Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how the platform works, what the free screening includes, and what happens when you prepare a property tax appeal.
Getting Started
Is the market value preview free?
Yes. You can search for your property and review an initial market value estimate at no cost. This free screening compares your current assessment to recent neighborhood sales and gives you a recommendation. You are not charged for this step, and there is no obligation to continue.
Do I have to pay to use the tool?
No payment is required to search your property or review the initial screening. You only pay if you choose to generate the full market evidence analysis and appeal packet. The price is displayed clearly before any charge is made. You can walk away at any point during the free screening without paying anything.
What is a property tax appeal?
A property tax appeal is a formal process where you ask your county to reconsider the assessed value of your property. If the county determines that your assessment was too high relative to market value, they may reduce it, which can lower your property tax bill. The appeal process, deadlines, and requirements vary by county. Learn more on our How It Works page.
Who can file a property tax appeal?
In most jurisdictions, any property owner can file an appeal if they believe their property has been assessed above its fair market value. Some counties also allow authorized agents or representatives to file on behalf of owners. Check your county's specific requirements on our Counties page.
How the Platform Works
What data is used in the market value estimate?
The estimate is based on recent comparable sales in your area, sourced from county assessor records and third-party real estate data providers. The algorithm considers factors such as property size (square footage), lot size, year built, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, proximity, and sale date. The data is updated regularly, though no dataset is perfect — we recommend reviewing the comparables before submitting any appeal.
Can I upload photos or additional evidence?
Yes. During the appeal preparation process, you can upload photos of your property's condition — for example, evidence of needed repairs, outdated features, or other factors that may affect value. These photos can be included in your appeal packet as supporting documentation. The appeal packet is also delivered as an editable Word document, so you can add any additional evidence you choose.
Does this tool replace a professional appraiser?
No. Our market value estimate is generated by an Automated Valuation Model (AVM) using comparable sales data. It is not a certified appraisal performed by a licensed appraiser. For high-value properties, complex cases, or situations where a formal appraisal is required by your county, you may want to consult a licensed appraiser. Our analysis can complement a professional appraisal or serve as a starting point for your own research.
Can I edit the appeal packet after it's generated?
Yes. The appeal packet is delivered as an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file. You can modify the appeal statement, add or remove comparable sales, include additional evidence, or adjust any section before submitting it to your county. You have full control over the final document.
Appeals and Outcomes
Will this lower my property taxes?
We cannot make any claims about the outcome of your appeal. The county assessor or board of equalization reviews all evidence and makes the final decision. What we provide is a data-driven analysis and a professionally formatted appeal packet based on comparable sales. Whether the county adjusts your assessment depends on their review of your evidence and their own analysis.
Who decides the outcome of my appeal?
Your county's assessor, board of equalization, or review board makes the final decision on every appeal. SmartAppealTool prepares the evidence and documents for you, but we do not submit the appeal on your behalf, negotiate with the county, or have any influence over the decision. The outcome is entirely in the hands of your local taxing authority.
Can I appeal without generating a packet through this tool?
Absolutely. You can always file a property tax appeal directly with your county using their official forms and your own evidence. Our tool is designed to help you organize comparable sales data and format it professionally, but it is not required to file an appeal. Visit our Counties page for links to your county's official appeal forms and procedures.
Deadlines, Counties, and Technical Questions
How do appeal deadlines work?
Each county sets its own appeal deadlines, which typically follow the reassessment cycle. For example, in St. Louis County, Missouri, appeals are generally due by the end of the Board of Equalization session. Missing the deadline usually means you cannot appeal until the next reassessment period. We display deadline information where available, but always verify current deadlines with your county's assessor office. See our Counties page for links to official resources.
Can this be used in different counties and states?
Currently, SmartAppealTool supports counties in Missouri, Texas, and Illinois. We are expanding coverage to additional counties and states. Each county has its own appeal process, deadlines, and forms. Our platform accounts for these differences when generating your appeal packet. Visit our Counties page to see which counties are currently supported.
Is my personal information secure?
Yes. We use industry-standard encryption (SSL/TLS) for all data in transit, and your personal information is stored securely. We do not sell your data to third parties. Property searches and appeal details are tied to your account and are not shared with advertisers. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Can I save my work and come back later?
Yes. All your work is automatically saved to your account once you are signed in. You can log in from any device and continue where you left off. Your appeal data, comparables, and generated packets remain accessible from your dashboard.
Still have questions? Email us at support@smartappealtool.com