Since the lowest cost bidder becomes the administrator of conducting this mass blanket appraisal, little money and time is allocated to do an exact job. By most estimates, there exists a 50% error rate in the property tax assessment assignment.
The National Taxpayers Union writes that as many as 60% of all homeowners are over-assessed and not in line with their home value. ("How To Fight Property Taxes" 2004 p.1
Consumer Reports has published that property tax records show an error rate of 40% exists in estimating property taxes. (Nov.1992 v57 nil p.723)
... and that was in good times! The facts haven't changed. Assessments are very often carelessly arrived at and errors are rampant.
These glaring statistics were reported and is all the more reason to give a serious look-over when those real estate taxes arrive in the mail box. It could result in a large out of pocket savings if you investigate further and not take other peoples word a possible hastily concocted inaccurate valuation. If you're looking for property tax help, they give away a free help guide.
In L.A. http://lacountypropertytax.com/portal/default.aspx and in other locals, the Assessor has developed the Property Assessment Information System (PAIS) to enhance Internet services to the public. Currently you may research assessment information for individual parcels, print Assessor maps, and search for sales within the past two years
