Property Owners Take Heed

March 31 is the deadline for Clark County property owners to file an appeal with the Board of Revision. If you believe the value stated on your tax bill to be above fair market value, this will be your last chance to ask the board to review your property’s recent revaluation.

The Auditor’s Office has engaged John Q. Ebert of CAMA Resources, LLC, to identify Year 2007 valuations, which seem, by reference, to be sufficiently high or low as to warrant additional review. However, it remains extremely important for everyone to check his or her own property tax bill.

If you believe that your property’s value is above fair market value, you will need to complete “DTE Form 1,” a Board of Revision form which you can download from the auditor’s website.

You also can get copies at the Auditor’s Office, Elderly United, Neighborhood Housing Partnership, or Center City Association. While these organizations can provide copies of the form, please note that the Auditor’s Office is the official authority to answer specific questions.

Contact the Auditor’s Office at 328-2423 if you have any questions about your valuations, or if you need help filling out DTE Form 1. Please be prepared to provide documentation as to why you feel that the property’s assessed value is excessive.

Such documentation may include, but not be limited to, a property appraisal or an insurance form that reflects the value of your home or other property.

Copies of recorded documents stating the purchase price may be acceptable if you recently purchased the property.

The Auditor’s Office is the final authority on what documentation it will accept.

Property held in escrow is not exempt from revaluation and subsequent increase in taxes. If you have questions concerning an escrow account, contact your financial institution.

The Center City Association and The Downtown Business Alliance are working to facilitate the gathering and distribution of this important information to all property owners in Clark County.