(WSBT) If your property tax bill has increased significantly, the St. Joseph County assessor says there may be a problem. Many people expected their taxes to increase 15 percent, so some were shocked to see their bills had increased a lot more. But the assessor says it's not normal.

The county did a study which showed most property taxes increased 15 percent. He said anyone with an extremely high bill should file an appeal.

Scott Henderson had planned on retiring in the home that's been in his family for generations, but a piece of paper could change that.

"[It] went up $1,453 from $650, so it went up $800," said Henderson of his tax bill.

In one year, Henderson's property value skyrocketed from $60,000 to $120,000. It's the same position his parents and other neighbors found themselves in.

"It's an extra $80 a month right off the top. That's $80 less in utilities or $80 less on clothes," he said.

Unless a home's characteristics don't match others in the area, the new property tax re-assessments were based upon home sales in the area for 2005.

The assessor said that should have raised property taxes, but not 200 percent.

"I think that's unusual," said David Wesolowski, St. Joseph County assessor. "Some townships had greater increases, but I don't recall any neighborhood going up 200 percent."

He said Henderson's case raises a red flag.

"You want to question it. You start with the township assessor," said Wesolowski.

Four thousand homeowners have already filed appeals, and the county is expecting thousands more. Henderson won't be one of them.

"We are just going to have to cut way back on things. That's all we can do," said Henderson.

You have 45 days after receiving your bill to file an appeal with your township assessor.

During the appeal, you have to prove the property value is too high. A recommendation will then be sent to the county for review.

The county is currently hearing appeals three days a week. But officials say they'll have to start hearing appeals on more days. Even then, they say they'll be busy through the beginning of the year.