The value assigned to a piece of property by a tax official is merely the opinion of that official as to its value. The owner of the property may not agree with such opinion and may feel that his property has been assessed too high. It is his privilege to object to the assessment and he is entitled to a hearing on his objections. In making a protest of this kind it is advisable to analyze the assessment as to land and building and see which is erroneous. If it is claimed that the land is assessed too high, it must be for one of two reasons. Either a mistake has been made (in which case a correction is easily obtained), or the wrong unit of value has been applied. A change in the latter requires more care as it means that a reduction in the unit of value will affect the assessment on neighboring property also. It is usually the case that a reduction in the assessed valuation of one lot results in reducing the value of adjoining lots also, and often all the lots in an entire block. Evidence of value may be offered by a tax payer by way of information as to sales, mortgages, etc., and his contention may be supported by such evidence.

If the tax payer's protest is based upon a claim of over-assessment of the building, he has a fair chance to obtain a reduction. Every building is considered separately so that a reduction of assessed value of one does not necessarily mean that others must be reduced also. In making a claim of this kind the owner may offer as evidence proof of the cost of the building, its rental, physical condition, sales price, mortgages, etc., etc.