Understanding the Impact of the Property Tax Appeal Process on Assessment Uniformity: Procedures, Structures, and Outcomes

Property taxes serve as a vital revenue source for local governments. The revenues derived from the property tax function as the primary funding source for a variety of critical local public service systems. Property tax appeal systems serve as quasi-administrative-judicial mechanisms intended to assure the public that property tax assessments are correct, fair, and equitable. Despite these important functions, there is a paucity of empirical research related to property tax appeal systems. This study contributes to property tax literature by identifying who participates in the property tax appeal process and examining their motivations for participation. In addition, the study sought to determine whether patterns of use and success in appeal systems affected the distribution of the tax burden. Data were collected by means of a survey distributed to single-family property owners from two Florida counties. In addition, state and county documents were analyzed to determine appeal patterns and examine the impact on assessment uniformity, over a three-year period. The survey data provided contextual evidence that single-family property owners are not as troubled by property taxes as they are by the conduct of local government officials. The analyses of the decision to appeal indicated that more expensive properties and properties excluded from initial uniformity analyses were more likely to be appealed, while properties with homestead exemptions were less likely to be appealed. The value change analyses indicated that appeals are clustered in certain geographical areas; however, these areas do not always experience a greater percentage of the value changes. Interestingly, professional representation did not increase the probability of obtaining a reduction in value. Other relationships between the variables were discovered, but often with weak predictive ability. Findings from the assessment uniformity analyses were also interesting. The results indicated that the appeals mechanisms in both counties improved assessment uniformity. On average, appealed properties exhibited greater horizontal and vertical inequities, as compared to non-appealed properties, prior to the appeals process. After, the appeal process was completed; the indicators of horizontal and vertical equity were largely improved. However, there were some indications of regressivity in the final year of the study.

Property Tax Assessment - Niagara Township No. 179

A tax assessment of property no. 179 for Mr. Theodore Field or Mr. George Field. The total reads 546 and is dated October 25, 1886. Handwritten is "paid" with signature of J.Y.E. Cairns (collector).

Is [Rural] Property Tax Relevant?

The present document presents the general notions and the definition of property taxation and, as part of it, the working definition of rural property taxation emphasizing that property taxation is a matter of “property” and rural property taxation is linked with rural property, specifically with land ownership. In addition, the document presents some facts about the performance of property taxation based on a secondary source of cross-country analysis. In order to give a definition of rural property tax, I will explain the logic of taxation linked to property and then present the nature and logic behind property taxation in theory.

Digest and summary of work of the sub-committee on reduction of local taxation submitted to the Property tax relief commission ...

Mode of access: Internet.

The role of the States in strengthening the property tax.

"Bibliographical note": v.1, p. 181-187.

State and local ratio studies, property tax assessment, and transfer taxes.

Item 148-A.

Illinois property tax statistics.

Mode of access: Internet.

Illinois public schools financial statistics and local property tax data /

Mode of access: Internet.

Illinois property tax rate & levy manual /

Description based on: Feb. 1991.

Official rules of the Property Tax Appeal Board.

Whenever rules have changes, a new issue will be published and will be put in the Administrative Code (per agency).

Official rules of the Property Tax Appeal Board.

Cover title.

Property Tax Extension Limitation Law : technical manual /

This manual has been developed to provide detailed information about the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) to assist those persons who will be responsible for administering this law. Generally, county clerks and taxing districts' fiscal management personnel will find this manual most useful. While technical aspects of the PTELL are introduced and explained, this document does not cover all aspects of the law fully. Reading the information presented here should be supplemented by reading the statutes, administrative rules, and court cases.

Property Tax Extension Limitation Law : technical manual /

This manual has been developed to provide detailed information about the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) to assist persons responsible for administering the law (i.e., county clerks and taxing districts' fiscal management personnel). Although this document explains PTELL technical aspects it does not cover all aspects of the law, so information should be supplemented by reading statutes, administrative rules, and court cases.

The Illinois property tax system /

Mode of access: Internet.

The Illinois property tax system.

Mode of access: Internet.