Tãx Âssêssment

[bean29]

The assessed value is the value placed on each parcel of real property and on each individual’s taxable personal property by the local assessor. State law provides that all non-agricultural assessments must be based upon the market value of property as of January 1. State law recognizes that every municipality cannot be assessed exactly at market value each year. The law allows each municipality to be within 10 percent of market value, provided there is equity between the taxpayers of the municipality

www.dor.state.wi.us/pubs/slf/pb060.pdf

I don't think there is any harm in letting them in. Their best gage for what your house is worth is the recent sale. They probably want to come in to see what you have so that they can determine how to assess your neighbors based upon your recent purchase.

[tskeeter]

I was just curious if there were things that I shouldn't say to them.

Say as little as possible. Answer only direct questions. Certainly don't volunteer anything about recent work you have done or how much anything cost. About the only thing I would talk about unless I was asked a specific questions is how much less than the assessed value the home is really worth. I'd also point out problems or features of the home that have an adverse impact on the property's value. Things like the house has outdated plumbing or wiring, the fact that a good part of the yard is under water every spring and after heavy rain, etc. If you have personal property taxes in your area, I'd think about whether I wanted to display valuables, such as the family silver collection, and would maybe delay the purchase of the new couch.

Fundamentally, the assessor's job is to identify sources of property tax revenue. Don't do anything that would lead you to paying more than your share.

[tskeeter]

I do plan on being in foot-stomping distance from Mr. Sroo who is a chatter box sometimes.

Since Mr. Sroo is inclined to be a Chatty Cathy, a good project for him during the assessor's visit would be to scare up a new set of muffler bearings from the local auto parts store, or check out the HD for the dandy new board stretcher that just came out, or test out their selection of left handed hammers.

[hoops902]

Jun 20, 2011 12:16:14 GMT -5 @sroo4 said:

Luckily I think the violently pink 1960's bathroom and green tasseled drapes speak for themselves

I do plan on being in foot-stomping distance from Mr. Sroo who is a chatter box sometimes. Are there any buzzwords that I should stay away from, red flags? I'm curious to see if I get turned in for the cats (I have 3, and according to the city they need to be licensed).

Just because you have to let them into the home doesn't mean either of you need to escort them through the home. I would say nothing. I would open the door, follow behind them if you're worried about them stealing or something, and keep my mouth shut.

[TheOtherMe]

My house was brand new when I purchased it. The county assessor knocked on the door one day. When I mentioned I wanted to put the cat away, she immediately said she was allergic and hurried her way through as she started sneezing. By the time she left, she was sneezing non-stop.

I hadn't done anything except hang window coverings that had not been installed by the builder. It just had never been assessed as a finished house.