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
File with the Board of Equalization. Deadline: typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Bring 3 to 5 comparable sales that support a lower value.
Henrico County
File an informal review with the assessor’s office first. If unresolved, appeal to the Board of Equalization. Henrico reassesses annually, so you have a fresh opportunity each year.
Chesterfield County
File with the Commissioner of the Revenue. Bring comparable sales data and any evidence of property condition issues that reduce value (deferred maintenance, environmental issues).
Hanover County
File with the Board of Equalization within the appeal window. 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- Property condition: Documentation of issues that reduce value (foundation problems, roof age, outdated systems)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: $455/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 and Hanover (annual reassessment), you can appeal every year. In Chesterfield (biennial), every two years.
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.