by Daniel Yoon | eXp Realty | Richmond, Virginia
If you think your property tax assessment is too high in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, or Hanover, you can appeal it. Successful appeals reduce your annual tax bill by hundreds to thousands of dollars, and the savings compound every year until the next reassessment. Here is how the process works.
When to Appeal
Appeal when your assessed value is significantly higher than what your home would actually sell for. Compare your assessment to recent sales of similar homes within a half-mile. If comparable homes sold for 10% or more below your assessment, you have a case.
How to Appeal by County
City of Richmond
Start with an Office Review by the City Assessor, which must be filed within 30 days of the date of your assessment notice. If you still disagree, file with the Board of Equalization by November 30 (for 2027 assessments, the deadline is November 30, 2026). Bring 3 to 5 comparable sales that support a lower value.
Henrico County
File an appeal application with the Real Estate Assessment Division by April 1 (next business day if it falls on a weekend). Staff review it, and if you disagree with the result you can appear before the Board of Real Estate Review and Equalization. Henrico reassesses annually, so you have a fresh opportunity each year.
Chesterfield County
File first with Real Estate Assessments by March 15, then, if needed, with the Board of Equalization by April 15. Bring comparable sales data and any evidence of property condition issues that reduce value (deferred maintenance, environmental issues).
Hanover County
Start with an informal review with the Assessor’s Office in January, then file the Board of Equalization review form by March 15 if needed. Hanover reassesses annually.
What Makes a Strong Appeal
- Comparable sales: 3 to 5 recently sold homes similar to yours with lower sale prices than your assessment
- Property condition: Documentation of issues that reduce value (foundation problems, roof age, outdated systems)
- Errors: Incorrect square footage, room count, or lot size in the assessor’s records (more common than you think)
How Much Can You Save?
A successful appeal reducing your assessment by $50,000 saves approximately:
- Henrico: $415/year
- Chesterfield: $445/year
- Hanover: $405/year
- City of Richmond: $600/year
Over 10 years, that is $4,000 to $6,000 in savings from a single appeal.
FAQs
How often can I appeal my property taxes in Virginia?
You can appeal after each reassessment. In Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover (all annual reassessment), you can appeal every year.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal property taxes?
No. Most homeowners file appeals themselves with comparable sales data. An attorney or tax consultant may help with complex cases or if your initial appeal is denied.
Think your assessment is too high? Call Daniel Yoon at (804) 896-2694. I can pull comparable sales data to help you determine if an appeal is worthwhile.