Jackson County property owners who are unhappy with their assessed property values will have more time to file an appeal. The county’s Board of Equalization extended the deadline for contesting property valuations to July 31.

Previously the deadline to file an appeal was midnight July 7.. The extension comes as county officials have faced public pressure from property owners worried that their assessed values will lead to bigger tax bills. Thousands of property owners have stepped up to contest the assessed value on their homes and businesses. 

State law requires county assessors to assess home values with market values in odd-numbered years. Jackson County Assessor Office Director Gail McCann Beatty said increases over recent years have come in part as a result of long-term under evaluation of properties long being undervalued. 

Beatty warned in May that assessed values had increased on average about 30%. County officials anticipated up to 30,000 property owners would fight their assessments.

Though county property assessment comes every two years, many residents were shocked and angered as letters from the assessor’s office started to hit mailboxes in May. Some reported seeing assessed value increases above 150%. 

Critics of the assessment process have also questioned the county’s process for assessing property values. Jackson County relies on a computerized mass-appraisal process that weighs factors such as square footage and lot size with the county’s so-called “market areas.”

Those wanting to appeal their property valuation have resources available to help guide them through the process but here are some quick facts: 

Fact About Appeals Process

  • The county assessors are no longer accepting walk in appointments 
  • Virtual appointments can be made with the assessor’s office here
  • To increase the chances of reaching an agreement on the assessed value, homeowners should present the following:
    • Prices of comparable homes in the neighborhood to demonstrate that the valuation is out of line with the local standard.
    • Photos of any damage or unfinished areas of the home to give a better idea of the property’s condition.
    • Recent bills of sale or documentation of the home’s value, especially if it was a recent purchase.
  • Homeowners can file an official appeal with the county’s Board of Equalization if an agreement cannot be reached during the informal review process.
  • The appeal process involves a hearing before three board members to present evidence of incorrect assessed value.
  • The new deadline to file an appeal is July 31 at midnight, and the process can be initiated online.
  • Homeowners can also request an interior inspection of their home if the property value has risen by more than 15%.
  • If the county review processes do not lead to a satisfactory valuation, homeowners can file an appeal with the Missouri State Tax Commission.
  • To speak with the assessor’s office, call  877-895-9675 or visit https://www.jacksongov.org/Government/Departments/Assessment
  • For more information on appeals, watch this video or visit the Jackson County website.