If you own property on Maui, you may have noticed a sharp increase in your property tax assessment. Many non-residents feel they are being unfairly overtaxed by the county, and while appealing your assessment is a challenging process, it might be worth the effort.
For official County information on the appeals process be sure to visit mauicounty.gov/1109/Appeals
Understanding your 2025 Maui Property Tax assessment
Maui property owners, check your mail—2025 property tax assessments have been sent out, and for many, the numbers were unexpected. If your assessed value seems higher than you anticipated, you’re definitely not alone.
If you haven’t received your notice yet, you can look up your property details by searching your name or address on the official Maui County Real Property Tax Assessment website which you can access at https://qpublic.net/hi/maui/
Assessments aren’t the same as Market Value
It’s important to remember that your county assessed value is based on sales data from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, which does not reflect the current real estate market. Even if prices have dipped recently, your assessment may still reflect a time when the market was stronger.
While these assessments influence property taxes, they don’t necessarily represent what your home would sell for today. If you’re considering selling or just want a more accurate picture of your home’s current value, call us today or request our free comparative market analysis.
Why your assessed value may have gone up
Maui County calculates property values at 100% of market value, using sales data from the previous fiscal year. That means the 2025 assessments are based on transactions from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. If demand and sales were high during that period, your assessment might reflect those peak prices…even if the market has cooled significantly since then.
If your assessment seems off, or you’d like to discuss your options, it may be worth looking into the appeal process or consulting with a local expert.
Why appeal your tax assessment?
Maui County has been aggressively increasing property tax assessments, and non-residents often bear the brunt of these hikes.
If you believe your assessed value is significantly higher than the actual market value of your property, you have the right to appeal. However, please be aware that the county requires you to prove that their valuation is off by at least 20% — a high bar that can make appeals difficult but not impossible. You may appeal if the method of assessment was incorrect or inconsistent, or your property was misclassified all together.
The challenge of proving a 20% error
To succeed in your appeal, you need strong evidence showing that the county has overestimated your property’s value by at least 20%. This is where many appeals fall short. Simply disagreeing with the assessment or pointing to a general market downturn isn’t enough — you’ll need concrete data. This could include:
- A professional appraisal that supports your claim
- A real estate professional like the Sayles Team that can provide you with recent sold comparable sales that are relevant and indicate a lower value
- Evidence of property condition issues not factored into the county’s assessment
How to file your appeal
The deadline to file your appeal is April 9th, so don’t delay if you plan to challenge your assessment. The process involves submitting the appeal form along with the $75 filing fee to the county’s Tax Board of Review. Be prepared for the possibility of a relatively lengthy process and a hearing where you’ll need to present your evidence as nothing happens quickly on Maui.
To file your appeal, you will need to submit:
- A completed Appeal Form
- Two copies of the form and supporting documents
- A $75 check made out to County of Maui
Mail or deliver your appeal to:
County of Maui – Board of Review
110 ʻAlaʻihi Street, Suite 110
Kahului, HI 96732
Need help?
Navigating this process alone can be daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you need assistance, Our team can refer you to attorneys and appraisers who specialize in property tax appeals on Maui. Their expertise can significantly improve your chances of success and help you determine whether an appeal is worth pursuing.
While winning an appeal isn’t easy, for those who believe they’ve been significantly over-assessed, it can be a worthwhile effort.
There’s strength in numbers.
If you think your property has been unfairly assessed, now is the time to act before the April 9th deadline!
Onward and upward
Maui County will finalize tax rates for the 2025–2026 fiscal year this May. In the meantime, your estimated tax is calculated using your current assessed value and property classification. Keep in mind that second homes, short-term rentals, and properties in resort zones face much higher tax rates.
Don’t lose hope
Staying informed about your property tax assessment is key to protecting your real estate investment. Whether you’re considering an appeal, thinking about selling, or simply want a clearer picture of your property’s market value, we’re here to assist.
With over 170 years of combined experience and a reputation as one of Maui’s top-performing real estate teams, The Sayles Team is ready to guide you through every step.
Have any further questions about your assessment or need any recent sales in your neighborhood?
Give us a call today.
Aloha,
Anthony Sayles R(S)
808-280-6532
Anthony@DanoSayles.com