Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Assessor and what do they do?
A county assessor is elected to a four-year term. They are the first step in the assessment process and have the responsibility of inspecting, listing and appraising your property. They are required to meet certain educational requirements before placing their name on the ballot.
What is personal property and how is it assessed?
Personal property is all property that is not considered real property. It is movable. Examples of personal property are: vehicles, boats, campers, motorcycles, ATVs, mobile homes on someone else's land, machinery, equipment, etc.
Who must report personal property?
Everyone who owns a business must report all personal property assets to the county assessor.
What do I need to do if I do not receive an assessment form?
If you are not receiving your assessment form in the mail, please contact the Assessor's Office. You will be applied to our mailing list for the next assessment period.
Are there any discounts on personal property bills for seniors or the disabled?
Owner occupied structures on rented ground may qualify for Homestead Exemption.
Why did my assessment increase?
Most common include: a new structure was recently built, an omitted structure was discovered and added to your assessment, an equalization factor/multiplier was applied across the board in your community or property class to uniformly increase the value. Your assessment is directly tied to the “Fair Market Value” of your property.
How will reassessment affect my taxes?
By itself, a reassessment is revenue neutral, although it will cause tax burden shifts among properties. Some owners will see increases while others will see decreases, and yet others will remain approximately the same.
What is Fair Market Value?
Fair Market Value is the price of the property that would be agreed upon between a willing and informed buyer and seller under usual and ordinary circumstances. It is the highest price a property would bring if it were exposed for sale on the open market for a reasonable period of time.
What is Farm Use Valuation?
Land owners wishing to apply for farm use valuation need to call or come to the Assessor’s Office between July 1 and September 1, unless they receive a form in the mail, in which case, they must complete and return the form to the Assessor’s Office on or before September 1. All agricultural production units, with sales, home consumption, or use of $1,000 or more may qualify for farm use valuation on the land utilized for production.
What is Timber Management and how do I apply?
Managed Timberland is a tax incentive program. The State of West Virginia recognizes the value of managing this resource. This tax incentive approach was enacted to encourage landowners to actively manage their forest land thereby increasing the amount and quality of the resource.
Do I qualify for a Homestead Exemption?
Homestead exemption is the exemption of $20,000 from the assessed value of the homestead property. Anyone who is 65 years of age or older or who is certified as being totally and permanently disabled should receive this exemption. Persons applying for the homestead exemption must make application for the exemption, between July 1 and December 1. If you are 64 years of age or older on or before the July 1st assessment date, you should apply for the homestead exemption in order for you to receive the exemption on the next years taxes.