What is the first step in the process for appealing a property assessment in Wisconsin?

The process for appealing a property assessment in Wisconsin begins with appealing to the Board of Review. This board is established at the local level and is responsible for hearing complaints regarding property assessments. The reason this step is critical is that it provides a formal avenue for property owners to dispute the assessment determined by their local assessor. By presenting their case to the Board of Review, property owners can provide evidence and reasons why they believe their property has been overvalued or incorrectly assessed.

If the appeal is not made to the Board of Review first, the property owner may lose the opportunity to contest the assessment effectively. Other options, such as filing a lawsuit in circuit court or contacting the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, are steps that may come later in the process if the property owner is dissatisfied with the outcome of the Board of Review's decision. Gathering evidence of property value changes, while essential for making a strong case, is part of the preparation to present at the Board of Review rather than the first step in the appeals process.