At the hearing you get only a few minutes in front of the board (or appraiser). A tight, evidence-first hearing statement wins more than emotion. This is the script to fill in and rehearse.
Keep it focused
- Lead with your opinion of value and the one or two strongest arguments — don’t dump everything.
- Use sold comps and documented facts; never argue “my taxes are too high” or “I can’t afford it.”
- Hand the board a clean copy of your evidence packet and walk them through it.
The statement
PROPERTY TAX APPEAL - HEARING STATEMENT
Owner: [Name] Parcel / account #: [number]
Property: [address]
Noticed value: $[amount] Requested value: $[amount]
1. OPENING
"My name is [Name], owner of [address]. The noticed value is $[amount]. Based on
the evidence I'll present, the correct market value as of [valuation date] is
$[amount], and I'm requesting that reduction."
2. MAIN ARGUMENT (pick your strongest)
"[Comparable sales:] Homes very similar to mine sold near the valuation date for
$[ ]-$[ ]. After small adjustments (Exhibit A), they indicate a value of $[amount]."
- Comp 1: [addr] - $[ ] - [sq ft] - [date] - [$/sqft]
- Comp 2: [addr] - $[ ] - [sq ft] - [date] - [$/sqft]
- Comp 3: [addr] - $[ ] - [sq ft] - [date] - [$/sqft]
3. SUPPORTING POINT (if any)
"[Condition:] The home also has [roof/HVAC/foundation] issues; estimates total
$[ ] (Exhibit B)." and/or
"[Unequal appraisal:] Comparable homes are assessed at a median $[ ]/sq ft vs my
$[ ]/sq ft (Exhibit C)."
4. REBUTTAL (if you have the assessor's comps)
"The district's comps are not comparable because [larger / renovated / different
neighborhood / older sales], so they overstate my value."
5. CLOSE
"For these reasons I respectfully request the value be reduced to $[amount].
Thank you." [Bring 2-3 printed copies of your packet.]
How to use it
Rehearse to 2-3 minutes, print copies for each board member, and number your exhibits so you can point to them quickly. Be calm and specific; answer questions directly and keep returning to your value and your best comps.
Notes. Some hearings are in person, some by phone or written submission — confirm the format and any rule about exchanging evidence in advance. If you requested the assessor’s evidence, use it to pre-empt their comps. If the board’s decision is still too high, you can usually appeal to the next level. Procedures vary by jurisdiction. General information, not legal or appraisal advice.