A tax assessment is the process by which a government determines the value of property or income for taxation purposes. This evaluation helps establish how much tax an individual or business must pay. Assessors use various methods, including market analysis and property inspections, to arrive at a fair value. Once the assessment is complete, the results are typically communicated to the taxpayer, who can review the findings. If a taxpayer disagrees with the assessment, they may have the option to appeal the decision through a formal process, often involving a review by a local tax board or authority.