Key Takeaway
Your Property Record Card (PRC) contains all the data used to calculate your property assessment. Even small errors can cost you hundreds or thousands in unnecessary taxes. Here's how to review it like a pro.
Think of your Property Record Card as the "report card" for your property taxes. This document contains every detail that determines your assessment—and it's more likely to contain errors than you might think.
What Is a Property Record Card?
A Property Record Card (PRC) is an official document maintained by your county assessor that contains detailed information about your property. This includes physical characteristics, assessment history, and comparable sales data used to determine your property's value.
Why This Matters
Studies show that 30-84% of property assessments contain errors. Even a small mistake—like incorrect square footage—can cost you hundreds of dollars annually in overpaid taxes.
How to Get Your Property Record Card
Access Methods
- Online: Most counties offer PRC access through their assessor's website
- In Person: Visit your county assessor's office
- Phone Request: Call and request a copy be mailed or emailed
- Through FairTaxer: We can obtain and review your PRC as part of our service
Key Sections to Review
1. Basic Property Information
- Parcel ID: Unique identifier for your property
- Legal Description: Official property boundaries
- Address: Must match exactly
- Owner Information: Current ownership details
2. Physical Characteristics
- Total Square Footage: Above-grade living area
- Lot Size: Total land area
- Year Built: Original construction date
- Bedrooms/Bathrooms: Room counts
- Construction Quality: Materials and finishes grade
- Condition Rating: Overall property condition
3. Assessment Details
- Land Value: Assessed value of the lot
- Improvement Value: Value of buildings and structures
- Total Assessed Value: Combined land and improvement value
- Assessment Date: When the assessment was conducted
Common Errors to Look For
High-Impact Errors
- • Incorrect square footage (usually overstated)
- • Wrong number of bathrooms
- • Inflated construction quality rating
- • Outdated condition assessment
- • Missing depreciation for age/wear
Medium-Impact Errors
- • Incorrect lot size
- • Wrong bedroom count
- • Inaccurate year built
- • Missing property exemptions
- • Incorrect property classification
Step-by-Step Review Process
Your Review Checklist
- Walk Through Your Property: Measure rooms and note features while reviewing the PRC
- Compare Every Detail: Check each data point against your actual property
- Document Discrepancies: Take photos and detailed notes of any errors
- Research Comparable Properties: See how similar homes in your area are assessed
- Calculate Potential Savings: Estimate how much corrections could save you
What to Do When You Find Errors
Finding errors on your Property Record Card is the first step. Here's what to do next:
Your Options
- Informal Review: Contact the assessor's office to discuss minor errors
- Formal Appeal: File an official property tax appeal for significant issues
- Professional Help: Use a service like FairTaxer for complex situations
Let FairTaxer Do the Heavy Lifting
Our AI-powered platform automatically identifies errors in your Property Record Card and calculates your potential savings. We handle everything from data analysis to filing your appeal.
Real Example: How PRC Errors Cost Money
Case Study
Property: 3-bedroom ranch in Worcester
Error Found: PRC listed 1,850 sq ft, actual size was 1,650 sq ft
Result: Assessment reduced by $15,000, saving $375 annually in taxes
Simple measurement error was costing this homeowner hundreds per year!
Pro Tips for Success
- Review your PRC every year, especially after any home improvements
- Keep detailed records of your property's actual measurements and features
- Take photos to document your property's true condition
- Don't assume the assessor's data is correct—verify everything
- Act quickly if you find errors—appeal deadlines are strict
Your Property Record Card is the foundation of your property tax bill. Make sure it's accurate, and don't leave money on the table due to preventable errors.