LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A rare glitch caused one Louisville homeowner's property value to increase more $400,000 in just a few years.

In 2021, the Jefferson County Property Valuation Administration said the home was worth almost $500,000, but in 2024, it was assessed at nearly $900,000.

Homeowner Yuliya Makiyevskaya said she was in disbelief. "There was a bit of a price shock."

Her relatively new home was built in a historic neighborhood, which meant when the PVA's computer model assessed the value of her home, it estimated it was worth way too much.

The increase would've cost her about an additional $500 in property taxes each month. She contacted the PVA, they acknowledged the glitch and lowered her assessment by more than $250,000.

The administration found about a dozen more properties affected by the same glitch. But there are many other reasons a property assessment could be too high.

PVA administrator Colleen Younger said the current mass appraisal and updated technology isn't an exact science.

This year, the PVA reassessed property values for 83,000 homes stretching from Fern Creek to Germantown. To reassess that many homes, the PVA uses a computer model. 

Since they're not going inside your home, sometimes they get it wrong.

"If you believe we have not gotten it correct, we want you to appeal," said Younger.

To appeal you can provide any of the following:

  • Photos inside your home
  • Estimate of repairs from a contractor
  • Sales comparisons of homes similar to yours
  • An insurance policy on your home
  • Or you can get an appraisal, but that will cost you money

So far, nearly 1,200 homeowners have appealed, and 60% were successful in having the property value lowered.

Younger said, "if you have a valid case, there is no reason you shouldn't win. We want you to win."

Makiyevskaya said she is relieved. "In the end, it worked out, and I'm glad it did, but it could've had a big impact."

You can file an appeal on the Jefferson County PVA website.  

PVA staff will be available to assist property owners at the following locations:

Jeffersontown Regional Library Branch

  • Opening Day: Friday, April 26, 12-4 p.m.
  • Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26 to May 20
  • Closing Day: Monday, May 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Highlands/Shelby Park Library Branch

  • Opening Day: Friday, April 26, 12-4 p.m.
  • Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays April 29 to May 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Closing Day: Monday, May 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Matthews Eline Library

  • Opening Day: Friday, April 26, 12-4 p.m.
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays April 30 to May 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Closing Day: Monday, May 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PVA Office - 815 West Market Street, Suite 400

  • In-office appointments (502-574-6224) Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26 to May 20
  • Saturdays May 11 and 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Evening Hours

  • St. Matthews City Hall: Tuesday May 7, 5-7 p.m.
  • Jeffersontown City Hall: Tuesday May 14, 5-7 p.m.

Telephone conferences are available for those unable to travel for in-person assistance. Appointments for teleconferences can be made by calling the PVA office at (502) 574-6224. 

The deadline to appeal the 2024 assessments is May 20.

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