There are lots of answers here and mostly from real estate experts, but maybe I can help.

Some assessed values, regardless of where the county got them from, are just plain wrong. Some are low and some are high. If you believe yours to be high, be prepared to have proof.

I could not find a section in King County's website where you can get the petition form. I got a digital copy of the form and actually held a class on how to fill it out properly. It's not easy, but it can be done.

I didn't know how to post a document on the web to be downloaded other than my member profile on Mortgage News Daily. I've referenced a link to my profile where I host several documents including the King County Property Tax Petition form.

I've been asked this question many times recently by my buyer clients in the Reno, NV area and I advised them to contact the assessors office directly and gave them the phone number. My clients were advised that the property taxes would be going down in that area and more specifically that home that they were interested in purchasing. Hope this information help you too!

King County homeowners can find out for free in a few seconds if they are eligible for a successful property tax appeal by visiting my website: http://www.valueappeal.com Its free and only takes a few seconds. If you're home is eligible for an appeal we offer a $99 report that gives you the specific comps you need to prove your case to the assessor.

There are a lot of different reasons the assessor will disqualify particular comps from being used in an appeal. ValueAppeal takes those rules into account and filters out any comp that would be disqualified.

If you are not able to reduce your assessment we refund 100% of your fee.

Kathy,
You can get comps for your home by simply using any real estate website (Coldwell Banker.com, John L Scott.com, WIndermere.com) and searching for nearby homes that have recently sold. By recently I mean from a few months to a year. SInce you're looking to reduce your assessment keep your range on the short side - no more than 4 to 6 months back. You will need to pay close attention to size, amenities and such. Don't rely on tax records for that data. Very often it hasn't been updated while the home has. When realtors list homes they are considerate of changes not reflected in King County's archives. I would suggest that the same websites I listed previously are a good source for the current condition of a particular home. Yard size isn't such an issue since that number can be broken out separately. If you have a bigger lot than the other homes be prepared to pay more cause a yard is a yard. Other than that check with King County for the proper procedures. Good luck.

King County takes an average sales price for your neighborhood and type of house that is based on the previous 3 years. So even though your property assessment may seem high this year, you may be paying for the equity you gained last year.

But you should communicate with them directly and/or follow the links from here http://www.metrokc.gov/assessor/ValueDisputes.htm

Don, I was wondering. Since tax assessed value are lower than fair market value, if properties went down by 5%, would that be a basis for appeal? Wouldn't the market value have to be less than the assessed value? If a house assessed for $430,000 sells for $500,000, and now sells for $480,000 as example. Doesn't the market value have to be less than the assessed value before you can appeal it?

Seems to me values haven't come down enough in our area to be a basis for tax appeal.

Your tax bill probably has an enclosure explaining how to appeal your property taxes. If not, here's a link: http://www.metrokc.gov/Assessor/ValueDisputes.htm It states in part: "
You can also appeal to the King County Board of Equalization/Appeals. To do this, you must file a completed petition form within 60 days of the mail date on the front of the Value Change Notice you receive or through July 1 of the year before the tax is due, whichever is later. The Board of Equalization/appealss is independent of the Department of Assessments. You must present proof that the Assessor has erred in the appraisal. The information you present to the board should include sales of comparable properties in your area. You should also submit other pertinent information that demonstrates the difference between the Assessor's value and the correct value.

If you do not agree with the county board's decision, you may appeal to the State Board of Tax Appeals. You must again present proof that the Assessor has erred in the appraisal. Assistance may be obtained from the King County Property Tax Advisor."

Hope that helps.

Kathy,

I haven't seen or done this for awhile, but I think all you need are three comps of similar home sales in your neighborhood. Any agent can get them for you. Shoot me an email and I'll email back some comps.. No charge, of course. You'll have to get the forms and procedures of what to do with the comps from the County.