Property Appraisal HIgh? Here's What You Can Do!

Lakeland residents are expected to receive their new tax assessment this week.  Mayor Scott Carmichael visited with Shelby County Assessor Cheyenne Johnson and staff to learn about the new assessments and steps Lakeland residents can take if they feel the reappraisal is incorrect.

Some important steps to take if you feel the appraisal is too high:

1. Contact the Shelby County Assessor’s office at 901 222-7001  immediately!  If you submit information by April 8, the Assessor may be able to make adjustments (if warranted) by April 20, without further action on your part!

2.  Check the Shelby County Assessor Web Site www.assessor.shelby.tn.us.  This web site has a wealth of information for comparing the appraisal of your house with other properties.

After reviewing the information, if you feel there is evidence your property is appraised too high, call the Assessor’s Office with your information.

The Assessor’s Office staff has been very helpful to Lakeland residents, and residents are encouraged to call with any questions.  

The Assessors Web Site can assist in determining if your property is properly appraised.  The web site includes neighborhood sales data and comparisons including based on size, age etc. is possible.  

Assessor Cheyenne Johnson advised Mayor Carmichael of some interesting information regarding the City of Lakeland property.

-The average value of a Lakeland house is $222,400

-The average house value declined by 6.61% in the past four years. By comparison, appraisal values increased 18% in 2001, 30% in 2005 and 15% in 2009.

-Appraised value of all Lakeland property is $1,246,232,100 (Residential value is $1,114,492,400)

-Lakeland has 4,031 parcels.  The median year for home construction is 1998.  By comparison, the median year for Arlington is 2004l  Bartlett, 1990; Collierville, 1995; Germantown, 1981; Millington, 1974; Memphis, 1961; and the unincorporated Shelby County area, 1996.

Mayor Carmichael urges all Lakeland residents to carefully review the property value information act quickly if you feel the appraisal of your property is too high.  Cheyenne Johnson, the Shelby County Assessor, also urges you to call her office with any questions.  Her staff is ready to assist with any questions.  Responding before April 8, 2013 if you feel your property is appraised is especially important.