Understanding Your Property Record Card: A Guide to Finding Errors

Published on 2025-06-24 by The Smart Appeal AI Team

#Property Record Card#Property Assessment#Tax Appeal#Homeowner Guide#Assessment Errors

Your property tax assessment isn't arbitrary; it's based on the data stored on your Property Record Card (PRC). This document, maintained by your local assessor, details the physical characteristics of your property. An error on your PRC can lead to an inaccurate assessment and an inflated tax bill.

This guide will teach you how to obtain, read, and scrutinize your PRC for costly mistakes.

How to Get Your Property Record Card

Most county assessor offices make PRCs publicly available online through their property search portals. If you can't find it online, you can call or visit the assessor's office to request a copy.

Key Sections to Scrutinize for Errors

When you have your PRC, check the following sections with care:

  • Living Area / Square Footage: This is one of the most common sources of error. Does the listed square footage match your property's actual size? Unfinished areas like basements or attics should be noted separately and valued differently from finished living space.
  • Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Verify the counts. A full bathroom (toilet, sink, shower/tub) is valued differently than a half-bath.
  • Construction Details: Check the year built, construction grade, and condition rating. Is the quality of your home (e.g., "average," "custom") described accurately?
  • Features: Ensure features are listed correctly. Do you have a fireplace? A deck? A garage? Is the size and type accurate? A one-car garage shouldn't be listed as a two-car.
  • Lot Size: Verify the dimensions of your land.

Finding an error on your PRC is often one of the strongest and most straightforward arguments for an appeal.

If you find a mistake, document it clearly. Take photos and gather blueprints or other records if you have them. This factual discrepancy is powerful evidence to present to the assessor or the appeal board.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not intended as legal or financial advice. Consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your situation.