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Fact or Fiction I would like to share with you some of the more interesting questions we have had to answer during the past couple of years. I have included the correct answers and some explanation.A building mounted on skids is exempt from property taxation. Fiction - all property is taxable unless expressly exempt by law. A building that contains less than 120 square feet is exempt from property taxation. Fiction - See explanation above. If an outbuilding or residence is incomplete, it is not taxable. Fiction - the assessor's office values property as it sits on January 1 of each year. If the building is partially complete, the appraiser estimates a "% complete" as of January 1 and adds the value to the tax roll. The assessor's office does not need to physically inspect my property, including the interior of any of the buildings. Fiction - it is very difficult to value property without having the proper measurements and correct property characteristics. The value assigned by our computer system is determined based on square footage as well as components such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and basement finish to calculate the value of the building. Additionally, when a property owner objects to our value, the courts have ruled that a taxpayer has a higher burden of proof in court if the assessor has been unable to physically inspect the property. If my property is zoned agricultural, I am automatically classified as agricultural for property tax purposes. Fiction - A farm is defined as land used to produce agricultural products for the primary purpose of obtaining a monetary profit. A ranch is defined as land used to graze livestock for the primary purpose of obtaining a monetary profit. Livestock means domestic animals used for food, draft, breeding, or profit. To ensure that the land qualifies for ag classification, the assessor's office may ask for information to document the ag use, such as copies of leases, receipts, canceled checks, or we may do a physical inspection of the property. Additionally, the land must have continued agricultural use in order to qualify; there is no "time out" to subdivide the land or build a house. Personal property that no longer produces an income is exempt from taxation. Fiction - personal property that is stored in a business that is no longer operating is still taxable. If the property is sold, moved out of state, or destroyed, the property will be removed from the tax roll the following January 1. Furthermore, unlike real property, the owner of the personal property as of January 1 is responsible for the tax bill. Back to Assessor Office Back to Departments |
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