Q: How to reopen a Notice of Assessment with town appeal deadline?

A: I'm really sorry you're dealing with this confusing and time-sensitive process. Property assessment appeals often have narrow windows and vague procedures, making it easy to feel overwhelmed. If your notice was issued on May 2, 2025, and you’re still within the 30-day appeal window, the most important thing is to act immediately to preserve your right to challenge the assessment.

Even if the town hasn’t filed the assessment record with the court yet, you don’t need to wait for that to happen. You can still file a formal notice of appeal or petition to contest the assessment within the required timeframe. If there isn’t a designated appeal form, a properly written motion stating your objection and reason for missing any deadline (if applicable) may suffice. The Motion to Open Judgment may not be the right form if there hasn’t yet been a judgment, so your focus should be on filing something labeled clearly as an appeal or petition to contest the assessment.

Submit your filing to the proper town or court office, and be sure to include a cover letter stating that you're appealing the assessment and that this filing is made within your 30-day window. Ask for written confirmation of receipt. You're not trying to cause trouble—you’re trying to make sure your property is assessed fairly and your rights are protected. Keep pushing forward, even when the process feels unclear. You’re doing the right thing by standing up and asking questions.