File an Appeal

Making the Decision to File an Appeal

  • The best indicator of market value is a recent arm’s length sale of the subject property.
  • Actual sales of comparable properties are the next best suitable evidence of the value of the subject property.
  • If you are still unsatisfied with your property’s assessment, complete the Objection to Real Property Assessment form and file it with the City Clerk’s Office.
  • The Agent Authorization form is also available online or in paper form at the City Clerk’s office.

About the Hearing

  • You will receive written notice of the date and time of your hearing before the Board.
  • You will be asked to provide a copy, before your hearing, of the documents you will be presenting to the Board during your hearing.
  • If you submit an appraisal, the appraiser must be present at the hearing for follow-up questioning.
  • You will have the opportunity to question the assessor.
  • Per state statute, the assessed value is presumed to be correct; it is your responsibility to prove that the property is over-assessed in comparison with similar property in Wauwatosa. You should have considerable information that is relevant to the market value of your property. This may include a recent arm’s length sale of your property, or recent sales of comparable properties
  • The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has a Guide for Property Owners that contains more information.
  • You may find the Board of Review Rules and Procedures helpful.

Steps to File a Formal Objection

  • To file a formal appeal, give notice of your intent (through this written notice of intent or by calling the City Clerk’s office at 414-479-8917) at least 48 hours before the Board of Review begins.
  • You must also complete the Objection to Real Property Assessment form. The form must be filed before or during the first two hours of the Board of Review’s first meeting.
  • Objections may proceed to a formal hearing before the Board of Review. Similar to a court, the Board of Review has the responsibility for resolving differences of opinion of valuation. The Board of Review hears oral testimony and evidence presented by the property owner and the Assessor’s staff. After hearing the evidence, the Board of Review may lower, raise, or sustain the assessment.

Please view the Department of Revenue – Guide for Property Owners.

Information to submit before a Hearing

The following should be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office prior to the appeal hearing:

  • Asking price, offering sheets, ads
  • Copy of closing statement
  • Copy of mortgage, notes, and/or contract
  • Discount points involved
  • Terms of sales, special financing
  • Copy of appraisal – appraiser must be present
  • Listing of recently sold properties which you will be citing as comparisons
  • Cost estimates of major repairs
  • * Income and expense statements
  • * Cost and depreciation schedules
  • * Balance sheets
  • * Copy of leases, if leased

* Applies to commercial properties; accountant should be present

Please submit ten (10) sets for residential and commercial cases.