Level I
Informal Hearing
An appeal application must be filed online, hard copy mailed, faxed, or dropped off to the County Appraiser's Office at least 30 days subsequent to the date of mailing of the valuation notice (K.S.A. 79-1448). At this level, many property owners represent themselves. However, a representative may be designated by filing a declaration form.
When the informal appeal application is received by the County Appraiser's Office it will be verified, processed, and scheduled for a hearing. After it is scheduled a confirmation letter stating the date, time, and type of hearing (telephone, based on evidence, or in-person) will be mailed at least 10 days before the hearing date to the appellant.
During the Informal hearing, please come prepared to present evidence. For example, photographs of structural damage, estimates of repairs, sales comparisons or other documentation. Property owners should provide copies of the evidence for filing in the appraiser’s file or send the evidence electronically prior to the hearing. Informal hearings are relaxed and are an opportunity to meet and discuss how property is valued.
All informal hearings must be concluded by May 15th, and hearing results mailed by May 20th of each year by state statute KS 79-1448.
Informal hearing options:
Hearing Based on Evidence (HBE)
Residential property owners may choose the Hearing Based on Evidence only appeal option, thereby waiving the right to an In-Person hearing and the appeal application must be accompanied by supporting evidence. The Informal hearings are the first of three possible levels of appeal. By law, all owners have the right to appeal the appraised valuation of their property.
Telephone
Property owners may choose to have a telephone hearing where they have a conversation with an appraiser to discuss their property characteristics and fair market value.
In-Person
In-Person hearings held in the County Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS. Property owners meet with an appraiser for approximately 20 minutes to discuss their property characteristics and fair market value.
Supplemental Informal Appeal (K.S.A. 79-1496)
If you wish to appeal the Informal Hearing results, you can file a third-party fee appraisal performed by a Kansas certified general real property appraiser with an effective date as of January 1 of the same tax year being appealed with the County Appraiser within 60 days from the mailing date of this notification.
The County Appraiser has 15 days after the receipt of the appraisal to review and mail a supplemental notice of final determination. If you are not satisfied with the results, you may file an appeal to the Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days from the mailing date of the supplemental notice.