Want To Lower Your Real Estate Tax Bill? Follow These Steps.

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Think you're paying too much in real estate taxes? You might be right. According to an industry trade group, more than 60 percent of U.S. homes are currently over-assessed as a result of falling home valuations and inaccurate county records.

Over-assessment creates a bigger annual tax bill than for which you should otherwise be responsible.

How To Appeal Your Home's Real Estate Taxes

The good news is that, in most counties, having your taxes lowered can be as simple as filling out a form and providing proof of valuation. Usually in the form of an appraisal.

NBC's The Today Show ran a piece last year that remains relevant today. It's loaded with tips to help you drop your tax bill, most of which won't require attorneys or other "expensive" third-parties.

• When to file your tax bill dispute for the best chances of winning
• How to pull your "property card" and check for tax bill-raising errors
• What to do if the taxing authority turns down your request

Contesting your tax bill doesn't need to be expensive or time-consuming. It just helps to be prepared.  Do your research and make your case.

Did You Know : 50% Of Tax Appeals Are Successful

If you can win your home's tax appeal, you stand to save good money. It's worth the effort if your home is over-assessed. After all, it's estimated that half of all contesting homeowners are successful with their appeals.

During the appeal process, you may want a copy of your most recent home appraisal. Be sure to ask your loan officer if you don't yours on-file and handy. The more evidence you can provide, the better your chances of a good result.

For Hamilton County (Ohio) residents, March 31 is your last day to submit appeals.