Grievance Application
32 V.S.A. Section 4111(g)Please use one application for each property that is being appealed. Applications must be received in our office by the first day of grievance hearings.
When preparing a presentation before the Assessor, there are three areas where the total assessed value of a property can be contested. These are listed as follows, along with suggested guidelines for research.
Physical Data: Incorrect description of the property.
Get a copy of the property record card and review all of the information. Note any errors.
Fair Market Value: According to State statute VSA 32 3481(1), the Assessor is required to estimate fair market value of your property.
Review arm's length sales of properties in the property's neighborhood; concentrate on the most similar to the property in question. It is customary to have at least three sales for comparison. Print and provide the cards in the documentation with a reasonable comparison or argument.
Proportional Assessment: Vermont statute also requires that the Assessor must assess property at the same uniform level of assessment as comparable properties within the Town.
Review the sales information in the neighborhood and the assessments of neighboring properties to see if they are disproportionately assessed. Provide any property record cards with an explanation to the argument.
Sales Information & Property Cards
Property Information Website
Sales information and property record cards are available online and at the Assessor's Office. While we cannot perform analysis for you, we are more than happy to assist you with your research.
Please Note
An important part of our decision-making process is an interior inspection of the property. Please be prepared to schedule this on the same day as the hearing.
Basis for Appeal
Please provide a brief statement of why you feel your assessment is incorrect.
- If you are relying on sales data, please list the sales and provide property record cards for each property, which support your proposed value for the property.
- If you feel you are disproportionately assessed, please provide a list and the property record cards for each property of the neighboring properties which you are using for comparison.
- If your property is a commercial property, provide all of the aforementioned information and complete an income and expense form with your application.
- If the concern is Homestead or House Site, please include any applicable data (such as VT HS-131 [Homestead Declaration]), i.e. proportion of property used for commercial purposes.
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Electronic Signature Agreement* By checking the "I agree" box below, you agree and acknowledge that 1) your application will not be signed in the sense of a traditional paper document, 2) by signing in this alternate manner, you authorize your electronic signature to be valid and binding upon you to the same force and effect as a handwritten signature, and 3) you may still be required to provide a traditional signature at a later date.
Mail Grievances Check if this is a mail grievance (an inspection will still be needed). You will be contacted at the phone number previously provided.
If you need assistance or have questions, please call the Assessor's Office at 802-295-3077, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.