The Assessor is required by state law to place current market value on all taxable property each year. This value is determined by an appraisal process, which includes analyzing construction costs, reviewing recent sales data, and may require a personal visit to the property. The sales information is gathered from the Multiple Listing Service, property owners, realtors, builders, developers and independent appraisers.

If you feel that your assessed value is higher than what your property would probably sell for on the open market, then we encourage you to submit market information to support your position. The appraiser assigned to assess your property will consider any evidence you wish to submit. Typical market information comes in the form of a realtor's comparative market analysis, copies of independent appraisals done for sales or refinance, repair estimates or any other pertinent data. Many property owners submit additional market information during the appeal process, and often values are adjusted to reflect the new evidence.

If you are not satisfied with the final assessment of value, it is your right as a property owner to file an appeal with the Nez Perce County Board Of Equalization. The appeal will only address the market value of your property. An appeal to the Board is not a forum to protest property taxes.

Appeal forms are available at the Nez Perce County Commissioner’s Office, 1225 Idaho St., 2nd Floor, Lewiston ID 83501.

Completed forms must be filed with the Nez Perce County Commissioner’s Office on or before the 4th Monday of June at 5:00 p.m. The Commissioner’s office will schedule a date and time for your hearing.

There is a place on the appeal form to list a contact person. It is very important that we know the correct name, address and phone number of the property owner or the property owner's representative so that we may contact them, if necessary.

“In a challenge to the assessor's valuation of property, the value of the property for purposes of taxation as determined by the assessor is presumed to be correct; the burden of proof is upon the taxpayer to show by clear and convincing evidence that they are entitled to the relief claimed.”

In short, you must prove that the assessed value is not market value through a factual or legal reason. In presenting your appeal, the best evidence is typically sales data from the marketplace, written analysis from a realtor or other professional source. State your appeal objectively and factually. The Board of Equalization will give your case due consideration based on your evidence.

Please have five (5) copies of your appeal presentation/documentation; your original, as well as a copy for each Commissioner and one for the Assessor.