Assessor Duties

History

The Ad valorem (property) tax is the primary source of revenue for local government, public schools and other taxing entities that serve and protect our communities. This method of allocating the tax burden is based on the value of taxable property. “Property tax” provides the most stable, predictable source of revenue for local government, since it is not subject to the fluctuations of the economy as are sales and income taxes. It is the Assessor’s duty to asses the properties with the county uniformly and to the specifications of Idaho law so that all properties are taxes fairly and equitably.

Current Services

• Idaho law requires that all property within the County be assessed between 90% and 110% of current market value. In addition, each property must be physically reappraised at least once every five years. The Assessor’s Office analyzes trends in sale prices, construction costs, rent and other pertinent data to estimate the correct valuation. All appraisers value judgments for tax purposes must be certified by the State Tax Commission and employees must follow a continuing education program every two years to maintain certification.
• The Assessor’s Office also is required to keep track of property ownership changes, to maintain maps of parcel boundaries, and to plat parcels as they are split from larger parcels.
• The office must keep descriptions of building and property characteristic files current.
• The Assessor’s Office also keeps track of individuals and property eligible for exemptions and other forms of property tax relief.
• Another function under the direction of the Assessor is the motor vehicle department. This department reviews and processes title, registrations and issues license plates for automobiles, trucks, recreation vehicles, mobile homes, motorcycles, boats and other special use vehicles.