Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
What Is a Tax Assessment Notice? How to Read Yours
What is a tax assessment notice? A notice from the assessor showing your property's new value, exemptions, and the deadline to appeal. It isn't a tax bill.
What is a tax assessment notice? A tax assessment notice, also called a notice of assessment or notice of value, is a letter from the local assessor telling you the value assigned to your property for property tax purposes. It typically shows market value, assessed value, exemptions applied, and sometimes an estimated tax. It is not a bill, but it matters because the assessed value drives your future tax bill, and the notice often starts the clock on the deadline to appeal. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
What the notice shows
| Item | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Parcel number | Identifies your property |
| Market or appraised value | Assessor’s estimate of value |
| Assessed value | Value used for taxes, often a percentage of market value |
| Exemptions | Homestead, senior, veteran, or others |
| Prior year values | For comparison |
| Appeal deadline | Date to file a challenge |
See assessed value vs market value.
Notice vs tax bill
The assessment notice sets value. The tax bill comes later and applies tax rates to the taxable value. A higher assessment doesn’t always mean a proportional tax increase, because rates may adjust. See how is property tax calculated.
When notices are sent
Some places reassess every year; others reassess every few years. Notices may be sent annually or only when values change.
What to check
- Property details: square footage, bedrooms, lot size.
- Value: compare with recent sales of similar homes.
- Exemptions: make sure all you qualify for are applied.
- Errors: wrong features, demolished buildings, or wrong ownership.
Review the property record card for details. See what is a property record card.
Appealing
If the value seems too high, contact the assessor for an informal review. If that doesn’t resolve it, file a formal appeal with the local board of review or equalization before the deadline. Deadlines are often short. See how to appeal property taxes.
Evidence
Useful evidence includes recent comparable sales, an appraisal, photos showing condition problems, and corrections to property records.
Exemptions
If an exemption is missing, apply with the assessor. See what is a homestead exemption.
New owners
Notices may go to the previous owner if records haven’t updated. Check the assessor’s website after buying.
Keep it with your records
Save each year’s notice with your tax bills. Comparing values over time helps you spot unusual jumps, confirms when exemptions were applied, and gives you a record if you later need to show what the assessor reported.
Informal review tips
Many disputes are settled at the informal stage. Call or visit the assessor’s office soon after the notice arrives, ask which sales they used to set your value, and bring your own comparables and photos.
Bottom line
A tax assessment notice tells you the value assigned to your property, exemptions applied, and the deadline to appeal. It is not a bill, but it drives future taxes. Check property details and value, apply for missing exemptions, and appeal before the deadline if needed. Find county assessors via the Platbookmapper map.
What is a tax assessment notice FAQ
Is a tax assessment notice a bill?
No, it shows value; the bill comes later.
How long do I have to appeal?
Deadlines vary and are often short, stated on the notice.
Will my taxes go up if my assessment goes up?
Possibly, but rates may change too.
What if the notice has wrong details?
Contact the assessor to correct the record.
Why didn’t I get an assessment notice?
Some places send notices only when values change.