Your TRIM notice has answers. Start with the right lines.
A proposed tax notice can be confusing. Break it into property values, exemptions, proposed taxes and filing instructions. You will have a clearer picture of what to review.
A proposed notice is not your final bill
TRIM means Truth in Millage. The notice provides property assessment and proposed tax information. Use the notice to review the figures and deadlines, rather than treating every proposed amount as a final tax bill.
Compare the different values
Just or market value, assessed value and taxable value serve different purposes. Review each separately. Exemptions and assessment limitations can affect the relationship between them, so the largest number on the notice is not necessarily the value used for every tax.
Check exemptions and ownership details
Verify your property identification and review the exemptions shown. If you expected homestead or a portability adjustment, compare the notice with your application and county assessment records. Ask the property appraiser to explain any mismatch.
Identify the concern
An assessment concern is different from disagreement with a proposed tax rate. A property value appeal focuses on the assessment and supporting evidence. The notice also contains information about taxing authority hearings where proposed rates and budgets are considered.
Read the appeal deadline carefully
For valuation petitions, the general filing window is 25 days after the TRIM notice is mailed. Use the actual notice and county instructions to identify the date for your property. An informal discussion with the property appraiser does not extend the VAB filing deadline.
Keep a short review checklist
Save the notice, compare values with county records, check exemptions, identify the issue and record the deadline. If the property appears overvalued, collect relevant sales and condition information for a review. If the concern is an exemption decision, check its separate notice and process.
Find your next step.
Quick answers.
Can I appeal because my tax bill increased?
An increase alone does not establish an incorrect assessment. Identify whether the concern is value, exemptions or tax rates.
Should I contact the property appraiser first?
You can discuss the assessment with that office, while keeping track of any petition deadline.
What should I bring to a review?
Your notice, parcel information and the records that explain the concern.
Check the official instructions.
Reviewed October 8, 2026. Use your county’s current instructions and the notice for your property before filing.
Let’s make your next step clear.
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