Not all evidence is created equal. Learn which five types of proof consistently move the needle at Iowa Board of Review hearings.
Winning a property tax appeal comes down to evidence. Iowa's Board of Review must reduce your assessment if you can demonstrate it is excessive. Here are the five categories that matter most.
This is the single most powerful tool in a residential appeal. Comps are recent sales of properties similar to yours — same neighborhood, similar size, age, and features — that sold for less than your assessment implies.
Keys to good comps:
A certified MAI or residential appraisal from a licensed Iowa appraiser carries significant weight. The appraisal must be dated close to January 1 of the assessment year to be most useful.
This is particularly valuable for unusual properties where standard comps are hard to find.
Many assessors assume average condition. If your property has:
...photos, contractor estimates, or inspection reports all serve as effective evidence.
For income-producing properties, actual financial records are compelling. Bring:
Sometimes the best evidence comes from the assessor's records. Check your property card for errors:
A factual error in the underlying data is often the fastest path to a reduction.
Bonus tip: The Board of Review values organized, professional presentations. Arrive with a clear written summary, tabbed exhibits, and a specific requested value — not just a complaint.
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