The information collected by our appraisers is used to assure that the value of every property is correct when we calculate each property owner’s fair share of taxes for schools, fire districts, cities, roads, parks, libraries and other government services. Since their car is their “office,” you may see them parked in your neighborhood while making data entries. They gather property information and take photos using digital tablets, and may use laser measuring devices to confirm building dimensions. Wherever they go, our appraisers are driving white cars with Pierce County markings and they are wearing identifiable clothing and official ID badges. During June, July and August, all residential and commercial appraisers will shift their focus to inspecting all new construction and additions to buildings throughout the county. Our commercial appraisers work in all parts of the county every year, visiting one-sixth of the business properties in each part of the county annually. If they have a question, they may knock on your door or leave a card requesting a call. This year our residential appraisers are visiting every home in the far south and east portions of the county, including Roy, McKenna, Alder, Elbe, Ashford, Eatonville, Orting, Carbonado, Wilkeson, South Prairie and Buckley. Their goal is to confirm our records, note any changes in condition of buildings, views, etc.
It’s no small job, because there are over 325,000 parcels and only 30 appraisers. Idaho law requires that appointments for protests be made on or before the fourth Monday in June.Once every six years, an appraiser from the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s office is required by State Law to inspect every parcel of real estate in the county. It is important that they don’t wait until they receive their tax bills to review their assessments. Each of the other four years of the cycle, the law requires that a market adjustment be applied to the property, based on the selling prices of similar properties, to keep the property value in line with market trends.Īnyone who has questions about their assessment or the appeals process should contact the assessor’s office to review their appraisal as soon as they receive the assessment notice.
Idaho Code 63-314 requires the assessor’s office to reappraise property on a five year cycle, meaning each property will be physically reappraised at least once every five years to assure that it is as close to market value as possible. The assessment notice provides information about further appeals procedures. Property owners should review the assessment notices carefully, and contact the Assessor’s Office if they have any questions. Market value reviews are heard by the assessor’s office staff through the fourth Monday in June. The value is used to determine the amount of property taxes due later in the year. Owners of property in Shoshone County receive their annual assessment notices early in June, which notifies the owner of the current year’s market value for their property. The Assessor is also charged with registering motor and recreational vehicles, and with disbursing the applicable licenses and permits. The County Assessor is an elected official whose principal function is to assess all property, not expressly exempt, within the county at market value and to maintain records of the ownership of all property within the county.