Albemarle County is sending 2017 Change of Assessment notices to taxpayers this week reflecting changes in property values resulting from the County’s recently completed annual reassessment. The notice will compare the new 2017 assessed values and proposed tax levy (based on the current tax rate) to the 2016 and 2015 values and tax levies, including the percent change for each of the past two years. The proposed tax levy is based on the new assessed value and the 2016 tax rate, since the 2017 tax rate will be set by the Board of Supervisors at a later date. Any questions regarding the new assessment notice should be directed to the Office of the County Assessor at (434) 296-5856.
The 2017 reassessments show changes in property values resulting generally from increases in the real estate market that are being experienced nationally, however individual value changes can vary greatly from the average change for the County as a whole even within the same property type. Rural land evidenced a decrease in value but improved properties in general experienced gains. The change in the County’s total “Fair Market Value” base has increased by 2.9% over the 2016 base. Overall reassessment changes by property type are:
The above results by property class are still overall increases and individual properties within each class may vary significantly in either direction from those amounts. The reassessment figure reflects the values of existing properties and does not include the value of new construction. New construction is estimated to be valued at $200,000,000 for the assessment period and includes new parcels created through subdivision.
Virginia by Statute requires localities to assess property at 100% of fair market value, based on an objective analysis of the property’s fair market value, independent of any influence on the part of the County or the County Board of Supervisors.
The average annual reassessment changes for the magisterial districts are as follows:
The new assessments will be reflected in the real estate bills which will be mailed in late April, 2017. County officials recommend that anyone who would like more information or who wishes a review of their assessment contact the Office of the County Assessor at (434) 296-5856. Among information available are property descriptions, maps and sales information. The Assessor’s Office provides computers that can be used by the public during normal business hours.
There is a process in place to appeal disputed reassessments. As a first step, taxpayers are encouraged to contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure the correctness of County records and to receive an explanation of the basis upon which the valuation was made. If visiting the Assessor’s Office, we highly recommend that citizens make an appointment to ensure that the appropriate staff member, who can best explain the valuation of their specific property, is available. To request an official internal appeal, the 2017 Administrative Review form can be found on the County website on the County Assessor page at www.albemarle.org/assessor. This form can also be mailed, emailed or faxed upon request. The deadline to return this form to request an internal appeal with the Assessor’s office is February 28, 2017. If a property owner does not receive satisfaction with this step, further appeal may be requested through to the Board of Equalization (BOE) appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The BOE is comprised of Albemarle County citizens who have completed training by the Virginia Department of Taxation and who meet on a regular basis. All appeals to the Board of Equalization must be filed by March 15, 2017.
Applications for qualifying properties to enter the Land Use Tax Deferral Program will be accepted without a late fee, but with the $15 (minimum) application fee, by the Assessor’s Office through March 2, 2017. A new application for each parcel is needed to enroll in the program or when a property enrolled has a change of use of acreage from that previously qualified. A new application is not needed if your property is currently qualified in the land use assessment program and there are no changes in use. The 2017 revalidation for properties currently enrolled in the program will take place later this year.
