you are concerned about the condition of your own property (for example, it needs a new roof), see: there is a problem with my property or it is in poor condition.
Option before reviewing the issue: quick check on common weakness.
We cannot assist you if you have not first appealed to the Property Assessment Review Panel by their deadline.
There is only one exception: something happened beyond your control that caused you to miss the deadline - see Appeal Guide.
Do not spend time using this Guide, unless we have told you that we may be able to handle your appeal. For further information: contact us.
Instructions:
If you both agree your assessment should change, ask BC Assessment to confirm they will issue a new assessment.
If you both agree that no change is necessary, then you do not need to do anything else.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
See researching evidence for a negative factor
There may be a problem with your assessment.
You will more likely succeed, if you have good support. The best support is:
Sales of similar properties that have the same negative factor; or
Evidence that shows how much the negative factor reduces your property value.
To help you decide whether or not to appeal, see common weaknesses.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
If you do not have evidence, you probably will not succeed. Ask yourself: is it worth my time and expense to appeal?
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Note:
It is completely up to you if you appeal your property assessment. We hope this Guide has helped you decide.
Researching evidence for a negative factor:
You need some evidence to show the negative factor reduces your property's value.
If you do not have this support, ask yourself: are you prepared to do more research once you appeal?
Suggestion 1 (simple method):
Look for sales of properties that are very similar to your property and also have the same negative factor (for example you both are on the same busy street).
Note: If your assessment is within 5% of the sale prices, then they are "close" and we probably would not reduce your assessment.
Suggestion 2 (more complex method):
Look for sales of properties that are very similar to your property except they do not have the negative factor that your property has.
Note: If your assessment is within 5% of the sale prices, then they are "close" and we probably would not reduce your assessment.
If you appeal, it is best that you find some market evidence to support how much the negative factor reduces your property value. This is complicated, so you might wait until after you appeal.
Common weaknesses (negative factors):
Let's look at common weaknesses that you should avoid. You can appeal now and then begin to strengthen your support. However, if you cannot provide good evidence, then you may not have a strong case and it may not be worth your time and expense to appeal.
No evidence to support your arguments:
Even we agree that buyers may pay less for your property, you still need to show how much less.
Listings:
Listings of properties for sale are not good evidence on negative factors:
Wrong method:
If you are estimating how much the negative factor reduces your property value:
Before you start:
You can make this comparison as first step to see if there may be a problem with your assessment. But, you will usually not succeed with this argument:
We cannot assist you if you have not first appealed to the Property Assessment Review Panel by their deadline.
There is only one exception: something happend beyond your control that caused you to miss the deadline - see Appeal Guide.
Do not spend time using this Guide, unless we have told you that we may be able to handle your appeall. For further information: contact us.
For example: unique view, waterfront properties.
You will probably not succeed with this argument.
This is because the market values of all properties do not change at the same rate.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Note:
If you want to compare your assessment with all properties in your neighbourhood or area: go to next question.
Differences of less than 5% are often not considered significant. See examples of changes in assessments.
Instructions:
Statistics on assessments changes are posted on BC Assessment’s website.
Examples of changes in assessments:
Example 1:
There is a significant difference between the change in your assessment and the average on your street.
Example 2:
There is a signficant difference.
Example 3:
The difference is small and not significant.
Note: It is probably more accruate to look at all similar properties in your neighbourhood or area.
It is possible that your assessment is too high. However, there may be good reasons why your assessment changed at a higher rate. See common pitfalls in comparing average changes.
You have three options:
Talk to BC Assessment about your comparisons with other assessments. They may have a good explanation for the differences. Or, they may agree to reduce your assessment.
Do more research. We recommend you review market value using common methods.
Appeal now: submit your appeal.
Note:
If you talk to BC Assessment and are not satisfied, we suggest you look for stronger support for your arguments. Option 2 will help you decide whether or not to appeal.
The change in your assessment is similar with other properties.
Your assessment is an estimate of your property's market value. It could be worth a little less or a little more than your assessment.
For these reasons, usually we would not reduce your assessment.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Note:
It is completely up to you if you appeal your property assessment. We hope this Guide has helped you decide.
Common weaknesses in comparing average changes
Comparing how other assessments changed might indicate a problem with your assessment. Usually you will not succeed with this type of argument, because:
All assessments will not change at the same rate:
The key is properties should be assessed at their market values.
Between two years, the market values of different properties can change by different amounts.
Last year's assessment may have been wrong:
We do not know if last year's assessment was correct. For example:
Before you start:
You can make this comparison as first step to see if there may be a problem with your assessment. But, you will usually not succeed with this argument:
We cannot assist you if you have not first appealed to the Property Assessment Review Panel by their deadline.
There is only one exception: something happened beyond your control that caused you to miss the deadline - see Appeal Guide.
Do not spend time using this Guide, unless we have told you that we may be able to handle your appeal. For further information: contact us.
Instructions:
You can see if these properties sold on BC Assessment's website.
You probably will not succeed by comparing your assessment with other assessments:
The other assessments might be wrong.
It is possible that your assessment is completely correct.
We suggest two options for finding better evidence:
Option 1: If you are concerned that your assessment is too high
Your property should be assessed at what it was worth around July 1 last year.
If you think your assessment is wrong, you can review market value using common methods.
Option 2: If you are concerned that your assessment is unfair
Your assessment should be fair compared with similar properties in your area.
This means: if most similar properties are assessed below their market values, then your property should also be assessed under its market value.
If this is your concern, you can review fairness of my assessment.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Your property should be assessed at what it was worth around July 1 last year. This is your property's market value.
You could continue to compare your assessment with other assessments. But, usually you will not succeed because the other assessments might be wrong.
You have found some sales which might be very helpful. Sales of similar properties are the best evidence.
We recommend you look at the sales in more detail: by using common methods.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Introduction:
Your assessment will have separate values for the "land" and "improvements". Improvements may be a house, garage or other buildings. Review this issue if you are concerned about an increase in your improvements assessment.
We cannot assist you if you have not first appealed to the Property Assessment Review Panel by their deadline.
There is only one exception: something happened beyond your control that caused you to miss the deadline - see Appeal Guide.
Do not spend time using this Guide, unless we have told you that we may be able to handle your appeal.For further information: contact us.
Note: you should look at the market value as of July1 last year.
There may be a problem with your assessment. We recommend you look for stronger evidence by reviewing market value using common methods.
If you just look at your improvement assessment, you probably will not succeed:
You are taxed on the total assessment (both land and improvements). If you appeal, we will concentrate on your total assessment.
It is possible that the assessed value of your house is too high. But, it is also possible that your land value is too low.
You have finished evaluating this issue.
Note on improvement values:
Sometimes improvement values can go up, even if the buildings stay complete the same.
This can happen when the costs to build houses increase. Buyers may then pay more for older improvements.
Your assessment should be at your property's market value. If real estate values increase, you should expect your total assessment to increase. When BC Assessment allocates this total value to land and improvements, both may increase.
You do not think your total assessment is too high (or above its market value). We would not reduce your assessment because we must look at the total assessment.
You are taxed on the total assessment (both land and improvements).
It is possible that the assessed value of your house is too high. But, it is also possible that your land value is too low.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Note: It is completely up to you if you appeal your property assessment. We hope this Guide has helped you decide.
Just because there were no sales in your area, does not mean your assessment cannot increase.
Your assessment should be at what your property was worth around July 1 last year. This is called its market value.
Even without sales, market values can increase. There may be sales in another neighbourhood that show that values increased in your area.
The best evidence is the sales of similar properties.
You may need to look farther away from your neighbourhood to find sales. We recommend you review market value using common methods.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
You believe your assessment is higher than what your property is currently worth. This may mean your assessment is too high. However, you probably will not succeed with this argument, because:
It is better to find similar properties that sold closer to July last year. We recommend you review market value using common methods.
You are finished evaluating this issue.
Your assessment is based on your property’s market value. Your local government calculates your taxes based on your property assessment. We cannot help you reduce your taxes.
We have no power to deal with taxes.
We cannot help you with this issue.
We can only decide if your assessment is correct and accurate.
If you are unhappy with how you were treated, you have three options:
For concerns about BC Assessment:
Contact the Assessor in your local office or their headquarters in Victoria
For concerns about Property Assessment Review Panel:
Contact the Administrator
For concerns about either organization:
Contact the Ombudsperson
This Guide does not cover all possible issues. We may be able to help you with some other issues.
Is the Guide for you?
Guide covers |
Guide does not cover |
Residential appeals |
Commercial & Industrial appeals |
Recreational property appeals |
Property Classification appeals (such as farm classification) |
Purpose of Guide:
The Guide will help you decide whether or not to appeal.
We cannot tell you if you will "win" or "lose" your appeal. We will say whether you will likely have a strong or weak case. We will also suggest how you can get better evidence or support.
No matter what we say in this Guide, it is completely up to you to decide if you want to appeal.
Navigating through this guide:
Notes:
Issue A: My assessment is not at market value (too high or too low):
Feedback on “Should I appeal my assessment” site
Thank you for using this site. We would most appreciate your feedback.
Please answer the following questions. Any additional comments you can provide in the below comment boxes will be most useful, so we can make improvements.
Your feedback is confidential.