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Appraisal Process
How often must the appraiser review my property?
Under Minnesota Statute 273.08, the appraiser is required to physically
review each property at least once every five years. The appraiser may
visit your property at shorter intervals for any of the following reasons:
- To review new construction as a result of a permit. The appraiser may
stop by each year until all of the work is completed.
- To complete a review appraisal for an appeal, such as the Local Board
of Appeal and Equalization or a tax petition.
- To review the property at the property owner's request.
- To review the property at any time the assessor feels that the property
information may be in error and/or an incorrect value may have been placed
on the property.
Why must the appraiser view the inside of the property?
Each property has unique characteristics that contribute to the total value. It is
necessary for the appraiser to view the interior of the property to document the
amenities and determine the quality and condition of each property. This information
is then entered into a computerized valuation system and a property value is calculated.
This valuation system is based on sales information extracted from the Washington County
real estate market.
Am I notified when my property is going to be appraised?
A few weeks before the appraiser begins working in a particular neighborhood, a postcard
will be mailed to you letting you know he or she will be in the area. Appointments are
scheduled every half hour during the normal workday, although staff will try to accommodate
your schedule where possible. The appraisal walk-through will take 10 to 15 minutes and
the appraiser will try to answer any questions that you may have.
What happens if I do not let the appraiser in my home?
In order to obtain a fair and equitable assessment, it is best for the appraiser to review
the interior of your home. If an appraiser is unable to review the interior of your property
he or she will make a value estimate. Any changes to a value that was estimated will require
an interior inspection.
Will the appraiser be able to tell me what the value of my property is at the
conclusion of my appointment?
No. Values are not calculated until January of each year. This allows staff the opportunity
to use the most current sales information available in determining market values. You will
receive your value notice in March of the following year.
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Appraisal Staff
Who are the property appraisers and what training do they have?
The appraisers working for the Washington County Assessor's Office are professional
appraisers certified and licensed by the State Board of Assessors. Certification requires
experience and continuing education through the University of Minnesota, assessing
organizations such as the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), the
Minnesota Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO), and other organizations offering
appraisal classes such as the Appraisal Institute.
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Market Value and Appeals
What is market value?
Minnesota statute 273.03 defines market value as " the usual selling price at the time of
assessment." The Assessor's Office works throughout the year to establish market values of
each property for the following Jan. 2 assessment date.
How is market value determined?
- The characteristics of each property are entered into a computerized system, which
aids the assessor in establishing market value.
- These property characteristics are collected and/or verified at least once every four
years by a member of the assessing staff during the reappraisal process or when reviewing
new construction. Accurate information such as the size, quality level, condition and
amenities of each property is essential in order to estimate a fair market value. The
market value estimated by the Assessor's Office should be at or very close to the amount
the property would sell for if placed on the open market.
How the Assessor Estimates Your Market Value
Why market values may change from year to year
Property values change continuously depending on the economic conditions affecting the local
housing market. In addition to market changes, physical changes made to your property can
also affect your market value. All factors are considered in estimating the value of
property.
Am I notified about my market value?
In late March of each year the Washington County Auditor's Office sends out a market value
notice for each taxable parcel in the county. The notice provides you the opportunity to
review the market value and the classification established by the assessor. The classification
is how the property is being used as of January 2 of that year. For example, property may be
residential homestead (owner occupied), residential non-homestead, agricultural or
commercial.
What should I do if I feel my market value or classification is incorrect?
There are two avenues of appeal that property owners may take to challenge their assessments.
The first route is referred to as the three-step appeal process and the second route is known
as the one-step appeal process.
- The three step appeal:
- Property owners who have questions or concerns regarding the market value or
classification of their property are encouraged to contact the property appraiser
responsible for their area by calling (651) 430-6175.. In most cases an interior inspection
of the property will be necessary. We have found that a large number of property owner concerns
can be resolved after speaking to an appraiser.
- If your questions or concerns are not resolved after talking with your appraiser
you may appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization or attend the Open
Book meeting in your community. These meetings are held in April or May. Please
reference your valuation notice or call your appraiser to find out the time and
place of the meeting held in your community. Your appeal can be made in person,
through a letter or through a representative authorized by you.
- If property owners are not satisfied with the action taken at the Local Board of
Appeal and Equalization, they may appear (in person, through a designated
representative, or by sending a written request) before a second board, called the
County Board of Appeal and Equalization. In order to be put on the agenda for the
County Board of Appeal and Equalization please contact the Assessor's Office at
(651) 275-7521 by May 13, 2011. The County Board is made up of elected county
commissioners, the county auditor/treasurer, and/or appointed officials. The 2011
County Board of Appeal and Equalization is scheduled for June 21, 2011. Property owners
who appeal their assessments at this level must have first appeared before the Local
Board of Appeal and Equalization if they choose to have their grievances acted upon
by this Board.
If property owners still feel aggrieved as a result of the action taken by this Board,
they may file a petition in Minnesota Tax Court (i.e. small claims or regular division
depending upon property type and estimated market value). All appeals must be filed on or
before April 30 of the year the tax becomes payable.
- The one step appeal:
The one-step appeal process bypasses both the Local Board of Appeal and the County Board
of Appeal and Equalization. It involves making an appeal directly to the regular division
of Minnesota Tax Court. The same filing requirements and deadlines apply to all property
owners who choose this route. The Minnesota Tax Court is located at 25 Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Minnesota Judicial Center, Suite 245, St. Paul, MN 55155.
The phone number is (651) 296-2806. You may also visit the Minnesota Tax Court Web site
at: www.taxcourt.state.mn.us
Click the following links for more information
What should I do if I Feel my Market Value or Classification is Incorrect?
Appealing the Value or Classification of Your Property
Preparing an Appeal to Your Local/County Boards of Appeal and Equalization
My House is Worth What?
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Homestead Market Value Exclusion
For more information regarding the Homestead Market Value Exclusion, please click here to be redirected to the County’s Property Tax and Assessment webpage.
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Applying for the Homestead Market Value Exclusion
Click here
to view more information about applying for the homestead exclusion or call the Assessment Technical Support Office at (651) 430-6110.
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Disabled Veterans - Market Value Exclusion on Homestead Property
2008 legislation found in Minnesota Statue, Section 273.13 Subdivision 34 allows for homestead market value exclusion
for qualifying veterans with a service related disability. The program provides for an annual market value exclusion of up to $300,000 on homestead property of a qualifying disabled veteran.
Market Value Exclusion Fact Sheet
Market Value Exclusion - 70% or more Disability
Market Value Exclusion - 100% Disability
For more information regarding the Market Value Exclusion for Disabled Veterans, call theAssessment Technical Support Office at (651) 430-6110
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Property Taxes
Click the following links for more information
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Property Tax Deferral and Property Classification Programs
Click the following links for more information
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County Appraisers Contacts by City/Township
Click here to see the full list of Appraiser Contacts.
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