We all know Uncle Sam likes to get his hands in everyone's pockets, and property taxes are no exception.

Traditionally, homes would sell for well above the tax assessed value, because the assessed value has no bearing on market value. When the market took a big run up from 2004 - 2007 the assessed values lagged behind market values. Then in an effort to make up for the lacking assessed values, the assessor's office drastically increased assessed values. With the downfall in the market, homes are now selling well below their assessed value, leaving many homeowners paying much more in property taxes than what they paid. The good news is that you can try to appeal your assessed value...here's how:

To appeal: If you think the new assessed value of your house exceeds its fair market value, you can file an appeal within 60 days of receiving your new valuation notice.

King County: Contact the King County Board of Equalization at 206-296-3496 or go to

http://www.kingcounty.gov/property/PropertyTaxAppeals.aspx

Snohomish County: Contact the Assessors Office at 425-388-3433 or go to

http://assessor.snoco.org/services/faq/assessed.aspx#caniappeal