Tax assessment appeals
Why it matters
Evidence the review panel can act on.
A BC Assessment value is produced by mass appraisal, and mass appraisal cannot see what makes a particular property different. Where the assessed value is too high, an independent appraisal supplies the property-specific evidence a review panel needs in order to change it.
The appraisal is prepared as of the assessment's own valuation date, not today, and it addresses the assessment on its own terms: the comparable sales the panel will look at, how your property differs from them, and what those differences are worth.
Reports are written for the Property Assessment Review Panel and for the agents and lawyers who appear before it, signed by the appraiser who inspected the property, with every comparable and adjustment set out.
Before the day of the appraisal
What to have ready
Not every item applies to every file. What's needed depends on the scope of the appraisal, and the more you can provide, the more complete the report will be.
The appraisal process
What effective date does the assessment appeal appraisal use?
Property assessments are tied to a specific legislative valuation date, typically July 1 of the prior year. Our appraisal establishes market value as of that exact date rather than today, to match the statutory baseline of the assessment roll.
Will an independent appraisal guarantee a reduction in my assessment?
No appraiser can guarantee a reduction. An independent, CUSPAP-compliant appraisal provides objective, defensible market evidence. If the current assessment is fully supportable, our report will say so, which gives you clarity before deciding whether to appeal.
Can the appraiser represent or speak on my behalf at the Property Assessment Review Panel?
Yes. If required, the appraiser who prepared the report can be retained to attend the review panel or board hearing as an objective expert witness and speak directly to the methodology and findings.
How do I decide if an appeal is worth the cost?
Weigh the likely annual tax saving against the cost of the appraisal. If the gap between the assessed value and true market value is small, an appeal may not be worthwhile, and we are always upfront when a file does not warrant moving forward.
Related services
Other appraisal services.
Assessment look too high?
Send us the property address and your assessment notice. We will follow up promptly with a flat-fee quote and our first available appraisal time.