The Georgia Association of Assessing Officials (GAAO) has released their 2012 Legislative Policy Statement. In the Policy Statement they urge the Georgia State Legislature to act on matters that they consider important to Georgia property tax. The Policy contains five main priorities:
1. Alternatives to Artificial Limitations of Property Tax Valuations - In this the GAAO is concerned that recent legislation compelling the assessors to set the tax values on sold properties at their sale price with result in inequitable assessments. For the same reason they are also concerned that the legislature will place a cap on assessment increases.
2. Correcting Valuation Errors / Statute of Limitations - The GAAO doesn't take issue with the state-wide three year refund for errors that existed for at least that long. However, they are concerned that the various counties are using different lengths of time in which to correct errors. They are encouraging the General Assembly to create a single three-year statute of limitations for the discovery, auditing, and correction of assessments.
3. Digests preparation efficiency and Simplification – The GAAO is concerned that many changes in the law have made it harder for the counties to comply with state law and submit a property tax digest in a timely manner.
4. Property Tax Exemption Applications – In this the GAAO is recommending that exemption applications be submitted by April 1 for the tax year that the exemption is sought. Currently the law is vague on a deadline.
5. Standardized Assessment Administration and Practices – Here the GAAO is concerned that the services the counties obtained from the state Department of revenue are being significantly reduced by elimination of a state property tax levy that funds the department of revenue.
As a former tax assessor employee and a property tax consultant I see no problem with these requested changes from the GAAO. Anything that simplifies the Georgia property tax code so that it is easier for everyone to understand is a good thing. If you have any questions about Georgia property tax please contact us at www.fairassessments.com.
1. Alternatives to Artificial Limitations of Property Tax Valuations - In this the GAAO is concerned that recent legislation compelling the assessors to set the tax values on sold properties at their sale price with result in inequitable assessments. For the same reason they are also concerned that the legislature will place a cap on assessment increases.
2. Correcting Valuation Errors / Statute of Limitations - The GAAO doesn't take issue with the state-wide three year refund for errors that existed for at least that long. However, they are concerned that the various counties are using different lengths of time in which to correct errors. They are encouraging the General Assembly to create a single three-year statute of limitations for the discovery, auditing, and correction of assessments.
3. Digests preparation efficiency and Simplification – The GAAO is concerned that many changes in the law have made it harder for the counties to comply with state law and submit a property tax digest in a timely manner.
4. Property Tax Exemption Applications – In this the GAAO is recommending that exemption applications be submitted by April 1 for the tax year that the exemption is sought. Currently the law is vague on a deadline.
5. Standardized Assessment Administration and Practices – Here the GAAO is concerned that the services the counties obtained from the state Department of revenue are being significantly reduced by elimination of a state property tax levy that funds the department of revenue.
As a former tax assessor employee and a property tax consultant I see no problem with these requested changes from the GAAO. Anything that simplifies the Georgia property tax code so that it is easier for everyone to understand is a good thing. If you have any questions about Georgia property tax please contact us at www.fairassessments.com.
