Watch out for Higher Property Tax Assessments
Topic: A Tax to Grind, Property Tax Appeals
Thursday, 15 September 2011 by David H. LeVan
Loading ...A colleague of mine recently received his property tax assessment for real estate in the state of Washington. Surprisingly, it showed an increase in value of 113% even though no additions or expansions were made at the plant in the past year. Additionally, the facility has exhibited significant obsolescence and nothing has improved that situation in the past year If anything, the value should have declined.
When he inquired about the rational for the increase he was told in no uncertain terms that they decided to remove all obsolescence and excess depreciation adjustments on larger industrial properties for 2011 because the Assessor wants to generate more revenue for the County. If a Taxpayer appeals this arbitrary decision they will consider a reduction, if not the higher value stands. Are they hoping taxpayers won’t notice the increase? I suppose there will be some who don’t.
Interesting revenue generating technique! What are you seeing out there?