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How Do I Obtain a Farm Use Permit for a Farm Vehicle? WV Code 17A-3-2 is the section of State law that deals with farm use vehicles. Certain restrictions apply such as the painting of 10" letters on the sides of the vehicle stating "FARM USE." The vehicle cannot be driven between dusk to dawn hours nor can it be driven beyond a 25-mile limit. Liability insurance is still required for any vehicle driven on public highways in West Virginia. Annual inspection stickers are also required. Permits are obtained in the Assessor's Office at a cost of $2.00. How Can I See What My Neighbor's Property Values Are? The Real Estate and Personal Property Books are always available for public inspection in the Jackson County Assessor's Office and are categorized by tax district. Locate your tax district, which is stated on the top right portion of your tax tickets, and examine the current book for that district. Property owners are listed in alphabetical order with the assessed values listed. The assessed value is 60 percent of the appraised value, but keep in mind your neighbor may be receiving homestead or farm use exemption and you may not. The West Virginia State Tax Department uses regression analysis and other statistical methods to assist assessors in equalizing values. County assessors are closely monitored each year by the State Tax Department. Are Churches and Non-Profit Agencies Taxed for Real and Personal Property? The West Virginia State Constitution requires that ALL PROPERTY be assessed at it's true and actual value unless specifically exempt by law. Exempt status is based upon use, not ownership. If a property is not being used for an exempt purpose (worship) then it is still taxable. Vacant property is not considered exempt. Personal property such as church buses and vans are exempt as long as these vehicles are used for church purposes. Fraternal organizations are also exempt as long as they do not make a profit. One of the ways an organization can document non-profit status, is to apply under section 501-c of the Internal Revenue Code. Contact the IRS for details and request form 1023. How Does the Assessor Value Rental Property? Three methods are available: Cost Approach - First, the value of the land is estimated, as if vacant. The Assessor than adds the amount it would take to replace your structure with one of similar utility, including current costs of materials and labor, profit, overhead, permit fees, and the like. If your structure is not new, the Assessor then approximates depreciation from all causes, and subtracts that from the calculation of replacement cost. Market (sales comparison) Approach - Your property is evaluated based on comparable properties that have recently sold, and adjusted for differences, such as a garage, finished basement, or better location. Where there are frequent sales and similarities in properties, this can be the most reliable approach for residential property. Income Approach - This approach works well for apartments, shopping centers and office buildings. The Assessor estimates potential gross income from rentals, then subtracts an amount for vacancies and operating expenses. The amount of net income is then converted to a value for the property, using a process called capitalization. How Often is Property Reassessed In Jackson County? According to current State law, the Assessor is required to physically visit each parcel of real estate at least once every three years. This process is known as a tri-annual update. In addition, based upon sales information recorded with the County Clerk, and statistical studies, the Assessor is required to maintain market values each year. If No Improvements Have Been Made to May Property, Why Should the Assessed Value Increase? Over time market value changes even if no improvements are made to the property. Many people sell their homes for much more than they paid for them years earlier. WV State Code requires that property be reviewed every three (3) years to maintain realistic market values and treat all taxpayers fairly. Will I Be Notified If There Is an Increase in My Assessment? The Assessor is required by WV Code to notify owners of any increase in the valuation of real property that is 10 percent or greater in January of each year. What If I Disagree With My Assessment? You should first contact the Assessor's Office so that we can verify that our information concerning your property is accurate. Each parcel of real estate has what is known as a property record card. This is where basic information for your property is maintained by the Assessor's office. If this information is correct, the Assessor must assume your property appraisal is also correct. If you have a recent independent fee appraisal of your property stating a different value, please bring that to the Assessor's Office. If you still disagree with your appraisal, you should contact the County Commission and schedule an appointment when the Commissioners convene as a Board of Equalization and Review during February of each year. If you disagree with the decision rendered by the Board of Equalization and Review, an appeal can then be made to the Circuit Court. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
