Ah, the property tax agents. This is something you can do yourself for free. First, call the assessor's office, and find out how property is valued in your jurisdiction and as of what date. Also, what the window is for informally protesting and for filing a formal appeal. Every state has different laws. Then, call your real estate agent and get comparable sales for the pertinent date. Check your assessed value and the values of similar houses in your area to get an idea of the assessed values. Get a copy of your property record from the assessor and make sure the property characteristics are correct.
Try to get a reduction through an informal process. Usually you meet with someone from the assessor's office and present your evidence. If that does not work, pursue the formal appeal. You may have to present your evidence at a hearing, but you may save a few hundred dollars by doing so if you have a case. There are lots of first-hand stories about property tax appeals on blogs and forums, so it's worth searching the internet for property tax appeals in your state.
