ADDENDUMGENERAL INFORMATION1

TABLE OF CONTENTSAddendum – General Information ......................... A-1United States ......................................................... A-2Alabama ................................................................. A-2Alaska ..................................................................... A-2Arizona ................................................................... A-3Arkansas ................................................................. A-5California ................................................................ A-6Colorado ................................................................. A-8Connecticut ............................................................ A-9Delaware .............................................................. A-10District of Columbia .............................................. A-12Florida .................................................................. A-12Georgia ................................................................. A-13Hawaii ................................................................... A-14Idaho .................................................................... A-16Illinois ................................................................... A-17Indiana .................................................................. A-18Iowa ...................................................................... A-20Kansas ................................................................... A-21Kentucky ............................................................... A-22Louisiana .............................................................. A-23Maine ................................................................... A-25Maryland .............................................................. A-26Massachusetts ...................................................... A-27Michigan ............................................................... A-28Minnesota ............................................................ A-29Mississippi ............................................................ A-30Missouri ................................................................ A-31Montana ............................................................... A-31Nebraska ............................................................... A-32Nevada ................................................................. A-34New Hampshire .................................................... A-35New Jersey ........................................................... A-36New Mexico .......................................................... A-36New York .............................................................. A-37North Carolina ...................................................... A-38North Dakota ........................................................ A-39Ohio ...................................................................... A-41Oklahoma ............................................................. A-41Oregon .................................................................. A-42

Pennsylvania ......................................................... A-43Puerto Rico ........................................................... A-44Rhode Island ......................................................... A-45South Carolina ...................................................... A-45South Dakota ........................................................ A-46Tennessee ............................................................. A-47Texas ..................................................................... A-47Utah ...................................................................... A-48Vermont................................................................ A-49Virginia ................................................................. A-50Washington .......................................................... A-51West Virginia ........................................................ A-51Wisconsin ............................................................. A-52Wyoming .............................................................. A-53Australia ............................................................... A-55Australian Capital Territory (ACT) ......................... A-55New South Wales ................................................. A-55Queensland .......................................................... A-56South Australia ..................................................... A-61Tasmania............................................................... A-62Victoria ................................................................. A-64Western Australia ................................................. A-65Canada ................................................................. A-67Alberta .................................................................. A-67British Columbia (BC) ............................................ A-67New Brunswick ..................................................... A-70Newfoundland ...................................................... A-71Nova Scotia ........................................................... A-71Ontario ................................................................. A-72Quebec ................................................................. A-73Saskatchewan ....................................................... A-74Hong Kong ............................................................ A-75Ireland .................................................................. A-77New Zealand ........................................................ A-81South Africa ......................................................... A-82United Kingdom ................................................... A-85England ................................................................. A-85Northern Ireland................................................... A-87Scotland ................................................................ A-90Wales .................................................................... A-91

1. Information contained in this Addendum is based on details supplied during 2013; there may have been some factual changes in a number of jurisdictions since then which are not reflected in the current version of the Addendum.

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UNITED STATES

Alabama1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property and business personal property. Intangible property is generally taxable, unless specifically exempted. Ala. Code § 40-11-1(b).3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner. Ala. Code § 40-7-14. Unit of assessment? Piece, parcel, tract, or lot. Ala. Code § 40-11-1(b).5. Tax rate(s) set by? State and local government.6. Current tax rate? The state’s tax rate is 0.65%. City and county tax rates range from 0-4.93%, but the average rate state-wide (including the state’s rate) is 4.2%. There are four classes of property with different assessment ratios:Class I (Utility) – 30% of market valueClass II (catch all) – 20% of market valueClass III (Agricultural/Residential/Forest/Historic) – 10% of market valueClass IV (Privately owned autos and trucks) – 15% of market value. Ala. Code § 40-8-1(a).7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by? State Department of Revenue and county tax offices, depending on the specific property tax.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? All taxable real and personal property, with the exception of public utility property, is assessed on the local level by the county assess-ing official. Utility property, freight line and equipment com-panies are centrally assessed by the Department of Revenue (DOR).10. Basis of valuation? Fair and reasonable market value. Ala. Code § 40-7-62. 11. Frequency of general revaluations? Property is ap-praised annually.12. Date of last general revaluation? Varies by assessing ju-risdiction13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? Oc-tober 1st. Ala. Code § 40-1-314. Main exemptions/reliefs? Agricultural land; charities; government; religious organizations; homesteads; schools15. Initial appeal process? A taxpayer may object to property values published by a county tax assessor by filing a written protest with the county board of equalization within 30 days of the date of final pub-lication of the property values in the local newspaper or by posting in three public places. Ala. Code §  40-3-20; Four Seasons, Inc. v. State, 450 So. 2d 110 (Ala. 1984). A taxpayer

may appeal a “final decision” of a board of equalization to the circuit court of the county where the property is located. Ala. Code § 40-3-25. The taxpayer must file notice of appeal with the secretary of the board of equalization and with the clerk of the circuit court within 30 days from the date of the final decision. Ala. Code § 40-3-25. 16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Appeals of decisions by the board of equalization may be appealed to the circuit court of the county in which the prop-erty at issue is located. Ala. Code §§ 40-3-24, -25.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? Alabama collected approximately $2.57 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010. This represented 19.37% of the $13.28 billion in state and local taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 44% of taxes col-lected at the local government level.At the state level, property taxes represented only about 4% of total taxes collected.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Classification of Property as Residential or Homestead (Amend-ing Ala. Code §§ 40-8-1 and 40-9-19; Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2011) - Provides that the classification of property as resi-dential property or a homestead would not be affected under certain conditions when the property is damaged by a natural disaster. Act 2011-710 (SB 506).

Alaska1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?All real and tangible personal property used primarily to ex-plore for, produce, or transport unrefined oil or gas by pipe-line is subject to a state-wide property tax. Alaska Stat. §§ 43.56.010, 29.45.080. Real and personal property is locally assessed and taxed by municipalities. Alaska Stat. § 29.45.010. 3. Person tax legally imposed on?Every person having ownership or control of an interest in taxable property. Alaska Stat. § 43.56.070, 29.45.120.4. Unit of assessment? Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Governing body (city council, or the borough assembly).6. Current tax rate? Fourteen of the eighteen organized boroughs levy a property tax. Only eleven cities outside of boroughs levy a property tax. Tax rates for locally assessed real and personal property are not published. The oil and gas property tax rate is 2% of assessed value. A credit of up to 2% against the state-wide tax imposed on oil and gas property by local jurisdictions is allowed. The smallest mill rate recorded for 2012 was $1.26 per thousand, while the largest was $32.916. http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/osa/pub/12AKTax_tab5.pdf (pp. 29-32).

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7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually. Alaska Stat. § 29.45.240(b)

8. Tax collected by? Municipal/Local government. Alaska Stat. § 29.45.240

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Local Assessor is responsible for locally assessed real and personal property. Alaska Stat. § 29.45.240. The DOR is re-sponsible for assessing oil and gas production and pipeline property.

10. Basis of valuation?Property in Alaska is required to be assessed (valued for tax purposes) at fair market value. An assessment should be about the same amount as what the owner believes the prop-erty would sell for in the open real estate market. Alaska Stat. § 29.45.110. There are some variations on what “full and true value” is, in limited cases. These are found in Alaska Stat. §§ 29.45.060 -.065, 29.45.110, and 29.45.230, and cover certain uses that restrict or limit the ability to recover full and true value upon sale, such as farm use, conservation easement, or property affected by a natural disaster.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Both state and municipal taxable property is valued annually. Alaska Stat. §§ 29.45.160, 43.56.090.

12. Date of last general revaluation?At the state level, the Department of Revenue must annually prepare an assessment roll. Alaska Stat. § 43.56.090. At the local level, the county assessor must also prepare an assess-ment roll annually. Alaska Stat. § 29.45.160.

Assessors assess property as of its full cash value on Janu-ary 1st. Assessors then mail preliminary tax statements to property owners, with tax bills following once levy rates are determined.

Alaska law does not specify a deadline for completion of the assessment roll. But tax rates have to be established by June 15th of each year, with tax statements sent out no later than July 1st.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st. Alaska Stat. §§ 29.45.110, 43.56.060.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Homesteads; federal property; municipal property; intangi-ble property; nonprofit, religious, charitable, and educational organizations; state property and property of the University of Alaska; timber (unharvested); etc.Alaska exempts from property taxes, the first $150,000 of as-sessed value for all senior citizens (65 years of age and over) and disabled veterans (50% or more service connected disabil-ity). http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/osa/taxfacts.htm15. Initial appeal process?Assessments of centrally assessed oil and gas property must be filed in writing with the Alaska Department of Revenue

(DOR) within 20 days of the effective date of the notice. Alaska Stat. § 43.56.110. For locally assessed property, tax-payers have 30 days from the notice of assessment to submit a written appeal to the assessor. Alaska Stat. § 29.45.190.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Centrally Assessed property : Objections to centrally assessed property (i.e., oil and gas property) must be filed with the DOR within 20 days of the effective date of the notice. Alaska Stat. § 43.56.110. After a ruling by the Department a party may further appeal to the local Board of Equalization within 50 days from the effective date of the notice of the assessment. Alaska Stat. § 43.56.120. An owner or munici-pality may appeal to the superior court for trial de novo of the board of equalization’s action. Alaska Stat. § 43.56.130(i).Locally Assessed property : For locally assessed property, tax-payers have 30 days from the notice of assessment to submit a written appeal to the assessor. If unsatisfied with the as-sessor’s ruling the taxpayer may appeal to the local Board of Equalization. Alaska Stat. § 29.45.190. Board decisions may be appealed to the superior court. Alaska Stat. § 29.45.210.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Alaska collected approximately $1.52 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2011. This compares to $7.4 billion in total state taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 80% of taxes col-lected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Residential Exemptions: An initiative measure to increase residential property tax exemptions has passed in the August 28, 2012 primary election ballot. Initiative 09RPEA would allow local governments to subtract up to $50,000 from a home’s assessed value before calculating property taxes. State law currently limits the exemption to $20,000. The initiative will further adjust the exemption amount for inflation.

Arizona1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property - Locally assessed: general busi-ness + Centrally assessed: mining, oil and gas, utilities, pipe-lines, airlines, railroads, telecommunications3. Person tax legally imposed on?The real property tax is imposed on the property itself and there is no personal liability on the Owner. For personal property, the owner is personally liable for the tax.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? County.6. Current tax rate? Tax rates vary by districts within each of the 15 counties. Nine different classes of property are taxed at different per-

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centages of their value: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 42-11001. http://www.azdor.gov/Portals/0/AnnualReports/FY12_Annual_Report_Web.pdf (pp.76-77).Class 1: most business property, including mining, utilities, commercial, and telecommunications - rate being reduced over time on the following scale: 20% for tax year 201219.5% for tax year 201319% for tax year 201418.5% for tax year 201518% for tax year 2016 and beyondAriz. Rev. Stat. § 42-15001Class 2: agricultural profit and non-profit – 16% through tax year 2015, 15% thereafter. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-12002, 42-15002.Class 3: residential property - 10%. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 12003, 42-15003.Class 4: rented residential property - 10%. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-12004, 42-15004.Class 5: railroad and flight property, Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 42-12005 - 15%Class 6: special purposes property - 5%. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-12006, 42-15006.Class 7: commercial historic property - same as Class 1 property, except modifications to restore and rehabilitate his-toric property is assessed at 1% for up to ten years. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-12007, 42-15007.Class 8: historic/residential property - same as Class 4 prop-erty (10%), except modifications to restore and rehabilitate historic property is assessed at 1% for up to ten years. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-12008, 42-15008.Class 9: possessory interests on government property used for specific purposes - 1%. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-1200, 42-15009.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by? County.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Local county assessor, except centrally assessed property (railroads, mines, utilities, pipelines, oil, gas and geothermal properties, airlines, private car companies, telecommunica-tions companies, airport fuel delivery companies) are valued by the Arizona Department of Revenue.10. Basis of valuation?Full cash value , which is defined as the value as determined by statute and if no statutory method is prescribed, full cash value is synonymous with market value which means the es-timate of value that is derived annually by using standard ap-praisal methods and techniques. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 42-1100111. Frequency of general revaluations? Annually.

12. Date of last general revaluation? Property is valued ev-ery year.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st of the year before the tax year. I.e., January 1, 2014 will be the valuation date for the 2015 property tax year.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Agricultural property (up to $50,000); business personal property (first $50,000, the business personal property and agricultural property exemptions are increased annually for inflation – the 2013 exemption amount is approximately $133,868); government and public property; non profit hos-pitals, health care facilities for the elderly or disable, and community health care centers; intangible property; non-profit, religious, charitable, and educational organizations15. Initial appeal process?Locally Assessed Property: Appeal to county assessor, then to the county board of equalization. If the county has no board of equalization, then the assessment is appealed to the state board of equalization.Centrally Assessed Property: Department of RevenueAlternately, a direct appeal to the Arizona tax court or the superior court in the county where the property is located, by-passing the administrative appeal steps, may be main-tained. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § § 42-16201 and 16204.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Yes. Taxpayers may appeal to court decisions of the county boards of equalization, Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 42-16202, the state board of equalization, Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 42-16203, and the DOR, Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 42-16204. Alternatively, taxpayers may appeal directly to the court prior to exhausting all of their administrative remedies. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 42-16201 17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Arizona collected approximately $7.32 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010. This represented 37.26% of the $19.63 billion in state and local taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 69.25% of taxes collected at the local government level.At the state level, property taxes represented only 7.6% of total taxes collected.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Proposition 117 - Two value system collapsed beginning in tax year 2015. In November 2012, Arizona voters approved Proposition 117, a constitutional amendment, which col-lapses Arizona’s two value system for tax year 2015 (valua-tion year 2014) and thereafter. Under Proposition 117, “[f ]or purposes of taxes levied beginning in tax year 2015, the value of real property and improvements . . . used for all ad valorem taxes shall be the lesser of the full cash value of the property or an amount 5% greater than the value of property determined pursuant to this subsection for the prior year.” In short, annual increases in property value will be capped at 5% over the previous year’s limited value, with the total limited

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value not exceeding full cash value. This new limited value will be used for purposes of calculating both primary and secondary property taxes.

Arkansas1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description? Real and personal property.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Owner. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-3-201. Unless a lease for a term of 10 years and the property belongs to the state or any religious, scientific, or benevolent society or institution, whether incorporated or not, and school, semi-nary, saline, or other lands, then it shall be assessed to the lease holder. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-26-905.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? County.6. Current tax rate? Though only one class of property, there are varying millage rates for counties, cities, and school districts. Combining the county, city, and school district rates, the highest tax rate for 2012 was 5.2%, the lowest was 3.72%, and the average was 4.6%. http://www.arkansas.gov/acd/pdfs/2012_Millage_Re-port.pdf. All property is assessed at 20% of true, actual, or market value.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by?Real property and personal property taxes are collected by the county government. Taxes from centrally assessed prop-erty are collected by the Department of Finance and Ad-ministration.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors appraise and assess all property in the counties. The Tax Division of the Public Services Commis-sion assesses and equalizes the property of public utilities and carriers and private car companies.10. Basis of valuation?20% of true and full market or actual value. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-26-303 Under sections 1 and 2 of Amendment 79 of the Arkansas Constitution, the following limits on increases in assessed value apply:If the parcel is not a taxpayer’s homestead used as the tax-payer’s principal place of residence, then for the first assess-ment following reappraisal, any increase in the taxable as-sessed value of the parcel shall be limited to not more than ten percent (10%) of the taxable assessed value of the parcel for the previous year. In each year thereafter the taxable as-sessed value shall increase by an additional ten percent (10%) of the taxable assessed value of the parcel for the year prior to the first assessment that resulted from reappraisal but shall

not exceed the full assessed value determined by the most recent reappraisal.Except as provided in paragraph g), if the parcel is a tax-payer’s homestead used as the taxpayer’s principal place of residence then for the first assessment following reappraisal, any increase in the taxable assessed value of the parcel shall be limited to not more than five percent (5%) of the taxable assessed value of the parcel for the previous year. In each year thereafter the taxable assessed value shall increase by an ad-ditional five percent (5%) of the taxable assessed value of the parcel for the year prior to the first assessment that resulted from reappraisal but shall not exceed the full assessed value as determined by the most recent reappraisal.If a homestead owner’s taxable assessed value was frozen prior to the current assessment year, it will only change in the follow-ing circumstances: the current or a subsequent reassessment establishes that the taxable assessed value of his/her property has decreased; the current or future owner no longer qualifies under Amendment 79 for the freeze: the full assessed value of any substantial improvement, as defined in ACD Rule 4.08.2, will be added to the taxable assessed value of the property.

11. Frequency of general revaluations? Varies by assessing jurisdiction.

12. Date of last general revaluation? January 1st.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?Public property used exclusively for public purposes 14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Churches used as such Cemeteries used exclusively as such School buildings and apparatus Libraries and grounds used exclusively for school purposes Buildings and grounds and material used exclusively for charity, Ark. Constitution Art. 16 Sec. 5All capital invested in a textile mill for the manufacture of cotton and fiber goods in any manner is exempt for seven years from the date of the location of said mill, Ar. Const. amend. 12Intangible personal property may be designated as one or more classes of personal property and such class or classes may be exempted by the legislature, Ark. Constitution Amd. 57. All intangible personal property has been exempted by the legislature, Ark. Code Ann. § 26-3-302Household furniture and furnishings, clothing, appliances, and other personal property within the home, if not held for sale, rental, or other commercial or professional use, are ex-empt. Ark. Constitution Amd. 7115. Initial appeal process?Locally Assessed - If dissatisfied with the county assessor’s as-sessment of his or her property a property owner may peti-tion or apply by letter before the third Monday in August

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to the county board of equalization for an adjustment. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 26-26-910, 26-27-317. [The board is required to begin hearing appeals no later than the second Monday in August, and must decide the merits of an adjustment and notify the property owner of its decision in writing no later than 10 working days after the hearing].Centrally Assessed - Public utilities and carriers and private car companies dissatisfied with the assessment by the Tax Division of the Public Service Commission (PSC) may file a written petition for review with the PSC or Transporta-tion Safety Agency (TSA) respectively within 10 days from receiving notice of the assessment. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 26-26-1610, 26-26-1705. [Taxpayers are entitled to have interest waived if, for reasons outside the taxpayer’s control, a hearing cannot be held within 180 days of the taxpayer filing a pro-test. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-405(d)(1)(C)].16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Locally Assessed – A property owner dissatisfied with the deci-sion of the county equalization board may appeal to the county court by the second Monday in October. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-27-318. [The appeal has preference over all other matters in the court and is heard and decided on or before November 15th of the same year]. Taxpayers are required to first exhaust their rem-edy before the board of equalization in order to appeal to the county court, unless they did not have an opportunity to appear before the board. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-27-318.Centrally Assessed – Public utilities, carriers, and private car companies may appeal the order or finding of the PSC or TSA to the Pulaski County Circuit Court and then to the Arkansas Supreme Court by filing written notice with the PSC within 30 days from the date of the action or order ap-pealed. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-24-123 .17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Arkansas collected approximately $1.74 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2010, representing 18.32% of the $9.49 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented only 12.28% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 41.89% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Hearing on Appeal - Under Act 585 (S.B. 332), taxpayers are entitled to have interest waived if, for reasons outside the taxpayer’s control, a hearing cannot be held within 180 days of the taxpayer filing a protest of a proposed assessment by the director.

California1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property – Public utilities and railroads and intercounty pipelines are centrally assessed. Other prop-erty is locally assessed.

3. Person tax legally imposed on?Owner for locally assessed property; owner or user for cen-trally assessed property.

4. Unit of assessment?Separate parcel for locally assessed property; the operating unit for centrally assessed property.

5. Tax rate(s) set by?County, with the exception of the timber yield tax rate which is set by the state. Can also be set by municipalities to cover local costs not covered by county.

6. Current tax rate? The maximum general rate of tax on assessed value is 1%. Additional increments may be added to repay voter approved bonded indebtedness. The Timber Yield tax rate is 2.9%.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by?Taxes under the state-administered “Private Railroad Car Pro-gram” [discussed infra] and the Timber Yield Tax are collected by the State Board of Equalization (BOE). Tax revenue collected from the “State-Assessed Properties Program” or the “Timber Yield Tax Program” is collected at the county level. Tax revenue from locally assessed property is collected at the county level.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The BOE assesses (1) railroad cars (that are not owned by railroad companies, but are operated on railway lines within the state) under its Private Railroad Car Program; (2) pub-lic utilities and railroads under its State-Assessed Properties Program; and, (3) the harvest value of timber under its Tim-ber Yield Tax program. All other property is assessed at the county level by local assessors.

10. Basis of valuation?The assessed value of most locally assessed real property is equal to its most recent purchase price adjusted each year by the lesser of 2% or the rate of inflation. Personal property and state-assessed property are annually assessed at current fair market value.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Most locally assessed Real Property –Real property is re-valued to market value upon the date that a change of own-ership occurs or the new construction is completed. When real estate values decline or property damage occurs causing a property’s market value to fall below its assessed value, a property owner may obtain a “decline in value adjustment.”Locally Assessed Personal Property – Annually at market value on the January 1st lien dateUtilities – Annually at market valueon the January 1st lien date12. Date of last general revaluation? Lien date 201313. Valuation date used for current assessment period?Generally, January 1st with special rules for “change of own-ership” and “new construction”

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14. Main exemptions/reliefs?• Government properties• Properties used for non-commercial purposes, includ-

ing hospitals, religious properties, charities, and non-profit schools and colleges

• Homestead Exemption - $7,000 of full market value, or if qualified, Disabled Veterans’ Exemption (for 2013: $122,128 basic or $183,193 low income (changes annually based upon inflation factor))

• Personal property held for sale or lease in the ordinary course of business

• Standing Timber• Application Software

15. Initial appeal process?Locally-assessed property - Property owners can appeal by filing an application for changed assessment with a county board of supervisors (sitting as a local board of equalization) or assessment appeals board between July 2nd and September 15th (depending on the county’s specific deadline). However, if notice of assessment was not provided to the taxpayer prior to August 1st, the assessment appeal deadline is extended to November 30th. / Assessments made outside the regular as-sessment period (supplemental assessments and escape as-sessments) must be appealed within 60 days from the date the notice of change in assessment is mailed. State-assessed property – A utility may file a petition for re-assessment with the BOE to appeal the assessed value of a utility’s unitary and nonunitary property. The petition must be filed by July 20. A public hearing may be held in response to the petition if requested by the assesse..

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Locally-assessed property - If the county board denies the appeal, the taxpayer may file an action in superior court, but only under certain circumstances. Taxpayers must exhaust their administrative remedies before seeking relief in court. This includes filing an application for changed assessment with the appeals board and a claim for refund of taxes with the appropriate county official(s). An action against a county must be filed in superior court within six months after the county denies the claim for refund. However, if the county fails to act on the claim for refund for more than six months, the taxpayer may consider the claim rejected and file legal action without waiting for the county to act.State-assessed property – Special requirements apply for judicial review of state-assessed property, under Cal. Rev. & Tax. § 5148.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?California collected approximately $53.51 billion in state and local property taxes in Fiscal Year 2010-2011, represent-ing 28.9% of the $185.22 billion in state and local taxes col-lected.At the state level, property taxes represented only 2.7% of total taxes collected.

Property taxes accounted for approximately 73.40% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Standardized procedures are not always followed by the as-sessors. Assessors proactively reduced values when current market value fell below the factored base during the recent economic downturn.In late November 2012, Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, announced a constitutional amendment to lower voter ap-proval on school district parcel taxes – a specialized form of property tax – from two-thirds to 55 percent. Other legisla-tive leaders, such as Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Stein-berg, have already endorsed such a change. In late November 2012, the Legislature’s budget analysts re-leased a report on the state’s property tax system, suggesting that the way $55 billion a year in local property taxes are distributed, adopted 30-plus years ago, may be outdated.On August 5, 2013, the California Supreme Court issued its ruling on the subject case involving the validity of Property Tax Rule 474, Petroleum Refining Properties, which provides that refinery property consisting of land, improvements and fixtures is rebuttably presumed to be a single appraisal unit in determining Proposition 8 declines in value below the Proposition 13 adjusted base year value for property tax valu-ation purposes. The Supreme Court held that Rule 474 is substantively valid but procedurally defective under the Administrative Proce-dure Act (APA). Specifically, the Supreme Court held that the adoption of Rule 474 did not exceed the Board’s rule-making authority because the rule is consistent with appli-cable constitutional and statutory provisions as well as the long-standing valuation principle that the proper appraisal unit is the collection of assets that people in the marketplace normally buy and sell as a single unit. Property Taxes staff released a letter on October 21, 2013, to County Assessors, County Counsels, County Boards of Su-pervisors, and other interested parties soliciting information relative to an economic impact report that staff will prepare in conjunction with the proposed re-adoption of Property Tax Rule 474, Petroleum Refining Properties.On August 12, 2013, the California Supreme Court issued its decision in Elk Hills Power, LLC v. State Board of Equal-ization (2013) 57 Cal.4th 593 (Elk Hills). This case addressed the question of how to properly value for property tax pur-poses a power plant, whose construction and operation had required the owner to acquire and apply certain Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs). It was undisputed that the ap-plied ERCs were intangible assets which provided legal rights that were necessary for the beneficial and productive use of the power plant. (Id. at p. 619.) The issue presented to the Court was whether the applied ERCs were properly considered by the Board in determining unitary value.

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The Supreme Court concluded that, with respect to the RCLD, “the Board directly and improperly taxed the power company’s ERCs when it added their replacement cost to the power plant’s taxable value.” (Elk Hills, supra, 57 Cal.4th at p. 602.)

Colorado1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property (with the exception of personal property of a registered insurance company or financial insti-tution) – General business property is locally assessed. Oper-ating property of public utilities is centrally assessed.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? County Treasurer.6. Current tax rate? Current Tax Rate – Each political subdivision calculates a tax rate based on the revenue needed from property tax and the to-tal assessed value of real and personal property located within the political subdivision’s boundaries. All of the tax rates of the various taxing entities providing services in a tax area are added together to form the total tax rate. The total tax rate is a combination of the taxpayer’s county tax rate, city tax rate, school district tax rate, and the water and sanitation tax rate. In 2011, Denver’s combined general millage or Mill Rate in-cluding Denver Public Schools and Urban Drainage District was 71.307 mills or a tax rate of $0.071307 for every $1 of assessed value.Assessment Ratio – Residential real property is determined in accordance with Colo. Rev. Stat. § 39-1-104.2, which set forth an assessment ratio of 7.96% for 2011 and 2012. For 2013 and after the assessment ratio is to be set annually by the state legislature. The assessment rate for most other types of property, including personal property, is 29% of actual value. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 39-1-104.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by? Local government. No tax is collected at the state level.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Local assessors (in the sixty-four counties)10. Basis of valuation?Residential property is valued using only the market ap-proach to value. Most non-residential property, including personal property, is valued by considering the market ap-proach, the cost approach, and the income approach to value.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real property is re-valued every two years. Personal property is re-valued annually.

12. Date of last general revaluation?2013. Real property is valued in the odd-number year.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?• Government and public property• Intangible property• Nonprofit religious, charitable, and educational orga-

nizations

Homestead Exemptions – for seniors and disabled veterans: 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value of the primary resi-dence of a qualifying homeowner (aged 65 or older, disabled veteran, or the homeowner’s surviving spouse). Colo. Rev. Stat. § 39-3-203.

See the link below to access the Assessors’ Reference Library, Volume 2, Chapter 10 – Exemptions for specifics.

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satel l i te?blobcol=ur l data&blobheadername1=Content-Disposition&blobheader name2=Content-Type&blobheadervalue1=inline%3B+file name%3D%22ARL+Volume+2-October+2013.pdf%22& blobheadervalue2=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blob table=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251898776227&ssbinary=true

Also, Addendum 10-A, page 10.29 in the Assessors’ Refer-ence Library, Volume 2 provides a reference list of categories of exempt property and corresponding statutory references.

15. Initial appeal process?Oral or written protests for real property must be postmarked or delivered to the assessor on or before June 1st. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 29-5-121. Personal property protests must be post-marked or delivered to the assessor by June 30th. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 39-5-122(2)

The assessor must make a decision on the protest and mail a Notice of Determination by the last regular working day in June for real property and by July 10th for personal property. Any county may elect to extend the Notice of Determination mailing date from the last regular working day in June to the last regular working day in August.

Centrally assessed property must be appealed to the Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA) or Denver district court.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?If dissatisfied with the assessor’s decision, a taxpayer may ap-peal to the county board of equalization by July 15th for real property and by July 20th for personal property. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 39-8-106.

If still dissatisfied after the county board’s decision, a tax-payer may appeal to an arbitrator, district court, or the BAA within 30 days of the date the decision was mailed.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Colorado collected approximately $8 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2010, representing 39% of the $20.5 billion in total state and local taxes collected.

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At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 67.33% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Negotiated Personal Property Tax Incentives - A taxpayer who establishes a new business facility can negotiate with a county for an annual incentive payment or credit. Previously, the maximum amount of the negotiated incentive payment or credit was limited to 50% of the amount of county taxes due on the taxable personal property located at or within the operation of the new business facility for the current prop-erty tax year. Now that ceiling has been increased to the full amount of county personal property taxes. H.B. 12-1029, signed into law on March 24, 2012.Refunds: Personal property refunds may be given if the state’s revenues exceed the limit on revenue in state Con-stitution.

Connecticut1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property (including personal property of non-residents if property is in the state for 3 months of the year) – All property is locally assessed. The state administers a special personal property tax for certain telecommunication providers. 3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Municipal/Local government, including counties, cities, and special taxing districts6. Current tax rate? Current Tax Rate - Local property tax mill rates for fiscal year 2012-2013 are based upon the 2011 grand list and are available in a document at http://www.ct.gov/opm/cwp/view.asp?a=2987&q=385976. These are the most current mill rates and are reflected in each municipality’s July 2012 tax bills. – The lowest combined millage rate of 11.001 is in Greenwich. The highest mill rate of 74.29 is in Hartford. The average millage rate (of those available) is approximately19.54.After the board of assessment appeals finalizes determina-tions for hearings held in March or April, a taxing jurisdic-tion determines the amount of property tax revenue that it will need for the upcoming fiscal year and sets a mill rate. Multiplying the mill rate (the basis for which is a thousandth of a dollar) by a property’s net assessment results in the prop-erty tax. The net assessment of a property is the assessment minus all exemptions for which a taxpayer qualifies.Assessment Ratio – With the exception of certain classified land, all property (regardless of class) is assessed at 70% of

true and actual (fair market) value. However, assessor may add a 25% assessment penalty if a taxpayer files a late Per-sonal Property Declaration, or an audit reveals that the tax-payer omitted personal property from the declaration.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by?Municipal/Local government, including counties, cities, and special taxing districts

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Local assessor.

10. Basis of valuation? True and actual (fair market) value

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real property must be re-valued at least every 10 years Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-62(b).

12. Date of last general revaluation?Generally, October 1, 2009 for real property, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-62(b)(3), but localities may have initiated revaluations since then. For instance, the Town of Middlebury’s last revaluation was October 1, 2011. The City of Norwalk has commenced its Octo-ber 1, 2013 revaluation. The Town of Monroe’s next revaluation is scheduled for October 1, 2014. Each town is able to schedule it’s revaluation independent of other jurisdictions or the state as long as they get them in approximately every 5 years. Some have deferred more than once so that the cycle is 6 or 7 years.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? Oc-tober 1st for both real and personal property

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Low income abatement program (if tax exceeds 8% of tax-payer’s income), Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-124a(a)Family personal propertyGovernment or public propertyUtility propertyNon-profit and religious organizations15. Initial appeal process?A taxpayer who disagrees with an assessor’s determination regarding an assessment has the right to submit a written request for a hearing to a local board of assessment appeals. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-111. The date for submitting a hearing request is either February 20th or March 20th, depending on when the grand list is completed. Hearings occur in March or April. Boards of assessment appeals also meet at least once during the month of September to hear appeals related to motor vehicle assessments. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-112. A tax-payer must appear at a hearing before the board of assess-ment appeals, or must ensure that someone appears on the taxpayer’s behalf. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-113.Protest is mandatory to file a Superior Court tax appeal.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?If a taxpayer disagrees with a determination of a board of assessment appeals, the taxpayer may file an appeal with the

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superior court for the judicial district in which the property is located. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-117a.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Connecticut collected approximately $9 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 42% of the $21.41 billion in state and local taxes collected.No taxes are collected at the state level.Property taxes accounted for approximately 98.6% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Exemptions – Beginning with the October 1, 2011 assess-ment year, manufacturing machinery and equipment, in-cluding machinery and equipment used in connection with biotechnology, is exempt from Connecticut property taxes regardless of when acquired. The requirement that the ma-chinery and equipment be new has also been eliminated. Act 61 (H.B. 6652), Laws 2011

Tax Bills – Effective October 1, 2011, and applicable to as-sessment years starting on or after that date, local Connecticut property tax collectors may send tax bills and statements to tax-payers electronically so long as the taxpayer consents to elec-tronic receipt. The community must also post its email address on its website and establish procedures to ensure that taxpayers receiving electronic bills and statements also receive the com-munity’s return email address. Act 185 (H.B. 5256), Laws 2011

Partially Completed Structures – A new law explicitly al-lows towns to levy property taxes on partially completed buildings and structures. Public Act 12-157, (effective October 1, 2012 and applicable to assessment years starting on or after that date)

Jeopardy Tax Collection – Changes the process by which local tax collectors take action to collect taxes that are as-sessed but not yet due (jeopardy tax collection). Prior law required tax collectors to take immediate action to collect a tax that was assessed but not yet due when they believed that payment might be jeopardized by delay. / The act instead re-quires that they take such action only if they determine, after exercising due diligence, the payment will be delayed. The act also requires local tax collectors to notify the (1) taxpayer and (2) municipality’s chief elected official or chief executive officer when beginning a jeopardy tax collection proceeding. Public Act 12-26, (effective October 1, 2012 and applicable to assessment years starting on or after that date)

Personal Property Tax Audit Penalty – By law, a local tax assessor can compel a taxpayer to testify or produce certain books and records as part of a personal property tax audit. Under prior law, taxpayers who failed to appear at the audit, refused to answer any pertinent question, or failed to pro-duce the records were subject to a fine of up to $100, up to 30 days in prison, or both. A new law classifies this crime as a class D misdemeanour, which increases the maximum fine

from $100 to $250 and maintains the maximum prison term of up to 30 days. Public Act 12-80 (effective October 1, 2012)Filing Deadline Waivers – A new law allows certain tax-payers to receive property tax exemptions even though they missed the statutory filing deadlines for them. The exemp-tions are for manufacturing machinery and equipment, com-mercial trucks, and non-profit organization property. It also allows a taxpayer to receive a refund of the penalty assessed for failing to file a personal property declaration even though the taxpayer missed the deadline for filing the declaration. Public Act 12-2, JSS §§ 3-12 (effective upon passage)Revaluation Phase-In for Decreases in Property Values - Allows municipalities to phase in post-revaluation decreases in property values using methods that are comparable to those the law allows for phasing in increases in property val-ues. Public Act 12-2, JSS §§ 168-170 (effective July 1, 2012 and applicable to assessment years starting October 1, 2012)

Delaware1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property. [Personal property exempt]. – All real prop-erty is locally assessed.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Generally, tax is imposed on the owner. However, for leased property, tenant is responsible for property tax (must pay it to person entitled to rent, unless other agreement exists). Tenant can deduct same amount out of rent. No set valuation date.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Counties, cities, and special taxing districts 6. Current tax rate? Kent County – Generally, property is assessed at 60% of its true value. For the 2012-2013 fiscal year the highest combined tax rate was $3.1352 per $100, while the lowest was $1.6271 per $100 http://dedo.delaware.gov/dedo_pdf/NewsEvents_pdf/publications/2012-2013_Property_Tax_Report.pdf. All property classified as Commercial C-2 had a tax rate of $1.59 per $100 of taxable value. However, some cities and towns had differing assessment ratios and/or rates:• The City of Camden charges $0.96 per $100 of tax-

able value for senior citizens.• The City of Dover taxes property at 100% of its 2010

assessment.• The Town of Kenton taxes property at 100% of its

1992 assessment.• The Town of Little Creek taxes senior citizens at $0.30

per $100 of assessment.• The rate for Houston was the 2010-2011 rate.• The City of Milford taxes property at 100% of its 2002

assessment.

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• The Town of Smyrna taxes property at 100% of its 2006 assessment.

• Each property is charged an additional $276 base tax year per year for waste removal.

New Castle County – Generally, property is assessed at 100% of true value. For the 2012-2013 fiscal year the the highest combined tax rate was $4.2691 per $100, while the lowest was $1.8670 per $100 http://dedo.delaware.gov/dedo_pdf/NewsEvents_pdf/publications/2012-2013_Property_Tax_Report.pdf. . • Residents of the “Ardens” do not own their property,

but hold 99-year leases. Taxes are assessed on square feet of land, not value of house.

• The Town of Elsmere charges an additional $275 for each residential and commercial unit.

• Delaware City has a City Park Tax of 0.0500 which was added to the city rate.

Sussex County – Generally, property is assessed at 50% of true value. For the 2012-2013 fiscal year the highest com-bined tax rate was $6.5311 per $100, while the lowest was $3.5079 per $100 http://dedo.delaware.gov/dedo_pdf/New-sEvents_pdf/publications/2012-2013_Property_Tax_Re-port.pdf.. There was also a county capitalization tax of $3.00. However, some cities and towns had differing assessment ratios and/or rates:• The Town of Bethany Beach taxes property at 100% of

its 2002 assessment.• The Town of Blades taxes property at 50% of its 1989

assessment.• The Town of Dagsboro taxes property at 100% of its

1994 assessment.• The Town of Delmar taxes property at 100% of its

2008 assessment.• The Town of Dewey Beach taxes property at 100% of

the 1974 county assessment. (used only for beach re-plenishment)

• The Town of Laurel taxes property at 100% of its 1974 assessment.

• The Town of Lewes taxes property at 50% of its 2000 assessment.

• The City of Milford taxes property at 100% of its 2002 assessment.

• The Town of Millsboro taxes property at 100% of its 1992 assessment.

• The Town of Millville taxes property at 100% of its 1974 assessment.

• The town of Milton taxes property at 100% of its 2009 assessment

• The Town of Ocean View taxes property at 100% of its 2007 assessment.

• The Town of Rehoboth Beach taxes property at 50% of its 1968 assessment.

• The City of Seaford taxes property at 50% of its 2008 assessment.

• The Town of Slaughter Beach taxes property at 100% of its 1974 assessment.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually. Del. Code Ann. tit. 9, § 8101.

8. Tax collected by? County government

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessor

10. Basis of valuation?All real property subject to assessment is assessed at its true value in money. Del. Code Ann. tit. 9, § 8306

11. Frequency of general revaluations?No provision for periodic review. 12. Date of last general revaluation?The date of last reassessment varies by county: Kent county, 1987; New Castle county, 1983; Sussex county, 1974.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?No specific state-wide date. While assessed annually, the val-uation date varies by county and municipality: Kent county, 1987; New Castle county, 1983; Sussex county, 1974.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Government propertyProperty used for educational, religious, or charitable purposesExemption for seniors ($5,000 of assessed value for those with incomes of $3,000 or less who have owned and occu-pied property in the state for at least 3 years)No homestead exemption15. Initial appeal process? Appeals are initially made to the county’s Board of Assess-ment Review. In Kent County appeals are made between April 1st and April 15th of each year; in Sussex County, be-tween February 15th and March 1st of each year; in New Cas-tle County, between March 15th and April 1st of each year. Del. Code Ann. tit. 9, § 8311.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Appeals from decisions of any Board of Assessment Review to the superior court of the county in which the person re-sides must be made within 30 days of the postmark date after receiving notice of the decision. Del. Code Ann. tit. 9, § 8312.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Delaware collected approximately $664 million in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 18.57% of the $3.58 billion in state and local taxes collected.No taxes are collected at the state level.Property taxes accounted for approximately 82% of taxes col-lected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Exemptions – Effective July 25, 2011, religious, educational, charitable, or other specified organizations that own property in New Castle County are not automatically exempt from

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county property tax and must apply for such exemption. The application for property tax exemption must be submitted to the county assessment division by March 1st of the preceding fiscal year. If the property is acquired after March 1st, the ap-plication must be submitted within 30 days of the property acquisition. Ch. 11 (H.B. 31), Laws 2011

District of Columbia1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property and tangible personal property.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Council of the District of Columbia. D.C. Code § 47-501.6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst classes of property from .85% to 10%. http://otr.cfo.dc.gov/otr/cwp/view,a,1330,q,594394.asp7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually for real property, but varies for personal property. D.C. Code § 47-501.8. Tax collected by?Office of Tax and Revenue/DC Treasurer9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Assessors are appointed by the mayor10. Basis of valuation?Open market value. D.C. Mun. Regs. § 306.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real property is updated annually12. Date of last general revaluation? 2012.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st for real property and July 1st for personal property. D.C. Mun. Regs. § 306; D.C. Code § 47-1523.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious and charitable properties are fully exemptedHomestead exemption reduces the primary residence prop-erty value by $69,100.Tax relief is also available to seniors 65 and older with ad-justed gross income of $125000or less, as well as permanently and totally disabled taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $ 125000 or less.15. Initial appeal process?Initial appeals are made to the local assessor16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals go to the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Washington, D.C. collected approximately $1.86 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 36.96% of the $5.03 billion in state and local taxes collected.

At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 36.96% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

Florida1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property, personal property, and intangibles – General business property is locally assessed. Railroad and private carline operating property are the only property types that are centrally assessed. Fla. Admin. Code Ann. r. 12D-2.002.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Local governments, including cities, counties, school boards, and special districts. Each year, usually in August and Sep-tember, locally elected officials in each jurisdiction set a mill-age or tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year which usually begins on October 1st.6. Current tax rate? For 2012, the highest county combined millage rate was 23.442, the lowest was 9.7536, and the average was 17.3241 http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/resources/data.html.Several types of local governments can levy property taxes to support the services they provide to people in a county, city, or other specific area. They are called taxing authorities and include counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts such as water management, fire protection, mos-quito protection or other special districts. Before adopting a budget and setting a millage (tax) rate, taxing authorities must hold public hearings and follow the statewide truth in millage (TRIM) requirements. Millage rates for each juris-diction are uniform across all property types.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by? County Tax Collector.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County property appraiser10. Basis of valuation? Market value.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Annually, with physical inspection every 5 years. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 193.023(2)12. Date of last general revaluation? January 1, 2013

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 192.042

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Educational institutionsHomestead exemption - $50,000 limit

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Assessment increases limited to 3% annually for owners of homestead property and 10% annually for owners of other propertyLocal option additional homestead exemption for low in-come seniors of up to $50,000 or value of property if just value is less than $250,000.Personal property (first $25,000)Property used for charitable, religious, scientific, or literary purposesTangible personal property owned solely for personal use as household goods by the owner is wholly exemptGovernment property immune from taxation.

15. Initial appeal process?Any taxpayer who objects to the assessment may request an informal conference with the property appraiser or a mem-ber of the appraiser’s staff, although such a conference is not a prerequisite to formal administrative or judicial review. A taxpayer who objects to the assessment may file a petition requesting review by the local value adjustment board. Fla. Stat. §§ 194.011, 194.015.The petition must be filed within 25 days from the mailing of the notice of assessment. Fla. Stat. § 194.011.A taxpayer who objects to the assessment may file a petition requesting review by the local value adjustment board. Fla. Stat. §§ 194.011, 194.015

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals? Circuit court. Fla. Stat. § 194.036

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?The ad valorem tax is an annual tax levied by local govern-ments based on the value of real and tangible personal prop-erty as of January 1 of each year. Florida’s constitution pro-hibits the state government from levying an ad valorem tax.

In 2012, Florida levied approximately $24.175 billion in local property taxes. State-wide, local ad valorem taxes ac-counted for 75.6% of all taxes collected at the county level. In 2012, local school districts received 35.54% of their financial support from state sources, 46.32% from local sources, and 18.14% from federal sources.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Appeals – Applicable to petitions filed with value adjust-ment boards on or after July 1, 2011, Florida requires a peti-tioner to pay a specified amount of property tax before April 1. The value adjustment board will deny the petition by writ-ten decision by April 20th if the petitioner fails to make the required payment. Ch. 181 (H.B. 281), Laws 2010

Educational Property Exemption – Provides an exemption from ad valorem taxation for certain property used for edu-cational purposes. Sections 25 and 33, 2012-193, L.O.F. (CS/HB 7097 3rd Eng.)

Periodic Review – Allows the Department of Revenue dis-cretion in determining whether to review the assessments

of certain businesses. Section 16, 2012-193, L.O.F. (CS/HB 7097 3rd Eng.)Taxpayer Rights: Value Adjustment Board Hearing – Pro-vides that a taxpayer has a right to have a hearing before the Value Adjustment Board rescheduled if the hearing is not commenced within a reasonable time, not to exceed two hours after the scheduled time. Section 2, 2012-193, L.O.F. (CS/HB 7097 3rd Eng.)Rules and Regulations: The Florida Department of Rev enue continues to clarify the rules and regulations for value adjust-ment boards. Value adjustment boards cannot refuse to accept a petition or require written authorizations from licensed tax representatives or agents who file a petition with the board.

Georgia1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property – General business property is locally assessed. Airlines, railroad equipment companies, spe-cial franchises, and public utilities are centrally assessed.Intangible property is not taxed, and hasn’t been since 1995, although constitutional authority exists to do so.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?State, county, cities, schools and towns6. Current tax rate? In 2012, the average county and municipal millage rate is 30 mills. Additionally, the state millage rate in each county is 0.25 mills. The attached document “2012 Georgia County Ad Valorem Tax Digest Millage Rates” contains millage rates for each county, which includes the school rate, county in-corporated rate, city rates, and unincorporated county rates https://etax.dor.ga.gov/ptd/cds/csheets/LGS_Georgia_County_Ad_Valorem_Tax_Digest_Millage_Rates_by_Tax-ing_Jurisdiction_PTSR006OD_2012.pdfThe state portion of the property tax is scheduled to be phased out at the rate of 0.05 mills per year beginning in 2011, when the state tax rate was 0.25 mills and ending in 2016, when the millage rate will be zero. Ga. Code Ann. § 48-5-8.Taxable tangible property is assessed at 40% of its fair market value. Ga. Code Ann. § 48-5-7.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by?The county tax commissioner is responsible for collecting property taxes for the county, school and State. And in some counties the tax commissioner may collect property taxes for the city.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County.10. Basis of valuation? Fair market value.

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11. Frequency of general revaluations?The real property valuation cycle is every 3 years. The county appraisal staff must prepare annual assessments of real prop-erty. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 560-11-2-.28. However, there are no provisions requiring reappraisal or physical inspection of property for appraisal purposes at specified intervals.

12. Date of last general revaluation? Varies by assessing ju-risdiction.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Governmental and public property; Homesteads; Additional homesteads for seniors; Inventory; Nonprofit, charitable, sci-entific, religious, and educational organizations

15. Initial appeal process?Appeal to county board of equalization, hearing officer, or to a binding arbitrator; must be filed with 45 days from mailing of assessment. Ga. Code Ann. § 48-5-311. The taxpayer’s ap-peal may be based on taxability, value, uniformity, and/or the denial of an exemption. The written appeal is filed with the County Board of Tax Assessors.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?The taxpayer must select one of the three options below when filing an appeal:

Appeal to the County Board of Equalization: The appeal based on value, uniformity, taxability or denial of exemption is filed by the property owner and reviewed by the board of assessors. The board of assessors may change the assessment and send a new notice. The property owner may appeal the assessment in the amended notice within 30 days. This sec-ond appeal made the property owner or any initial appeal which is not amended by the board of assessors is automati-cally forwarded to the Board of Equalization. A hearing is scheduled and conducted and the Board of Equalization renders its decision at the conclusion of the hearing. If the taxpayer is still dissatisfied, an appeal to Superior Court may be made.

Appeal to a Hearing Officer: The taxpayer may appeal to a Hearing Officer, who is a state certified general real property or state certified residential real property appraiser and is ap-proved as a hearing officer by the Georgia Real Estate Com-mission and the Georgia Real Estate Appraiser Board, when the issue of the appeal is the value or uniformity of value of non-homestead real property, but only when the value is equal to or greater than $1,000,000. If the taxpayer is still dissatisfied with the decision of the hearing officer, an appeal to Superior Court may be made.

Appeal to an Arbitrator: An appeal of value may be filed to Arbitration by filing your appeal specifying Arbitration with the board of assessors within 45 days of the date of the notice. The Board of Assessors must notify the taxpayer of

the receipt of the arbitration appeal within 10 days. The tax-payer must submit a certified appraisal of the subject prop-erty within 45 days of the filing of the notice of appeal which the board of assessors may accept or reject. If the taxpayer’s appraisal is rejected the board of assessors must certify the appeal to the county clerk of superior court for arbitration. The arbitration is authorized by the judge and a hearing is scheduled within 30 days. The arbitration will issue a deci-sion at the conclusion of the hearing, which is a final and which may not be appealed further. If the taxpayer’s value is determined by the arbitrator to be the value, the county is responsible for the clerk of the superior court’s fees, if any, and the fees and costs the arbitrator. If the board of assessors’ value is determined by the arbitrator to be the value, the tax-payer is responsible for the clerk of the superior court’s fees, if any, and the fees and costs the arbitrator.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Georgia collected approximately $10.59 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 35.18% of the $30 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes col-lected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 68.54% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?HB 48 (O.C.G.A § 48-5-48.2) - This bill adds a second level to the existing “Freeport exemption” for ad valorem taxation. The Level 2 Freeport exemption covers goods, wares, and merchandise of every character and kind constituting the inventory of a business which would not otherwise qualify for a Level 1 Freeport exemption. The Level 2 exemption is structured in a similar manner as the Level 1 exemption in that the local governing authority has discretion to grant or deny the exemption for the applicable tangible personal property and can determine the percentage of relief (if any) to be granted from ad valorem taxation. With respect to the Level 1 Freeport exemption the bill also provides that cer-tain foreign merchandise in transit may be exempted from ad valorem taxation.

Hawaii1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property. [Personal property exempt]. – All property is locally assessed within the four counties.

3. Person tax legally imposed on?Owners. See, e.g., ROH 8-2.1; MCC 3.48.130; HCC 19-27; KCC 5A-7.1 (in Kauai, assessed to lessee for leaseholds of 15 years or more) . [ note that Hawaii law gives the counties the authority to administer the property taxes in their jurisdic-tion, thus we are deleting references to the HRS where it is no longer applicable

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The Real Property Tax laws are found here:Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (“ROH”)Kauai County Code (“KCC”)Maui County Code (“MCC”)Hawaii County Code (“HCC”)4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Counties.6. Current tax rate? Rates are determined at the county level and depend on property type ranging anywhere from $0 per $1,000 for public service property in Honolulu County to $15.50 per $1,000 for time share property in Maui County For Honolulu County: http://www.realpropertyhonolulu.com/content/rpadcms/documents/2012/12_rates.pdf.For Kauai County: http://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments/Finance/RealProperty/TaxRates/tabid/102/Default.aspxFor Maui County: http://www.mauicounty.gov/index.aspx?NID=755For Hawaii County: http://www.hawaiipropertytax.com/Forms/HtmlFrame.aspx?mode=Content/TAXRATES.htm7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually – The fiscal year runs from July 1st through June 30th 8. Tax collected by? County.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County.10. Basis of valuation?Fair market value. See, e.g., ROH 8-7.1(a); KCC 5A-8.1; HCC 19-5311. Frequency of general revaluations?Property is valued and assessed annually. See, e.g., ROH 8-7.1(a); KCC 5A-8.1; HCC 19-53.12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by assessing jurisdiction13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?October 1 in Honolulu county (ROH 8-6.2) October 1 for Kauai county (KCC 5A-6.2)January 1 in Maui county - http://www.mauicounty.gov/in-dex.aspx?NID=1111January 1 for Hawaii county (HCC 19-47)14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Governmental and public property; Homesteads; Special homesteads for senior citizens; Nonprofit, religious, chari-table, and educational organizations; and Disabled persons15. Initial appeal process?An informal appeal may be directed to the assessor/appraiser assigned to the parcel. A formal appeal may be lodged with the county board of review or an appeal may be filed with the State Tax Appeal Court. However, Maui and Hawaii coun-ties require an appeal be first lodged with the local county board of review. See #16 below.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Generally, a taxpayer or a county may appeal directly to the Hawaii Tax Appeal Court (TAC) without appealing to an administrative body established by county ordinance. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 232-16. A decision of a board of review may also be appealed to the TAC. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 232-17. An ap-peal to the TAC must be submitted in writing no later than 30 days after the decision of a board of review or county administrative body is filed and must be accompanied by the cost of the appeal, not to exceed $100. Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 232-17, 232-22. A notice of appeal must be served on the director of taxation and, in the case of an appeal from a decision involving the county as a party, the real property assessment division of the county involved. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 232-16.

A decision of the TAC may be appealed to the Hawaii Inter-mediate Appellate Court by filing a written notice of appeal and depositing the costs of appeal with the TAC within 30 days after the decision of the TAC is filed. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 232-19.Small claims appeals: A small claims procedure is available in the tax appeal court for claims in which the total tax liabil-ity, not including penalties and interest, is less than $1,000. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 232-5.However, for Maui and Hawaii counties, an appeal must first be filed with the Real Property Tax Division Board of Re-view (Maui Ord. 3900 (2011)) for Maui and the Tax Board of Review for Hawaii county. http://www.hawaiipropertytax.com/Forms/HtmlFrame.aspx?mode=Content/Forms_Ap-peals.htm&LMparent=23717. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Hawaii collected approximately $1.4 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2010, representing 21.11% of the $6.6 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 79.09% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Appeals : Hawaii taxpayers appealing real property tax assess-ments must first obtain a decision from a local administrative body established by county ordinance before appealing to the tax appeal court, if required by the county. In such circum-stances, the notice of appeal to the tax appeal court must be accompanied by a copy of the decision from the administra-tive body. Act 106(Haw. Leg. 2011) ; effective June 14, 2011Small Claims Appeals: Hawaii has enacted legislation to pro-vide that pre-trial discovery is prohibited in small claims tax appeals without prior written approval of the court and that costs and fees awarded to the prevailing party are limited to fees paid directly to the court in the course of conducting the appeal at issue. Where an appeal from a decision involves a county as a party, notice of the appeal and a copy of the state-

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ment is to be served on the real property assessment division of the county involved. Act 167 (Haw. Leg. 2011)Agricultural Land (Honolulu): Applicable to tax years begin-ning on and after July 1, 2013, a Honolulu ordinance revises the availability of real property tax incentives provided by the city for dedication of agricultural land to agricultural use. Land may only be approved for agricultural use dedica-tion for five-year or 10-year periods, where formerly a one-year approval period was allowed. Further, if dedicated land is unable to be maintained as agricultural land throughout the entire dedication period, the owner may file a land use change cancellation. Definitions and clarifying language per-taining to agricultural land use dedication are added. ROH 8-7.3 amended by Ordinance 11-26, Honolulu City Council (2011)Act 326 (Haw. Leg. 2012): Requires each county to provide the department of taxation with information necessary and for department to provide the counties with information necessary for the enforcement of county real property tax laws.

Idaho1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?All real property and most personal property are locally as-sessed. The Idaho State Tax Commission is responsible for the appraisal, assessment, and taxation of certain public utili-ties. Idaho Code § 63-401.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Taxing districts - Many kinds of taxing districts exist in Idaho. Some, like cities and counties, levy taxes to provide a wide range of services. Other taxing districts levy taxes for specific purposes like highways, schools, or fire protection. Each property is located within several independent taxing districts. Taxing districts levies constrained by Idaho Code § 63-802. State oversight and review of all levies provided in Idaho Code § 63-808 to 809.6. Current tax rate? In 2012, the average urban rate was 1.631%. The average rural rate was 1.048% http://tax.idaho.gov/i-1129.cfm. The state tax on locally assessed property has been suspended since 1965 and is not permitted as long as the sales tax is in place. Idaho Code § 63-801.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually Based on caps in Idaho Code § 63-802, system is budget driven, not based on fixed rates or rates that may be arbitrarily raised or lowered. This would be prevented by the budget caps which prevail over rate limits found elsewhere in law.

8. Tax collected by?Taxes are collected at the county level for locally assessed property. Taxes are collected at the state level for centrally assessed property. Apportionment is only for public utilities and railroads, which are subject to state assessment.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors assess locally assessed property. State asses-sors assess centrally assessed property.10. Basis of valuation?Market value; however, “the actual and functional use shall be a major consideration.” This requirement to consider ac-tual use is in statute and was intended to prevent placing higher values on real property based on a highest and best use standard if the current use was valued less.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Revaluations occur annually, and are supplemented by reap-praisal including physical inspection at least every 5 years for locally assessed property. Idaho Code § 63-314.12. Date of last general revaluation? Jan. 1, 201313. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st of current year. Idaho Code § 63-205.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Charitable, educational, and religious property; Business inventory; Homesteads [Homeowner’s exemption for the lesser of (1) a maximum exemption amount that changes an-nually ($83,974 for 2012), or (2) 50% of the market value of the improvements if occupied as a primary residence]; In-tangibles; Tangible personal property items purchased on or after 1/1/2013 costing $3,000 or less; On and after 1/1/2013 each taxpayer’s personal property located in a county is ex-empt up to $100,000.15. Initial appeal process?Locally assessed property: A taxpayer may appeal a county as-sessor’s valuation or denial of an exemption to the county board of equalization. Idaho Code § 63-501A. An appeal of a county board of equalization’s decision may be taken to the Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) within 30 days. Idaho Code § 63-511. Centrally assessed property: Public utilities and railroad car companies may appeal an assessment by the Commission or an assessment of other property in the state by filing a peti-tion for a formal hearing with the Commission. Idaho Code § 63-407.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?A BTA decision may be appealed to the county district court. Idaho Code § 63-3812.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Idaho collected approximately $1.3 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2010, representing 30.15% of the $4.34 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.

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Property taxes accounted for approximately 94% of taxes col-lected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Exemptions : The Idaho property tax exemption for new capi-tal investment property has been amended to add that the exemption is allowed whether property is acquired before, during, or after the qualifying period of 84 months. (Ch. 10 (H.B. 13), Laws 2011, effective retroactively to January 1, 2010)Exemptions : Section 63-602, Idaho Code, is being amended to require all applications be submitted annually at a cer-tain time, permit exceptions from application for exemp-tions such as household goods and to provide for approval or disapproval and a procedure for appeal. H.B. 356, Laws 2012. Section 53-602KK, Idaho Code, was amended to ex-empt all items of personal property purchased on or after January 1, 2013 and costing $3,000 or less. This code section was also modified to eliminate the trigger mechanism to the $100,000 exemption allowing it to become effective for tax year 2013 and to include operating property in the group of taxpayers eligible for the exemption. H.B. 315, Laws 2013.Occupancy Tax: If you buy or build a home or commercial property that no one has ever occupied and move in after Jan. 1, you must pay an occupancy tax. The tax is on the prorated value of the improvements for the portion of the year since first occupancy.

Illinois1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property only. Personal property is not taxed; See 35 Ill. Comp. Stat. 200/24-5. 3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?The property tax is a local tax imposed by local government taxing districts (e.g., school districts, municipalities, and counties) and administered by local officials (e.g., township assessors, chief county assessment officers, local boards of review, county collectors). The rate also depends on type of property as listed in http://tax.illinois.gov/AboutIdor/Tax-Stats/PropertyTaxStats/2011/index.htm (table 8). No state property tax.6. Current tax rate? Tax Rate – varies in the 6,000+ taxing units throughout the different countiesAssessment Ratio –The required assessment level for tax pur-poses on any parcel of real property in any county, except Cook County, is 331/3 % of the property’s fair market value, excluding farmland and farm buildings. Cook County classifies prop-erty and assesses classes at different percentages of fair market value. [For example, the required assessment level for the resi-

dential class is 10% of fair market value]. The ratio for Cook County is now 25% for standard commercial property.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by?Municipal/Local (county) government. There are approxi-mately 6,000 local government units (e.g., municipalities, townships, counties, schools, and park districts) use property tax to finance the majority of services they provide.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Generally, the local assessor. 35 Ill. Comp. Stat. 200/9-70. The Department of Revenue assesses and allocates to local taxing districts the value of all pollution control facilities, low sulfur dioxide emission coal-fuelled devices, and property owned or used by railroad companies operating within Illinois, except noncarrier real estate. 35 Ill. Comp. Stat. 200/17-35.The chief county assessment officer ensures that assessment levels are uniform and at the legal assessment level by apply-ing a uniform percentage increase or decrease to all assess-ments in the jurisdiction (i.e., assessments are “equalized”).County boards of review determine whether local assessing officials have calculated assessed values correctly, equalize assessments within the county, assess any property that was omitted, decide if homestead exemptions should be granted, and review non-homestead exemption applications.10. Basis of valuation?Fair market value 11. Frequency of general revaluations? Every four years generally. 35 Ill. Comp. Stat. 200/9-215. Ev-ery three years in Cook County.12. Date of last general revaluation?2011 for counties with the township form of government and less than 3 million inhabitants. 2010 for counties with the commission form of government and less than 3 million inhabitants. 35 Ill. Comp. Stat. 200/9-21513. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st of current year14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Disabled veterans’ homestead exemptionReturning veterans’ homestead exemptionGeneral and alternative homestead exemptionGovernment propertyCharitiesLocal government propertyFederal propertyReligious propertySchools and collegesSenior citizens15. Initial appeal process?File a complaint with the local county board of review. Cook County residents also have the option of applying for revi-sion with the county assessor.

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16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board or circuit court. At the Property Tax Appeal Board a favourable court ruling is un-likely unless all available administrative remedies have been exhausted. 17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Illinois collected approximately $23.43 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 43.62% of the $53.7 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented nearly 0% of total taxes col-lected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 83% of taxes col-lected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Business Corridor Abatements : Illinois property that is not otherwise exempt from property tax and is situated in a qualifying business corridor created by an intergovernmental agreement may claim property tax abatement for up to 10 years. P.A. 97-577 (H.B. 212), Laws 2011Omitted Taxes : Legislation has been enacted that authorizes county assessors to assess properties that may have been omitted from local Illinois property tax assessments for up to three years (previously, any years) prior to the current as-sessment year. The county assessor must provide a notice and an opportunity to be heard regarding the properties omit-ted from assessments, and the notice must include a request that the person receiving the notice who is not the current taxpayer contact the county assessor’s office by telephone, in writing, or in person and explain that the person is not the current taxpayer. A charge for tax of previous years cannot be made against property if any of several new limitations apply. S.B. 2797, Laws 2011.

Indiana1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property – Both general business property and oil and gas property are locally assessed. Public utilities, telecommunications, and railroads are centrally assessed.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Local governments.

6. Current tax rate? Property taxation is essentially local. In 2012, the most recent year for which data was available, the highest property tax rate among the counties in the state was 6.9615, the lowest was 0, and the median rate was 1.88. See http://www.stats.indiana.edu/taxframe.html.

Property taxes are capped by statute and by the Indiana con-stitution at no more than 1% for homesteads, 2% for other residential and agricultural property, and 3% for all other real

property and all personal property. Except in limited circum-stances, the state may not impose property taxes on tangible property. Ind. Code § 6-1.1-18-2.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by?Variety of taxing authorities, including townships and counties

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors are responsible for assessing locally assessed property. The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) assesses centrally assessed property (e.g. public util-ity property).

10. Basis of valuation?Property is assessed at “true tax value.” True tax value is not equivalent to fair market value.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?In 2012, Indiana replaced its “general reassessment” process with a four-year “cyclical reassessment” process. Under cy-clical reassessment, an assessor must divide all parcels into four groups each containing at least 25% of the parcels in the county. An individual parcel will be reassessed once dur-ing each four year cycle. The first assessment date for which cyclical reassessment applies is March 1, 2015. In years when a property is not reassessed, the DLGF operates a system for annually adjusting the assessed value of real property to ac-count for changes in value in the years since a reassessment took effect. Ind. Code § 6-1.1-4-4.5 and 50 I.A.C. 27.

12. Date of last general revaluation? 2012.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?March 1st of the assessment year.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Buildings and personal property owned, occupied and used for educational, literary, scientific, religious, or charitable purposes. Governmental and public property. Ind. Code § 6-1.1-10-1 et seq.

15. Initial appeal process?Both centrally assessed property and locally assessed prop-erty must be appealed in writing to the township or county assessor within 45 days from mailing date of the written notice of assessment (or May 10th of the tax billing year if a notice is not sent) to request an informal conference to discuss the assessment. Ind. Code § 6-1.1-15-1(a)-(d). Following the informal conference with the local assess-ing official, the assessor will make a recommendation either denying or approving the appeal. If denied, the appeal will be forwarded to the county Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA) for review. If a taxpayer is not satis-fied with the decision of the PTABOA or if the PTABOA fails to hear the case within 180 days after the appeal was initiated or fails to issue a determination within 120 days

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after holding its hearing, the taxpayer has the right to ap-peal to the Indiana Board of Tax Review (IBTR) by filing a Form 131.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?After being heard by the IBTR, taxpayers may also seek re-view by the Indiana Tax Court and, subsequently, the Indi-ana Supreme Court.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Indiana collected approximately $7.65 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2010, representing 32.8% of the $23.3 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented nearly 0% of total taxes collected.

Property taxes accounted for approximately 80.23% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Personal Property Tax Returns: Effective May 15, 2011, the deadline for amending a personal property tax return is ex-tended to 12 months (previously, six months) but requires a 10% reduction in any refund or credit if the amended return is filed between six and 12 months after the original filing date. P.L. 172-2011 (H.B. 1004)Burden of Proof: Effective February 22, 2012, if an assessment that is the subject of a review or appeal increased the assessed value of the assessed property by more than 5% over the as-sessed value determined by the assessor for the immediately preceding assessment date, the assessor has the burden of proving the assessment is correct in any administrative or ju-dicial proceedings. P.L. 6-2012, Ind. Code § 6-1.1-15-17.2. In addition, for assessment dates after 2013, if the assessed value of real property is reduced by an appeal to the property tax assessment board of appeals, and the assessor increases the assessed value in a subsequent year, then the assessor has the burden of proving the assessment is correct. P.L. 235-2013, Ind. Code § 6-1.1-4-4.3.

Residential Builders: Beginning July 1, 2011, a 50% Indiana property tax deduction is available to a residential builder for a single family residence, townhouse, or condominium that has never been occupied. The deduction will terminate when title to the structure is transferred to a homeowner. The de-duction applies for one assessment date for which the struc-ture is assessed as partially completed and not more than three assessment dates for which the structure is assessed as fully completed. A residential builder may not claim deduc-tions for more than three residences in Indiana per assess-ment date. P.L. 175-2011, Ind. Code § 6-1.1-12.8-3 Reassessment: Provides deadlines for reassessing parcels in a group under a rolling assessment plan. Provides that one-third of the parcels must be reassessed before October 1st of the year that the group’s reassessment begins, with another third having to be reassessed before January 1st of the fol-lowing year, and with all properties in the group having to be reassessed by March 1st of the year following the year in

which the group’s reassessment begins. P.L. 112-2012, Ind. Code § 6-1.1-4-21.4State Review of County Exemptions: Gives discretion to the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) to re-view property tax exemptions approved by county auditors. The DLGF was previously required to review every exemp-tion. P.L. 137-2012, Ind. Code § 6-1.1-11-8A county property tax assessment board of appeals (PT-ABOA) must provide thirty day’s notice before making any changes to a tangible property valuation or adding tangible personal property to a return. P.L. 146-2012, Ind. Code § 6-1.1-13-1Counties that are late in issuing property tax bills must set aside $1,000,000 for each year they are delayed, to compen-sate local taxing units. Provides a mechanism for the county executive of such counties to appoint an individual to carry out the duties of the county auditor, treasurer, or assessor. P.L. 112-2012, Ind. Code § 6-1.1-22.6-18.Interest on Refunds: The rate of interest owed on property tax refunds, previously a fixed rate of 4%, will be the rate estab-lished by the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue. P.L. 120-2012. Interest on a refund is to be compounded using the rate in effect for each particular year covered by the refund. P.L. 235-2013, Ind. Code § 6-1.1-26-5. Interest on Underpayments: The rate of interest owed on prop-erty tax deficiencies, previously a fixed rate of 10%, will be the rate established by the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue. P.L. 120-2012, Ind. Code § 6-1.1-37-9Waiver of Interest and Penalties: A county may adopt an or-dinance to waive interest and penalties associated with delin-quent property tax payments. P.L. 56-2012Property Leased to State: Real property leased wholly or in part to a state agency is exempt from property taxes if the lease requires the state agency to reimburse the owner for property taxes. P.L. 257-2013.Abatement law is amended to allow designating bodies dis-cretion in setting abatement schedules and to eliminate pro-visions for “enhanced abatements”. House Bill 1545, Laws 2013.Requirement that a county auditor remove real property from tax sale if the county treasurer and taxpayer agree to mutually satisfactory arrangement for payment. Senate Bill 0275, Laws 2013.Personal property tax reform. Effective July 1, 2015 and ap-plicable to assessment dates after December 31, 2015, the county income tax (COIT) council of a county may adopt an ordinance providing that, if for a particular assessment date the acquisition cost of a taxpayer’s business personal property in a county is less than $20,000, the taxpayer is not required to file a personal property return for the taxpayer’s business personal property in the county for that assessment date, and the taxpayer’s business personal property in the county for that assessment date is exempt from taxation. The business personal property tax exemption does not apply to mobile

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homes assessed as personal property, personal property held as an investment, or personal property that is owned by certain utilities subject to regulation by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) and is assessed as utility property. A taxpayer is required to file a certification with the county assessor before May 15 of the year in which the assessment date occurs; a penalty is imposed if the annual certification is not timely filed. In addition, the tax rate for certain tax increment financing areas must be calculated as if the business personal property exemption were not in effect.

Iowa1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and specified intangible property (certain intangibles of credit unions and investment companies). – Residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial property is locally as-sessed. Railroads and utilities are centrally assessed.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Various localities.6. Current tax rate? Differs in each locality and is a composite of county, city, school district, and special levies. Taxes are levied in terms of dollars per $1,000 of taxable value and are collected locally. The consolidated tax rates for each city in Iowa are located at http://www.dom.state.ia.us/local/city/.Iowa has more than 2,000 taxing authorities. Cities, counties, school districts, and townships are the most common. Tax-ing authorities may also include community college districts, agricultural extension districts, assessor offices, hospital dis-tricts, and sanitation districts. In addition, there are associa-tions for fire protection, drainage, and other public needs that levy taxes.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by? County Treasurer.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Varies - Each of Iowa’s 99 counties has one assessor. Eight Iowa cities have their own assessors. Any city with a population of more than 10,000 people may elect to have its own assessor.10. Basis of valuation? Market value.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Locally assessed real property is valued every two years. Iowa Code § 428.4. Centrally assessed property is valued annually.12. Date of last general revaluation? 2011.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Agricultural land

Art galleries - All grounds and buildings used for public libraries, public art galleries, and libraries and art galleries owned and kept by private individuals, associations, or cor-porations, for public use and not for private profit. Claims for exemption for libraries and art galleries owned and kept by private individuals, associations, or corporations for public use and not for private profit must be filed with the local assessor by February 1 of the first year the exemption is re-quested.Barn and one-room schoolhouseCattle facilityCemeteriesData centerDisabled veterans homesteadEducational institutionsFamily farm creditForest coverForest reservationsFruit tree reservationsGovernments: state, cities, counties, townshipsHistoric property rehabilitationHomestead creditImpoundment structuresIndustrial partial (427B)Industrial machinery and equipment and computers first as-sessed in Iowa for 1995 and thereafterLibraries/literary societiesLow-income tax credit for elderly, disabledLow-income rent reimbursement for elderly, disabledLow-rent housingMethane gas conversionMilitary exemptionMobile home reduced rate for low incomeNative prairiesOpen prairiesPersonal property – The state of Iowa does not levy a per-sonal property tax. Iowa Code § 427A.2. However, some per-sonal property is taxed as real property for purposes of the property tax. Iowa Code § 427A.1.Pollution control and recyclingPublic groundsRecreational lakesReligious, charitable, benevolent associationsRivers and streamsRiver and stream banksSpecial assessments for elderly, disabled, low incomeSpeculative shell buildingsUrban revitalizationWar veterans associationsWeb search portal - Property, other than land and buildings and other improvements, that is utilized by a web search portal business as defined in and meeting the requirements of sec-tion 423.3, subsection 92, including computers and equipment that are necessary for the maintenance and operation of a web

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search portal and other property whether directly or indirectly connected to the computers, including but not limited to cool-ing systems, cooling towers, and other temperature control in-frastructure; power infrastructure for transformation, distribu-tion, or management of electricity, including but not limited to exterior dedicated business-owned substations, and power distribution systems which are not subject to assessment under chapter 437A; racking systems, cabling, and trays; and backup power generation systems, battery systems, and related infra-structure all of which are necessary for the maintenance and operation of the web search portal site. WetlandsWildlife habitatsWind energy conversion

15. Initial appeal process?Written protests may be filed with the county (or city) board of review between April 16th and May 5th of the year of the assessment. Iowa Code § 441.37. Centrally assessed property is appealed to the State Board of Tax Review.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?If unsatisfied with the county (or city) board of review a property owner may appeal to the State of Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board. If dissatisfied with a property as-sessment appeal board decision, the decision may then be appealed to the district court. In the alternative, property owners may still file appeals directly with the district court and forego filing with the property assessment appeal board.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Iowa collected approximately $9.8 billion in state and local property taxes in fiscal 2012/2013, representing 38.6% of the $12.31 billion in state and local taxes collected. No property taxes are collected at the state level.Property taxes accounted for approximately 84% of taxes col-lected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Assessment Limitations - The Iowa Department of Revenue has announced that an assessment limitations order, or “roll-back,” on Iowa property value has been issued for purposes of Iowa property tax. The order adjusts the property values used by local governments to compute property taxes for agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial property. Release, Iowa Department of Revenue, October 26, 2011.Appeal – Taxpayers cannot appeal values in an off-appraisal year.Tax Cuts – S.F. 295, effective in 2014, cuts taxes on all forms of business property by taxing them at 95% assessed value in 2013 and 90% after that.

Kansas1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 79-101.

General business property is locally assessed. Motor carriers, railroads, and utilities are centrally assessed.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? County.6. Current tax rate?Assessment RatesResidential – 11.5%; Land devoted to agricultural use – 30% of “use value”; Vacant lots – 12%; Real property of not-for-profit organizations – 12%; Public Utility Property – 33%; Commercial and industrial real property – 25%; Mineral leasehold interests, except certain low producing in-terests – 30%; Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment – 25% of retail cost when new less 7 years straight-line depreciation (note residual value not less than 20% of retail cost when new).The combined millage rates differ by county. In 2012, the mill-age rates ranged from .0871 to .2147 with an average of .1313 7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by? County.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County appraiser for locally assessed property; Director of Property Valuation for centrally assessed property.10. Basis of valuation?Fair market value, except for land devoted to agricultural use and commercial and industrial machinery and equipment.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Annually. Kan. Stat. Ann. §§79-1476, 79-147812. Date of last general revaluation?State-wide reappraisal in 1989 with annual valuations as of January 1 of each year since 1989.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Governmental and public propertyNon-profit, religious, charitable, and educationalCommercial and industrial machinery and equipment ac-quired after June 30, 2006.15. Initial appeal process?The initial appeal must be made to the county appraiser.This may be done within 30 days of the mailing of the valua-tion notice for real property, (on or before March 1) or before May 15th for personal property. If an appeal is not filed upon receipt of the valuation notice, they may file a Payment Under Protest appeal with the pay-ment of property taxes.

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16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?The appraiser’s decision may be appealed to the State Court of Tax Appeals. If the value of the property is less than $2 million or if it constitutes a single-family residence, the tax-payer may appeal to the Small Claims Division of the State Court of Tax Appeals.

Taxpayers may obtain review of orders of the COTA by ap-pealing to the district court in the county in which the property is located, with the exception of utility taxpayers, who obtain review from the Court of Appeals. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 74-2426. Taxpayers are required to exhaust administrative remedies be-fore seeking a judicial review. Kan. Stat. Ann. §77-612.

The county appraisal of leased commercial and industrial property is presumed correct unless taxpayer files within 30 days of the county informal hearing copies of income and ex-penses for 3 prior years. Kan.Stat.Ann. S79-1609 (L. 2013).

The county and taxpayer are permitted to file a tax grievance with COTA to correct certain clerical errors (as defined) in the assessment of property within 4 years. Kan.Stat.Ann. S 79-1702 (L. 2013).17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Kansas collected approximately $4.1 billion in state and local property taxes in 2012, representing 31.4% of the $13.2 bil-lion in state and local taxes collected.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Requiring an annual commercial vehicle fee in lieu of property tax starting in 2014 - This bill imposes an annual commercial vehicle fee on any truck or truck tractor registered for a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds, which is operating in this state as a commercial vehicle and will become effective January 1, 2014. The annual commercial vehicle fee will take the place of the current ad valorem property tax levied by either the state or the county. The commercial vehicle fee will be in addition to the applicable registration fee. The com-mercial vehicle fee is contained on a fee schedule within this bill and is based on registration weight. The one exception is for commercial vehicles up to 12,000 pounds the fee has an age component as well. House Bill 2557Watercraft valuation and taxation starting in tax year 2014 – Changes to the property tax system for watercraft such that the current 30 percent assessment level will be reduced to 11.5 percent in tax year 2014; and then to 5 percent in tax year 2015 and thereafter.S.B. 231: On May 12, 2014, Governor Sam Brownback signed into law legislation that reorganizes the State Court of Tax Appeals and makes significant changes to the state’s process for deciding property valuation disputes. It takes ef-fect on July 1, 2014.

Under the bill, the State Court of Tax Appeals (“COTA”) will become an administrative agency known as the State Board of Tax Appeals (“BOTA”) and be subject to certain new restric-

tions and requirements. Significant changes to the state’s prop-erty valuation and appeals process made by the bill include:• Repealing the state’s current requirement that the

taxpayer post a bond of 125% of assessed tax when a property tax valuation is being appealed.

• Giving taxpayers the right to appeal BOTA orders to either a district court or the Kansas Court of Appeals, and eliminating the existing requirement to request reconsideration of a final decision before seeking ju-dicial review.

• Updating the version of the Appraisal Foundation’s professional appraisal standards that are to be followed in Kansas. Current law requires the state to follow the version that was in effect as of March 1992, but the bill changes that to be the most current version.

• Prohibiting an increase in valuation, for a two-year pe-riod, of certain real property where the value was reduced by a final determination made pursuant to the valuation appeals process, unless substantial and compelling rea-sons have been documented by the appraisers.

The bill also changes certain procedures and requirements of the BOTA. For example, it:• Expedites the time for issuing decisions. Currently, the

COTA has 120 days from the date a matter was finally submitted to render a final order. The bill requires that the BOTA render and serve summary written deci-sions within 14 days, subject to extensions for good cause. Taxpayers may request that a full and complete BOTA opinion be issued within 90 days.

• Directs the BOTA to conduct all proceedings in a fair and impartial manner, affording all taxpayers a neutral inter-pretation of state tax laws. The bill provides that BOTA decisions may not be based on arguments concerning the shifting of tax burdens or revenue losses or gains.

• Expands the small claims division’s authority. Cur-rently, the division can hear matters involving maxi-mum appraised valuations of $2 million. The bill in-creases that to $3 million. It also bars the use of any BOTA employee as a hearing officer in the division and permits notices of appeals to be signed by either the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative.

• Restricts the BOTA generally from determining who may sign appeals forms or represent taxpayers. It also prohibits the BOTA from making determinations as to what constitutes the unauthorized practice of law, or whether contingency fee agreements are permit-ted. The BOTA also may not impede an agreement or settlement between a county and a taxpayer.

Kentucky1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property

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General business real property and motor vehicles are locally assessed. Personal property, public service corporations, dis-tilled spirits in a bonded warehouse and watercraft operated for commercial purposes are assessed by the state.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? State and localities.6. Current tax rate?The 2012 State Real Property Tax Rate was 12.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. Local rates vary depending on property type and location http://revenue.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/476D4290-1662-4383-BDE0-6783FB216D74/0/2012PropertyTaxRateBook012813_2613.pdf.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by?Centrally assessed property tax may be collected by the De-partment of Revenue, County, City, School District or Other Special District. Taxes from locally assessed property are col-lected at the county level.9. Assessor responsible for assessments?County property value administrators assess real property. County clerks assess motor vehicles. Tax on the following are assessed and administered centrally by the Department of Revenue: (1) tangible personal property, (2) property of public service corporations, and (3) watercraft of any cor-poration operating in Kentucky, and (4) distilled spirits in bonded warehouses.10. Basis of valuation? Fair cash value 11. Frequency of general revaluations?Revalued annually with a physical examination required no less than once every four years. Ky. Rev. Stat. 132.690.12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by assessing jurisdiction; annually13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Reduced rates for :Farm implements and machinery; Livestock; Machinery engaged in manufacturing; Pollution control facili-ties; Alcohol production facilities; Tangible personal property located in a foreign trade zone; A fluidized bed energy produc-tion facility; Motor vehicles held for sale in the inventory of a license motor vehicle dealer; Machinery and equipment used for recycling purposes; and Qualifying voluntary environmental remediation property. Ky. Rev. Stat. § 132.020 and § 132.200. Exempt: Public property used for public purposes; Property owned by institutions of religion; institutions of purely public charity, and institutions of education. Ky. Const. § 17015. Initial appeal process?Protests of personal property assessments are made to the Department of Revenue, , within 45 days from the date of

the assessment notice, Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 132.486 and Ky. Rev. Stat. § 131.110. Protests of real property begin with a conference with the prop-erty value administrator. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 13.045, 133.120. The conference must occur prior to, or during, the inspection period of the real property tax roll, that begins on the first Mon-day in May and lasts 13 days. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 133.045. After the conference, an appeal must be made to the county board of assessment appeals not later than one workday after the inspection period ends. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 133.120.Decisions of the county boards of assessment appeals, Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 131.340, and rulings made by the Depart-ment of Revenue, Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 131.110, must be ap-pealed to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) within 30 days of the date of the ruling, order, or determination.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Decisions of the BTA must be appealed to the Franklin County Circuit Court or to the circuit court of the county in which the taxpayer resides or conducts business, except that a BTA decision on a final order of a county board of as-sessment appeals may be appealed to the circuit court of the county in which the appeal originated. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 131.370. The appeal must be filed with the circuit court within 30 days after the ruling of the BTA.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Kentucky collected approximately $2.96 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 21.52% of the $13.77 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented 5.4% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 57.75% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Taxation as a Public Service Company – Effective April 11, 2012, Ky. Rev. Stat. 136.120 was amended to clarify that a qualified air freight forwarded is not subject to taxation as a public service company, and defines it as “a person that is engaged primarily in the facilitation of the transportation of property by air; does not itself operate aircraft; and is in the same affiliated group as an affiliated airline. H.B. 444The General assembly made three changes to property taxes in 2013. First, the definition, and thus, taxation of broadcast and telephonic equipment was revised. Second, the preferential treatment of property certified as a pollution control facility was narrowed. Third, the definition of “public service company” in KRS § 136.120 was expanded to include wind turbine and solar generating companies. 2013 HB 440, Sections 6-9 and 24.

Louisiana1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property, personal property, and specific intangible property (public services properties, bank stock, and certain

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credits) – General business property is locally assessed. Rail-roads, airlines, utilities, insurance, and transportation equip-ment is centrally assessed.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.

4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.

5. Tax rate(s) set by? Parish and cities.

6. Current tax rate? Varies among locality. The various local property taxes are listed at http://www.latax.state.la.us/Menu_AnnualReports/UploadedFiles/2012%20Annual%20Report.pdf (starting on p. 45).

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by?The Sheriff in each parish is responsible for preparing and mailing the actual tax bill, and for collecting the tax amounts owed by each taxpayer.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Parish assessors assess locally assessed property. The Loui-siana Tax Commission assesses the operating property of public service companies, insurance companies, railroads and rolling stock and transportation equipment.

10. Basis of valuation?A percentage of the property’s fair market value or, for agri-cultural, horticultural, march and timber lands, the property’s use value

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real property is revalued every four years, and public service property annually. La. Rev. Stat. § 47:2331.

Reassessment must take place at least once every 4 years. The language in the statute leaves open the assessor to make ad-justments in the interim years. However, the statute and Tax Commission rules and regulations are clear that any revalua-tion must be indexed back to the valuation date of that cycle. Orleans Parish re-values annually.

12. Date of last general revaluation?2012– With values established for January 1, 2011

August 1st is the “Valuation Setting Date” in Orleans Parish, but the lien date is still Jan. 1

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st. The value of inventory is based on the preceding calendar year’s twelve month average.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Homesteads (up to $7,500, plus another $7,500 for a 100% disabled veteran or surviving spouse); Governmental and public property; Mining, oil, and gas properties; Nonprofit, religious, charitable, and educational organizations; Distri-bution centers; Energy systems; Insurance premiums; In-transit property; Inventories (storage only); etc.

15. Initial appeal process?Centrally assessed property is appealed directly to the Loui-siana Tax Commission.Locally assessed property assessments are subject to review by the parish’s board of review. La. Rev. Stat. § 47:1931. Dur-ing a period of 15 days between August 15th and September 15th, the assessment lists of each parish are open for public inspection. [The assessor publishes in the local newspaper which two weeks apply to his/her office]. During this period, taxpayers should check the values on their property, and dis-cuss this with the assessor. If there is a disagreement, and the taxpayer wishes to protest the value, the taxpayer must at that time fill out a form “Notice of Appeal Request For Board of Review” (Form 3101), and schedule an appearance before the parish Board of Review for hearing(s) held for this purpose. In Orleans Parish the “open inspection period” is Aug. 1-Aug. 15. The Board of Review deadline is 30 business days after the last date for public inspection. If you are dissatisfied with their ruling you must appeal to the LA Tax Commis-sion within 10 days.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?If either the assessor or the taxpayer is not satisfied with the determination of the Board of Review, either may obtain from the Board, an Appeal Form (Form 3103.A) for further review by the Louisiana Tax Commission. La. Rev. Stat. § 47:1989. The Louisiana Tax Commission will consider any and all appeals timely filed in hearings that are open to the public.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Louisiana collected approximately $3.38 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 20.93% of the $16.15 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for 45% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Exemption by the Board of Commerce and Industry - Constitu-tional Amendment authorizes the Board of Commerce and Industry to enter into a contract granting an exemption from ad valorem property taxes for property owned or leased by, and used by, a targeted non-manufacturing business in the operation of its facility. Further provides that the exemption is available only to a business which has at least 50% of its to-tal annual sales from its Louisiana site or sites to out-of-state customers or buyers, or to in-state customers or buyers for re-sale to an out-of-state customer or buyer for ultimate use, or to the federal government or any combination thereof. Con-stitutional Amendment provides that the first $10,000,000 or 10% of fair market value, whichever is greater, of the facility property, the land underlying the facility and other property pertaining to the facility on which ad valorem taxes

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have previously been paid, inventories, consumables and property eligible for the manufacturing exemption shall not be exempt. Further provides that the contracts shall only be available in parishes which have agreed to participate in the program, in the manner provided by the legislature by law.

Maine1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property (some business equipment is ex-empt) – General business property (excluding that centrally assessed) is locally assessed. Telecommunications personal property is centrally assessed.However certain business equipment is exempt from taxa-tion, and tax paid on certain other business equipment is subject to state reimbursement under the Business Equip-ment Tax Reimbursement (“BETR”) program.The Telecommunications Personal Property Tax is a State property tax assessed by Maine Revenue Services on busi-nesses that provide interactive two-way communications for compensation in Maine. The operating plant and personal property used to produce and deliver communications services are assessed according to its full just value at a rate of 22 mills for 2011. Single and multi-line telephones, pay stations, tow-ers, motor vehicles and real estate are not included in this as-sessment, though they are subject to local tax by municipalities. The 2011 state property tax commitment was $17.7 million.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, § 502. 4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Town, cities, and counties.6. Current tax rate? Tax rates for locally assessed property varies.The tax rate for telecommunications tax was 19.2 mills for 2012. For assessments made in 2013 and subsequent years, the State Tax Assessor will apply the tax rate of the munici-pality or unorganized territory in which the qualified tele-communications equipment is located to the just value of the equipment as adjusted by the municipality’s or unorganized territory’s certified assessment ratio.2012 Tax Rates for property located in the Unorganized Ter-ritory:Aroostook – 0.00666Franklin – 0.00733Hancock – 0.00500Kennebec – 0.00657Knox – 0.00480Lincoln – 0.00507Oxford – 0.00876Penobscot – 0.00887Piscataquis – 0.00699Somerset – 0.00864

Waldo – 0.00583Washington – 0.00823

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by? Counties, cities, and towns.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Local assessors in counties, towns, and cities assess locally assessed property. The State Tax Assessor assesses telecom-munications personal property, which is subject to a state property tax, Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, § 457, and not to local property taxes, Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, § 458. The State Tax Assessor also establishes the valuation factors for forestland that must be used by local assessors, and is responsible for assessing real and personal property located in unorganized territories in the state. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, § 1602.

10. Basis of valuation? Just value.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Assessors must physically inspect and inventory each real property and personal property account at least every four years. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, § 328.

12. Date of last general revaluation? Varies.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?April 1st (except May 15th for telecommunications personal property)

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Government and publicly owned property; In-transit prop-erty moving through the state in interstate commerce; Non-profit healthcare facilities; Charitable organizations; Property owned by religious, charitable, and benevolent institutions; Homesteads [residential property owned by permanent resi-dents and certain military personnel ($10,000 of value)]

15. Initial appeal process?Owners of locally assessed property who wish to protest a valuation, classification, or denial of an exemption are re-quired to review the dispute at an administrative level before seeking court redress. The process for challenging an assess-ment begins by filing a written abatement application with the local assessor within 185 days from the commitment of the taxes (i.e., the date the tax rolls are delivered to the tax collector) or with the municipal officers (mayor, alderman, selectmen) after one year but within three years of the com-mitment. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, § 841. However, the authority of municipal officers to abate an assessment does not extend to correcting an alleged valuation error.Appeals from decisions of assessors or municipal officers are taken to the local board of assessment review if one exists, the county commissioners, or, if the property is nonresidential prop-erty valued at over $1 million, the state Board of Property Tax Review. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, §§ 843, 844. The appeal must be filed within 60 days after the notice of the decision. For property having a value of at least $500,000, a hearing on the appeal will

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not proceed unless the property owner has paid the amount of current taxes not in dispute or, if greater, an amount equal to the taxes assessed for the prior year to the extent that amount does not exceed the total assessment for the current year. Owners of property assessed by the State Tax Assessor have 60 days after receipt of a notice of a tax assessment or de-termination to request, in writing, reconsideration of such assessment or determination. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, § 151.H.P. 491, passed in June, requires assessors or municipal of-ficers to give to any person applying to them for abatement of taxes notice in writing of their decision upon application within 10 days after they take final action16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Both decisions of a board or the county commissioners and decisions of the State Tax Assessor are made to the superior court within 30 days of the notice of the decision or of the date the property owner’s application.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Maine collected approximately $2.37 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2010, representing 40.65% of the $5.84 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented only 1.3% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 99% of taxes col-lected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Reconsideration of assessment – The provision regarding reconsideration of a Maine tax assessment or determination has been modified. Taxpayers have 60 days (previously, 30 days) after receipt of a notice of a Maine tax assessment or determination to request, in writing, reconsideration of such assessment or determination. L.D. 1043 (H.P. 778), Laws 2011; Effective June 20, 2011.Telecommunications taxation reform – enacted in 2011. The law replaces the telecommunications personal property tax with an excise tax on telecommunications businesses for the privilege of operating in Maine. The excise tax is equal to the just value of qualified telecommunications equipment taxed at a rate of 19.2 mills in fiscal year 2012. For fiscal year 2013 and subsequent years, the State Tax Assessor must apply the tax rate of the municipality or the unorganized territory in which the qualified telecommunications equipment is located to the just value of the equipment as adjusted by the municipality›s or the unorganized territory›s certified assessment ratio. The bill establishes procedures for the assessment, collection and appeal of the excise tax. L.D. 441, PL 2011, c. 430.Property tax abatements – Circuitbreaker program ben-efits. The law provides that, for purposes of calculating eli-gibility at the municipal level for property tax abatement for reasons of poverty or infirmity, municipal officers may set off or otherwise treat as available benefits provided under the Circuitbreaker Program when determining a person’s ability to contribute to the public charges. Effective August 30, 2012. 36 MRSA §§ 841(2) & 6201(10), LD 1693, PL 2011, c. 552.

Maryland1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real Property, except where specifically exempted, is taxed at the state and local levels. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 6-101(a)(1). Personal property is exempt at the state level, but subject to local property tax on tangible personal property owned by businesses. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. §§ 7-301 and 6-202. In-tangible property is not taxable under the property laws of the state. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 6-101(b). Operating prop-erty (both real and personal property) of a railroad or public utility is subject to tax. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 6-103.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Owner. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 6-101(a)(1)4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Tax rates are set by the state, the 23 counties, Baltimore City, and numerous townships and special taxing districts. The Board of Public Works sets the tax rate for the state’s real property tax and the state’s tax on real property owned by a public utility. [This determination is made in accordance with Md. Code Ann., State Fin. & Proc. § 8-134, which proclaims that the rate shall be based on the debt service requirements on all state bonds expected to be outstanding in the succeed-ing year]. Local governments set the tax rates for their real property tax, the state’s business tangible personal property tax, and their local tax on property owned by a public utility. 6. Current tax rate? State Real Property Tax - $0.112 per $100 of assessed valueState Public Utility Operating Property Tax - $0.28 per $100 of assessed valueCounty Real Property Tax – range from $0.512-2.248 per $100 of assessed value. [Average: $0.996 per $100 of assessed value]County Business Tangible Personal Property Tax – range from $0-5.62 per $100 of assessment value. [Average: $2.022 per $100 of assessed value]County Public Utility Operating Property Tax – range from $0-5.62 per $100 of assessment value. [Average: $2.364 per $100 of assessed value]Town/Special Taxing District Real Property Tax – range from $0-1.49 per $100 of assessment valueTown/Special Taxing District Business Tangible Personal Property Tax – range from $0-11.00 per $100 of assessment value. (One town has a rate of $11.00, otherwise $0-3.16 is the parameter.)Town/Special Taxing District Public Utility Operating Prop-erty Tax – range from $0-2.648 per $100 of assessment value7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by?Local Government level via the assessments of State De-partment of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT).

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9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) assess business tangible personal property and the operating property of a railroad or a public utility. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 8-201. SDAT hires its own local appraisers to assess real property.10. Basis of valuation?Personal Property is assessed with depreciation schedules and Real Property is assessed at 100% of the “phased-in value.” Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 8-103(c)(1). [According to Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 8-103(a)(3) “phased-in value” means for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of a 3-year cycle: (i) the prior value of real property increased by one-third, two-thirds, or the full amount by which the value increased over the prior value based on a physical inspection of the real property; or (ii) if the value of real property has not increased, the value determined in the most recent valuation. Operating real property, which consists of railroad operating property and public utility property, is assessed at its value. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 8-103.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real Property is reassessed once every three years. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 8-104(b)(1). This is done by reviewing one-third of all real property in Maryland every year.Personal Property is reassessed annually. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 8-204(a). 12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by assessing jurisdiction and type of property. [Note: One-third of all real property in Maryland is reassessed ev-ery year, resulting in each individual parcel being reassessed every three years]. 13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?The valuation date for real property is January 1st. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 8-104(b)(2).14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Exemptions are primarily given for charities, schools, reli-gious organizations, and manufacturing personal property. Agricultural land and homestead credits are available. [Gen-eral property tax exemptions are located in §§ 7-201-244].15. Initial appeal process?Real property tax appeals are made in writing to the appro-priate local (county) assessment supervisor within 45 days of the notice of assessment. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 14-502(a)(1). Personal property tax appeals, including those concerning public utility and railroad operating property, are made in writing to the State Department of Assessment and Taxa-tion within 45 days of the notice of assessment. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. §§ 14-504(a), 8-109(c)(5), and 8-108(c)(5).16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Property tax appeals may be made to the Property Tax As-sessment Appeal Board (PTAAB) where the property is lo-

cated within 30 days of the date of notice of a final determi-nation of a supervisor. Md. Code Ann., § 14-509(a). The appeal of a final determination of a property tax assess-ment appeal board to the Maryland Tax Court may be made within 30 days after the determination or mailing of notice of the determination. Md. Code Ann., § 14-512(a)Any party to a Maryland Tax Court proceeding may appeal a final decision of the Maryland Tax Court to the circuit court for the county in which the property is located. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 14-513Any party to a proceeding in the circuit court under § 14-513 of this subtitle may appeal a final decision of the circuit court to the Court of Special Appeals. Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. § 14-51517. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Maryland collected approximately $8.45 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010. This represented 30% of the $28.07 billion in total state and local taxes collected. Property taxes accounted for approximately 60% of taxes col-lected at the local government level. In contrast, property taxes represented only 5% of total taxes collected at the state level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Payment of Tax – For tax years beginning after June 30, 2012, semi-annual payment schedule eligibility has been increased from $50,000 to $100,000 for state, county, mu-nicipal corporation, and special taxing district property taxes. (H.B. 463, Laws 2011)Constant Yield Tax Rate Process – If the proposed tax rate increases total property tax revenues, the governing body must advertise that fact and hold a public hearing on the new tax rate.

Massachusetts1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property – General business property is locally assessed. Non-wireless telephone (special provision for electric companies), and telegraph property. Special pro-visions for electric companies.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Owner. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 11. Public property is leased for the purposes of a business conducted for profit or for other than public purposes, is taxable to the lessee as if the lessee were the owner. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 2B.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Local jurisdictions.6. Current tax rate? Varies by local taxing jurisdictions with rates differing based on property classification as residential, open space, com-mercial, industrial, or personal https://dlsgateway.dor.state.

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ma.us/DLSReports/DLSReportViewer.aspx?ReportName=TaxRatesbyClass&ReportTitle=Tax+Rates+by+Class.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by? Local jurisdictions.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The boards of assessors in each city and town assess locally assessed property.

Pipeline property and telephone and telegraph property (machinery, poles, wires, conduits) is valued by the Commis-sioner and certified to local assessors by June 15th each year. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 38A; ch. 59, § 41.

10. Basis of valuation? Fair cash value.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Personal property centrally assessed at the state level is reval-ued annually. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, §§ 38A, 39. Revaluation of locally assessed real property can occur less frequently, but at least every three years. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 40, § 56.

12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by assessing jurisdiction

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?Generally, January 1st. However, municipalities can assess improvements from January to June.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Charitable organizations; Government or public property; Inventory and business property; Religious property; Small business; Water companies’ personal property.

The state does not provide for a general homestead exemp-tion. However, cities and towns may allow an exemption for the principal residence of a taxpayer equal to not more than 20% (30% in Boston, Cambridge, Malden, and Somerville) of the average assessed valuation of all residential parcels in the city or town. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 5C.

15. Initial appeal process?Aggrieved taxpayers may file an application for abatement with the board of assessors of the municipality in which the property is located on or before the last day for payment of the first installment of taxes. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 59.

Appeals from the Commissioner’s valuation of pipelines must be filed with the Appellate Tax Board by July 15th, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 38A, and appeals involving telephone and telegraph company machinery and wiring must be filed by June 15th, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 39.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Refusal of the local board of assessors to abate a tax may be appealed either to the county commissioners (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 64), or to the Appellate Tax Board (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 65) within three months after receiving notice of the assessors’ decision.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Massachusetts collected approximately $12.98 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 38.78% of the $33.48 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for 96.96% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Proposition 2½ limits the annual increase in the total levy of municipalities. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 59, § 21C. Distinction in Broadband v. Cellular Providers – Broad-band providers of telephone and high speed Internet and TV may qualify as a telephone and telegraph company. Wireless cellular providers do not qualify so they are not subject to central valuation.Real Estate Classes – Municipalities can classify real estate into four classes, each with different rates.

Michigan1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and tangible personal property, and unlicensed vehicles – General business property, telecommunications, distribu-tion personal property, and assets for electric, wind turbines, and gas utilities are locally assessed. Personal property of railroads, telephone and telegraph, and fast freight compa-nies are centrally assessed. Certain property of public service companies is centrally assessed.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Counties, cities, villages, and townships.6. Current tax rate?Tax rates vary extensively by county, city, and township. How-ever, the rate may not exceed 15 mills ($15 per $1,000) except in counties in which voters have approved rates of up to 18 mills. The rates vary widely depending on homesteads and other special assessments http://www.michigan.gov/documents/taxes/2012TotalMillageRates-Entire State_417267_7.pdf rep-resents a historical list of millage rates from 2012 tax year.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by?Township, city, and village treasurers collect taxes on locally assessed property. Taxes collected by the State Board are col-lected by the State Treasurer.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Local Assessors are responsible for assessments. These as-sessments are submitted to the Boards of Equalization at the County level for equalization. Centrally assessed property is assessed by the State Board of Assessors.

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10. Basis of valuation?True cash value - Fair Market Value

11. Frequency of general revaluations? Annually.

12. Date of last general revaluation? December 31st.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?December 31st. Mich. Comp. Laws § 211.2(2)14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Personal property of financial institutions. Government or public property. Homestead [principal residence exemption]. In-transit property. Inventories. Nonprofit charitable, reli-gious, and educational organizations. Railroads, telephone companies, fast freight line companies, and other companies, pollution control equipment, incentives for specific types of companies, and other specific in-lieu taxes.15. Initial appeal process?For locally assessed property taxpayers may initially appeal to the local board of review during the week beginning the second Monday in March. Mich. Comp. Laws § 211.30. The exact date may vary depending on the taxing jurisdiction. Centrally assessed property is initially appealed to the State Board of Assessors. However, non-residential and non-agri-cultural properties can bypass the local boards of review and file valuation appeals directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. A company assessed by the State Board of Assessors may pay the tax under protest and sue the state in the court of claims within 30 days. Mich. Comp. Laws § 207.15.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Appeals from a decision of a local board of review may be filed with the Michigan Tax Tribunal no later than May 31st of the tax year for certain commercial or industrial property or July 31st of the tax year for residential real property and most agricultural property. Mich. Comp. Laws § 205.735a.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Michigan collected approximately $14.37 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 40.25% of the $35.71 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented less than 9.5% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for 93% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Taxing Entities : Legislation has created the “Municipal Partnership Act” to authorize two or more local governments or one or more local governments and a public agency to enter into a contract to form a joint endeavor that may levy a local Michigan property tax of up to five mills on all taxable property in the areas served by the joint endeavor for the purpose of providing revenue to the joint endeavor. Act 258 (S.B. 8), Laws 2011Agricultural Machinery : Machinery used to install or imple-ment soil and water conservation techniques is exempt from

Michigan personal property taxes when used on qualified ag-ricultural property that is exempt from taxes levied for school operating purposes. Act 290 (S.B. 563), Laws 2011Agricultural Machinery : Machinery used to install land tile is exempt from Michigan personal property taxes when used on qualified agricultural property that is exempt from taxes levied for school operating purposes. Act 289 (H.B. 4582), Laws 2011Personal Property Tax on Industrial Equipment : On March 28, 2014, Gov. Snyder signed the following legislation to fa-cilitate the phase out of the state’s personal property tax on industrial equipment that was signed in 2012: S.B. 822, H.B. 4478, and S.B. 825.

Minnesota1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Most personal property in Minnesota is exempt from tax, exceptions are manufactured homes and certain property owned by utility companies assessed by the state. All real property is taxable and assessed at a local level Airlines, rail-roads, power companies and oil pipelines are centrally as-sessed by the state.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.

4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.

5. Tax rate(s) set by?Various local taxing jurisdictions for locally assessed prop-erty, and at the state level. Statewide general tax that applies to commercial and industrial property and certain seasonal residential properties

6. Current tax rate? Statewide effective tax rates vary depending on type of prop-erty from .58% through 3.71% http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/propertytax/Pages/statistics.aspx.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by?Tax on locally assessed property is collected at the county level. Tax on operating property of railroads and public utili-ties is collected at the local level, though assessment of this property occurs at the state level. Minn. Stat. §§ 270.86, 273.33.The state Revenue Commissioner collects tax on airline flight property. Minn. Stat. § 270.075.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The state Revenue Commissioner assesses centrally assessed property. Property not assessable by the Commissioner is locally assessed by the town, village, or city assessor for all purposes10. Basis of valuation?Market value. Minn. Stat. § 273.11.

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11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real property is assessed/valued annually. On-site inspection of a property is required at maximum intervals of once every five years. Minn. Stat. § 273.08.12. Date of last general revaluation?All types of property are valued at their market value annually. This is measured by sales ratio studies that require all property to have a median ratio of between 90 – 105%. New construc-tion is identified and added annually and all property must be physically reviewed at maximum intervals of once every 5 years. 13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 2nd 14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Public schoolhouses, public hospitals, educational institu-tions, church property, institutions of purely public charity15. Initial appeal process?Taxpayers are encouraged to first appeal their value or classi-fication to the assessor or, if they choose to bypass the asses-sor or do not receive the resolution they are seeking, they can appeal to the local board of appeal and equalization. Minn. Stat. § 274.01. If their appeal to the local board is unsuccess-ful, they appeal to the county board f appeal andequalization. (if no board of review is available, appeal from the assessor’s valuation is taken directly to the county board of equaliza-tion. Minn. Stat. § 274.13).Centrally assessed property is appealed to the Tax court or the district court.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?If the property owner is not satisfied with the actions of the local board of appeal and equalization or county board of appeal and equalization, the last step to appeal a valuation or classification is the Minnesota Tax Court. 17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Minnesota collected approximately $ 8.4 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2012, representing 30.1% of the $ 27.9 bil-lion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented less than 4.1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for % of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Valuation Notices: The notice of property valuation sent to tax-payers must contain a specific notification when a property’s classification has changed from the previous year (effective for notifications for assessment year 2012, taxes payable in 2013, and thereafter). Ch. 7 (H.F. 20), Laws 2011 (1st Special Session)

Mississippi1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property, personal property, and specific intangible property (money on hand and certain evidence of indebted-ness bearing interest).

General business property is locally assessed. Public service corporations, airlines, and railroads are centrally assessed.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owners or possessors.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Taxes are imposed by counties, Miss. Code Ann. § 27-39-303, and municipalities, Miss. Code Ann. § 27-39-207, including taxes for schools and certain special purposes. There is no state property tax. 6. Current tax rate? 2012-2013 County millage rates are available at http://www.dor.ms.gov/docs/prop_2012-2013millagerates.pdf. The highest county rate is 158.70 mills, the lowest is 40.00 mills, and the average is 108.19 mills. Cities millage rates imposed in addition to the county levy can also be found on the De-partment of Revenue’s website at http://www.dor.ms.gov/taxareas/property/main.html.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by?Local tax collectors collect tax for both locally assessed and centrally assessed property9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors assess locally assessed property.The Department of Revenue assesses the property of railroads, telegraph, telephone, sleeping car, express, electric power and light companies and other public service corporations liable to taxation in the state. Miss. Code Ann. § 27-35-301.10. Basis of valuation? True value 11. Frequency of general revaluations?Tax Assessors must revalue real property at least once every four years. Taxable personal property is valued annually.12. Date of last general revaluation? Varies by assessing ju-risdiction13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st for all taxable real property. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 21-33-1, 27-35-3. March 1st for all other taxable property except heavy equipment. Miss. Code Ann. § 27-35-3.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Homestead; Broadband equipment; Computer software; Credit unions; Electricity generation; Fraternal and be-nevolent organizations; Governmental and public property; Homesteads; Libraries; Mining, oil, and gas properties; Cer-tain motor vehicles; Nonprofit organizations; Telecommuni-cations; Utilities.15. Initial appeal process?Individuals appealing locally assessed property should re-quest a hearing by filing an objection with the county board of supervisors. Miss. Code Ann. § 27-35-89. Centrally assessed property is appealed to the Department of Revenue.

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16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Taxpayer’s have two opportunities to appeal board of super-visors’ decisions to the circuit court. Appeals may be taken within 10 days of adjournment of the board of supervisors’ meeting at which the original decision is made denying a taxpayer’s objection. Miss. Code Ann. § 11-51-77. Appeals also may be taken within 20 days of the mailing of notice that the board of supervisors has approved the final tax rolls. Miss. Code Ann. § 27-35-119.Decisions of the Department of Revenue (previously the State Tax Commission) are appealed to the Board of Tax Appeals within 60 days after the order is filed. Miss. Code Ann. § 27-77-5.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Mississippi collected approximately $2.53 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 28.20% of the $8.97 billion in state and local taxes collected. At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.

Property taxes accounted for approximately 92.71% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Penalties - Imposition of a penalty is not clearly stated on tax bills.Centrally Assessed Intangibles – Unit valuation fails to exclude value of intangible property for centrally assessed property.

Missouri1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property – General business property is locally assessed. Utilities, pipelines, telecommunications, air-lines, and railroads are centrally assessed.

3. Person tax legally imposed on?Every person owning or holding real property or tangible personal property on the first day of January. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 137.075.

4. Unit of assessment? Separate parcel

5. Tax rate(s) set by?The tax rate is the combined rate of all taxing units within a county, the county rate, and a 3¢ state rate to fund the Blind Pension Fund. See Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 209.130, 67.110

6. Current tax rate? http://www.auditor.mo.gov/press/ 2011-118.pdf

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually

8. Tax collected by? County treasurer.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors are responsible for assessing locally assessed property. The Missouri Tax Commission is responsible for assessing centrally assessed property.

10. Basis of valuation?True value in money. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 137.115.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Annually for personal property; biennially for real property. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 137.115

12. Date of last general revaluation? 2012.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Exempt property includes: homesteads; property owned by governmental units; nonprofit cemeteries; property not held for private profit and used exclusively for religious worship or charitable purposes, educational purposes, or for agricultural and horticultural purposes; household goods and personal effects; and merchants’ and manufacturers’ inventories.

15. Initial appeal process?Assessments of locally assessed property are initially ap-pealed to the county board of equalization. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 137.275.

Assessments of centrally assessed property are initially ap-pealed to the State Tax Commission are due on or before September 30th.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Appeals from the board of equalization may be made to the State Tax Commission. An appeal must be made to the board of equalization, with an adverse ruling, before the Tax Commission may hear the appeal.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Missouri collected approximately $5.74 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 30.24% of the $18.97 billion in state and local taxes collected. Missouri col-lected approximately $6.5 billion in state and local property taxes in 2012.At the state level, property taxes represented 0.3% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 61.58% of taxes collected at the local government level. Property taxes ac-counted for approximately 70% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

Montana1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property – General business property is locally assessed. Public utilities, mining, railroads, and air-lines are centrally assessed.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owners and possessors.

4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.

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5. Tax rate(s) set by?State Legislature sets tax rates in statute, §15-6-134 (f ) (2) (a) MCA6. Current tax rate? The various rates associated with class of property are located at http://revenue.mt.gov/content/publications/biennial_re-ports/2010-2012/BiennialReport-2010-2012.pdf.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually, as directed by statue §15-6-134 (f ) (2) (a) MCA 8. Tax collected by? County treasurer.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division.10. Basis of valuation?Market value. Mont. Code Ann. § 15-8-111(1).11. Frequency of general revaluations?Centrally assessed property is valued every year while other real property is valued every 6 years.12. Date of last general revaluation?The most recent reappraisal was completed on December 31, 2008.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?July 1, 2008 for real property. January 1 (annually) for cen-trally assessed property and personal property.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Governmental (Federal, State, County, City) ; Homesteads (Residential) and compstead (commercial) set by statute § 15-6-222 MCA ; Intangible property; Nonprofit, religious, charitable, and educational organizations; veterans’ resi-dences (100% disabled), and low income by application.15. Initial appeal process?If taxpayers do not agree with the department’s determina-tion of the market value or classification of their property, they have the right to request an informal assessment review and/or file a formal appeal at the county and state level.Request for Informal Assessment Review (Form AB-26) – This process allows taxpayers the opportunity to explain why they believe the value shown on their assessment notice is incorrect and answer questions concerning the value of their property. The form must be completed and returned to the Department of Revenue office address shown on the assessment notice on or before the first Monday in June of the current tax year, or within 30 days after receiving the assessment notice, whichever is later. For class three, class four, and class ten properties, the owner may request an informal assessment review at any time but only once each valuation cycle. §15-7-102(3)(a) MCA

http://revenue.mt.gov/content/formsandresources/current_year_downloadable_forms/Other_Forms_Not_Yearly/Property_Tax_Forms/AB26.pdf

If taxpayers are not satisfied with the results of the infor-mal review process or they do not want to use the informal

review process, they can appeal their value to a county tax appeal board. Appeal forms are available at their local county clerk and recorder’s office, or on the State Tax Appeal Board’s website at http://stab.mt.gov/default.gov.Appeals to the county tax appeal board must be filed on or be-fore the first Monday in June or 30 days after receiving their property assessment notice, or if the taxpayer requested an in-formal review, within 30 days of the department’s decision. If the taxpayer is not satisfied with a county tax appeal board’s decision, you can appeal to the state tax appeal board. Appeals to the State Tax Appeal Board must be file within 30 days of re-ceiving a county tax appeal board’s decision.§15-7-102(6) MCAUnless the taxpayer is challenging a denial of an extended property tax assistance program (EPTAP), property tax as-sistance application (PTAP) or an exemption, the taxpayer must complete a county tax appeal process before they can appeal to the State Tax Appeal Board. If the taxpayer is chal-lenging a denial of EPTAP, PTAP, or an exemption, they may file their appeal directly with the State Tax Appeal Board. The decision of the State Tax Appeal Board is final, unless the taxpayer pursues district court action.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals from a county tax appeal board are di-rected to the State Tax Appeal Board by filing a notice of appeal with the Board within 30 calendar days after receipt of the decision of the county board. § 15-2-301 MCA. Tax-payers must exhaust all administrative remedies before ap-pealing to the Board. § 15-1-222 MCA.Appeals from the State Tax Appeal Board may be appealed to the district court within 60 days after service of the final decision of the Board. § 15-2-303 MCA. 17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Montana collected approximately $1.28 billion in state and local property taxes in 2011, representing 39.00% of the $3.43 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented only about 10.58% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 96.88% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

Nebraska1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?All real property, not specifically exempt, is taxed. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-201. Depreciable business property is the only per-sonal property taxed.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate real property parcel; for personal property assets deemed to be depreciable personal property.

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5. Tax rate(s) set by?Municipal/local government6. Current tax rate? Tax rates vary by county and city. Rates for all taxing dis-tricts within all 93 counties are not published in a central location. The average county tax rates are located at revenue.ne.gov/PAD/research/valuation/avg_rates/avgrate2012.pdf. The lowest tax rate is 1.0995%, the highest rate is 2.2426%, and the average is 1.9016%. Tax rates by political subdivi-sion are located at revenue.ne.gov/PAD/research/valuation/tax_entity_all/taxentity_allcnty2012.pdf.Qualifying agricultural land and horticultural land that is used primarily for the production of agricultural or horticul-tural products is assessed at 75% of its actual value. All other real property is assessed at 100% of its actual value. Personal property is assessed at 100% of its net book value. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-201.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by?The state collects taxes from air carriers and carlines and dis-tributes those taxes to the counties. All other taxes are col-lected at the local level, generally by the county treasurer. The state is constitutionally prohibited from levying a property tax for state purposes. Neb. Const. art. VIII, § 1A. 9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The county assessor is responsible for valuing all real and per-sonal property with the exception of railroads, air carriers, carlines, and public service entities, which are assessed by the Property Assessment Division of the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Public service entities include telecommunica-tions, electric power and light, pipeline, water, and gas com-panies that are organized for profit.10. Basis of valuation?Real property is assessed at “actual value,” which is defined as the market value of real property in the ordinary course of trade. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-112. Depreciable tangible personal property is assessed at “net book value,” which is a specified percentage of the Nebraska adjusted basis of an item as set forth in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-120.11. Frequency of general revaluations?All real and personal property is assessed annually. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 77-1201, 77-1301.12. Date of last general revaluation?January 1, 201313. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1st.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Governmental and public property being used for a pub-lic purpose, including housing authorities; Homesteads of persons over 65, disabled persons, and disabled veterans; property of charitable, religious, cemetery, and educational

organizations being used for those purposes; and qualified personal property used under Employment and Investment Growth Act or the Nebraska Advantage Act.There is a real property tax credit that offsets a portion of real property taxes. revenue.ne.gov/PAD/news_rel/2013_Real_Property_Tax_Credit.pdf15. Initial appeal process?Taxpayers can appeal a county assessor’s valuation to the county board of equalization. The county board meets between June 1st and July 25th each year to decide taxpayer appeals. County boards in counties with a population in excess of 100,000 inhab-itants may extend the deadline for hearing protests to August 10. Real property protests must be filed on or before June 30th.

Personal property returns filed by May 1st must be filed on or before June 30 Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 77-1502, 77-1229.Beginning in 2014, counties with a population of at least 150,000 must provide the opportunity for real property own-ers to meet with the county assessor’s office to review the property record card file and assessed value determined for the current year. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-1311.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?County board of equalization valuation decisions may be appealed to the Tax Equalization and Review Commission (TERC) by August 24th (or September 10th if the county has adopted a resolution to extend the deadline for hearing pro-tests). Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-1510. TERC decisions may be appealed to the Court of Appeals by filing a petition within 30 days after the TERC’s final deci-sion. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-5019.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Nebraska collected approximately $2.71 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 36.76% of the $7.37 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 76.07% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Valuation Notice – Beginning in 2013, the requirement to put the average levels of value for each class of real property on the notice of valuation change will be eliminated. LB 822, Laws 2012Exemptions and Credits – Effective retroactively to January 1, 2010, the Nebraska personal property tax credit against the Nebraska nameplate capacity tax and the personal property tax exemption for certain property that uses wind energy are clarified. LB 360, Laws 2011Appeals – Nebraska property tax provisions relating to the Tax Equalization and Review Commission (TERC) are modified to reduce the number of TERC commissioners from four to three and allow any investigation, inquiry, or hearing held or undertaken by the commission to be held or

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undertaken by a single commissioner (previously, a panel of three commissioners), among other changes. Other changes include new language requiring the tax commissioner or property tax administrator to appeal within 30 days after a notice of appeal has been filed in order to intervene in cer-tain appeals. [Previously, no such time limit was specified]. Also, among additional changes, assessment hearings may be held via telephone conferences in specified circumstances. LB 384, Laws 2011Preliminary Valuation Notices – Effective January 1, 2014, counties with populations of at least 150,000 inhabitants must mail preliminary valuation notices to real property owners on or before January 15 of each year. The notices may be mailed or published on a website. LB 384, Laws 2011.

Nevada1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Land, improvements and business personal property.Centrally assessed Property of an interstate or inter-county nature used directly in the operation of railroads, private car lines, gas distribution pipelines, water, telephone, airlines, and electric power. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.320.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Tax is imposed on the owner. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.260.4. Unit of assessment?Each separate parcel unless (a) the location of improvements causes two or more parcels to function as a singled parcel, (b) the parcel is one of a group of parcels which qualifies for a subdivi-sion discount, or (3) in the professional judgment of the person determining the value, the parcel is one of a group of parcels which should be valued as a unit. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.227 (2). 5. Tax rate(s) set by?Tax rate set by local government, and certified by the Ne-vada Tax Commission. Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 361.445, 361.460, 361.4547

6. Current tax rate? Varies by jurisdictionProperty tax rates for Nevada local governments are avail-able on the website of the Department of Taxation at http://www.tax.state.nv.us/DOAS_FORMS/Final%20FY%202013-2014%20Levied%207-15-13.pdf. The highest average county wide tax rate is 3.66%, the lowest is 1.7772% and the average is 3.1212% per $100 of assessed valuation.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.4547.

8. Tax collected by?For real property the County treasurer. For personal property the County treasurer or Assessor as indicated on the billing.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors are responsible for locally assessed prop-erty. The county assessors are overseen by the Locally As-sessed Property Section. http://tax.state.nv.us/DOAS%20Centrally%20Assessed%20New%20Proposed.html. The Nevada Tax Department assesses centrally assessed prop-erty. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.320. The Centrally Assessed Prop-erty Section is responsible for appraising centrally assessed property. http://tax.state.nv.us/DOAS%20Centrally%20As-sessed%20New%20Proposed.html

10. Basis of valuation?All Real Property - Taxable value: For vacant land, the full cash; for improvements, replacement cost new less statutory depreciation, Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.227. The value of a busi-ness property is further determined through the cost, in-come, and market approaches. Nev. Admin. Code § 361.396. Property is taxed at its assessed value, which is 35% of its taxable value. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.225.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Property in most counties is revalued annually, but in lieu of an annual reassessment a county can implement a cycle whereby properties are reappraised at least once every five years. In the years in which property is not reappraised fac-tors are applied to the improvement value and the land value. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.260.12. Date of last general revaluation?The last revaluation was for fiscal tax year 2013-14.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?Generally, July 1st. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.260.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Agricultural property; Educational property; Government property; Intangibles; Manufacturing and industrial prop-erty; Native American property on a reservation; Nonprofit organizations; Recycling facilities; and Religious property; household furnishings; Registered Vehicles, NRS 361.228 and generally, Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.050 -361.187 .15. Initial appeal process?The value of locally assessed property on the secured tax roll may be appealed to the county board of equalization. The deadline for filing the appeal is January 15. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.357(1). The value of locally assessed property on the unsecured roll which was assessed on or after May 1 but on or before December 15 may be appealed to the county board of equalization. The deadline for appealing is January 15. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.357(2).The value of locally assessed property on the unsecured roll which was assessed after December 15th but on or before April 30 may be appealed to the state board of equaliza-tion. The deadline for appealing is May 15. Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.360(3).The value of centrally assessed property may be appealed to the State Board of Equalization. The deadline for filing the appeal is January 15. Nev. Admin. Code § 361.7012(5).

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16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?A determination of the county board of equalization may be appealed to the state board of equalization. Generally, this is not a de novo review, but is limited to the record made before the county board of equalization. A review of a determination of the state board of equaliza-tion may be sought in District Court. This is not a de novo review, but is a judicial review of the record made before the state board. Deference is given to findings of fact made by the state board of equalization. 17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Nevada collected approximately $3.50 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2010, representing 34.49% of the $10.14 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented 6.22% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 72.86% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

New Hampshire1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Real estate, including buildings, mills, wharves, ferries, toll-bridges, locks and canals and aqueducts owned by private parties, any portion of the water of which is sold or rented for pay. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 72:6, 7. Public utilities property and railroads are assessed in the town in which they are located. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 72:12.Centrally assessed – State owned forest and recreational land. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 21-J:9.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Tax is imposed on the owner or to the person who is in pos-session and actual occupancy, if that person consents to be taxed. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 73:10.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Commissioner of Revenue Administration. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 21-J:5.6. Current tax rate? Combined rates vary by jurisdiction from 0% to 34.47% http://www.revenue.nh.gov/munc_prop/property-tax-rates-related-data/2012/documents/2012TaxRateReport.pdf.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 21-J:34.8. Tax collected by?Generally, local tax collectors. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 80:4. However, an appointed county tax collector collects for un-incorporated towns and unorganized places. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 81:1.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? City “boards of assessors” assess local property. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 48:13. County commissioners are responsible for assessing unincorporated towns and unorganized places. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 81:1. The Division of Property Ap-praisal of the State Department of Revenue Administration is responsible for appraising state owned forest and recre-ational land. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 21-J:9.10. Basis of valuation?The selectmen shall appraise open space land (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 79-A:5), open space land with conservation restrictions (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 79-B:3), land with dis-cretionary easements (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 79-C:7), resi-dences on commercial or industrial zoned land (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 75:11), earth and excavations (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 72-B), land classified as land under qualifying farm structures (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 79-F), residential rental property subject to a housing covenant under the low-in-come housing tax credit program (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 75:1-a), and all other taxable property at its market value. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 75:1.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Polls, estates, and other classes of property are revalued every 5 years. N.H. Const. Art. 6th; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 75:8-a. Utility property is revalued every year. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 82:2.12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by jurisdiction13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?April 1st. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 73:1.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Charitable organizations; Educational organizations; Gov-ernmental and public property; Homesteads; Personal prop-erty; and Religious organizations.15. Initial appeal process?The initial appeal is to the municipality. http://www.nh.gov/btla/appeals/documents/CommonlyAskedQuestions-pt.pdf16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals may be made to either the Board of Tax and Land Appeals or to the superior court in the county where the property is located. http://www.nh.gov/btla/ap-peals/documents/CommonlyAskedQuestions-pt.pdf17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?New Hampshire collected approximately $3.24 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 64.60% of the $5.02 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented 18.53% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 98.43% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

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New Jersey1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – General business, most utility property, and real property.

Centrally assessed – Railroad operating property.

3. Person tax legally imposed on?Tax is imposed on the owner. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 54:4-23.

4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.

5. Tax rate(s) set by?Municipal/local government. N.J. Const. art. VIII, § 1.

6. Current tax rate? Varies widely by local jurisdiction http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/lpt/taxrate.shtml.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.

8. Tax collected by?Local tax collectors. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 54:4-64.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Locally assessed properties are assessed by the local assessors. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 54:4-23. Centrally assessed properties are assessed by the Commissioner of the Division of Taxation. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 54:29A-17.

10. Basis of valuation?Current true value (market value) for most properties, however qualified farmland is valued based on its productive capabili-ties. http://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/lpt/genlpt.shtml11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real property does not have a statutory or Constitutional re-valuation schedule, however a County Board of Taxation can revalue or reassess with approval from the Director of the Divi-sion of Taxation. Spot assessing is not allowed, however “assess-ment maintenance” is allowed outside of a municipal reassess-ment, so long as a legitimate reason exists. http://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/pdf/assessorshandbook.pdf (pp.74, 491).12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by jurisdiction13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?Real property is valued on October 1st. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 54:4-23. Tangible personal property used in business subject to taxa-tion is valued on January 1st. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 54:4-2.46.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?There is a $250 deduction available on real or personal prop-erty of qualified war veterans or their unmarried surviving spouses. http://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/lpt/exam.shtmlA 100% property tax exemption is available to 100% disabled war veterans or unmarried surviving spouses.There is a $250 deduction for taxpayers 65 or older, or a per-manently and totally disabled individual or their unmarried surviving spouse age 55 or more.

15. Initial appeal process?A taxpayer’s initial appeal is made to a county tax board, un-less the value of the property is over $1,000,000, in which case the initial appeal can be made straight to the State Tax Court of New Jersey. http://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/lpt/exam.shtml16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals may be made to the State Tax Court of New Jersey. http://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/lpt/exam.shtml17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?New Jersey collected approximately $24.75 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 48.43% of the $51.10 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 98.30% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

New Mexico1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – General business property, real and personal, that is not centrally assessed, residential real estate.Centrally assessed – Operating property of railroads, airlines, utilities, nonutility merchant electric generation and trans-mission, telecom companies, pipelines, mining, and certain construction personal property. The complete list is located in N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-36-2.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Owner. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-38-47.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Secretary of Finance and Administration. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-38-33.6. Current tax rate? Varies by jurisdiction, but the county/school district rates are limited by N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-37-7. Each county lists their cities and their combined property tax mill rate in an annual certificate http://www.nmdfa.state.nm.us/Certificate_of_Property_Tax.aspx. Rates generally run between 0.75% and 1.5% of assessed value.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-38-33.8. Tax collected by?County Treasurer. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-38-36.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors conduct local assessments, while the Taxa-tion and Revenue Department conduct central assessments:

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all notices of valuation come from county assessors. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-36-2.

10. Basis of valuation?Market value, unless specified in N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 7-36-20 – 33 or N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-36-15.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Annually. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-38-7. However, with written approval from the director, county assessors may reappraise every two years. N.M. Code R. § 3.6.5.13.

12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by jurisdiction

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-38-7.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Head of family exemption of $2,000 is allowed. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-37-4Veteran exemption of up to $4,000 per year. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-37-5Disabled veterans receive a full exemption from property tax. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-37-5.1. There are also exemptions found in the state constitution for charitable use, educational use, government property, etc. Agricultural land is not exempt, but subject to a non-market value valuation method. Most tangible property now owned by a business is exempt. In-tangible property is not strictly speaking exempt, but is not subject to tax.15. Initial appeal process?For centrally assessed property, the taxpayer may appeal to the Property Tax Division, or after payment, file a claim for refund in the District Court for Santa Fe County.For locally assessed property, appeals are made to the County Valuation Protests Board. http://www.tax.newmexico.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/TRD-Forms/Property-Tax/pro-test_pamplet05.pdf16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?A locally assessed property appeal is made to the district court. Centrally assessed properties are appealed to the court of appeals. 17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?New Mexico collected approximately $1.30 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 19.83% of the $6.55 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1.38% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 55.80% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Veterans’ Organizations – A new property tax exemption has been enacted for a veterans’ organization. Specifically, for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2012, the property of a congressionally chartered veterans’ organization that is used

primarily for the benefit of veterans and their families is ex-empt from property taxation. H.B. 437, Laws 2011

New York1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax, or Real Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Only real propertyCentrally assessed – Real property of special franchises3. Person tax legally imposed on?Typically the owner, but can also be imposed on an interest owned as a renter. N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 926.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Local tax collecting officer. N.Y. Const. § 10.6. Current tax rate? Varies by jurisdiction as listed inhttp://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/reports/fvtaxrates/overall_county_12.htm.In 2012, the highest rate (full value) was $48.80 per $1,000, the lowest rate was $14.90 per $1,000, and the average statewide average (excluding New York City) was $28.20 per $1,000. Nassau County and NYC each has a four property class sys-tem, and thus there is no general county or city wide tax rate. in 2012 the statewide property tax rate (including New York City) was $27.50 per $1,000 http://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/reports/fvtaxrates/statewide_12.htm7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. N.Y. Const. § 10. 8. Tax collected by?Local tax collectors. N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 9049. Assessor responsible for assessments? Generally the local assessor. N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 202The Commissioner of Taxation and Finance is responsible for assessing special franchises. N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 20210. Basis of valuation?Property must be valued at its current use. The exception is vacant land that is used for no purpose; its value may in-stead by based on highest and best use (Opinion of ORPTS Counsel, Vol. 10, No. 45).11. Frequency of general revaluations?Varies widely among jurisdictions, as there is no statewide requirement. Some jurisdictions revalue annually, while oth-ers have not reassessed in many decades. http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/learn/eqrates.htm12. Date of last general revaluation? Varies by jurisdiction.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?Generally, March 1st for taxable status and the preceding July 1st for value, but some jurisdictions use different calendar dates. N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 301.

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14. Main exemptions/reliefs?School Tax Relief Program (STAR) is available as either ba-sic STAR or enhanced STAR. Basic STAR is available to all homeowners who own and live in the home as their primary residence, and who earn $500,000 or less as a household. This allows an exemption up to the first $30,000 in value for school tax purposes. Enhanced STAR is available to home-owners 65 years of age or older, who earn $500,000 or less as a household. This allows an exemption up to the first $63,300 in value for school tax purposes. http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/index.htmVarious municipalities and school districts also allow up to 50% exemptions for income eligible senior citizens. These districts have some flexibility in setting their own baselines for income, which are typically significantly lower than the STAR limits. http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/seniorexempt.htmVarious veteran exemptions are available for county and mu-nicipal taxes, but not for school district taxes. These include the Alternative Veterans Exemption, Cold War Veterans Ex-emption, and the Eligible Funds exemption. http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/exemption/vetexempt.htmTaxpayers with disabilities with limited income can receive exemptions of up to 50% depending on if the community offers an exemption. http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/ex-emption/disablexempt.htmVarious exemptions also apply in regard to agricultural and forest property, and to many other types. http://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/valuation/agindex.htm15. Initial appeal process?Either the local assessor or the local board of assessment re-view. N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law §§ 512, 524. New York City and Nassau County have special commissions to handle ap-peals, which allow filing grievances online. 16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals may be made in the form of a small claims assessment review (owner-occupied residential prop-erty only) or in the special term of the supreme court in the judicial district in which the assessment to be reviewed was made. N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 702.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?New York collected approximately $49 billion in state and local property taxes in 2012, representing 32.7% of the $150 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 60.0% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Property Tax Limitation – Legislation has been enacted that caps property tax increases at 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. The cap would be subject to limited ex-ceptions, such as judgments or court orders arising out of

tort actions that exceed 5% of a locality’s levy or growth in tax levies due to new construction. Ch. 97 (S.B. 5856), Laws 2011; effective July 1, 2011STAR exclusion -- STAR exemption is subject to removal if owner of residence becomes delinquent in payment of state taxes.Homeowners receiving the Basic STAR exemption were required to re-register for this exemption in 2013. Such re-registration was implemented in order to detect instances where spouses were each receiving the STAR exemption on separate residences (by law a married couple is entitled to a STAR exemption on no more than one residence, unless the spouses are living apart due to legal separation).New York City – New York property tax exemption provi-sions that are allowed for new multiple dwellings in New York City (the §421-a, Real Property Tax Law, exemption) are amended to extend the construction period for eligibil-ity from July 1, 1992, through December 29, 2010, to July 1, 1992, through June 15, 2015. Ch. 97 (S.B. 5856), Laws 2011Flood Damage Relief – Authorizes retroactive assessment re-duction for certain catastrophically impacted properties. Ch. 424 (S.B. 5849), Laws 2013Agricultural Assessment Exemptions – Limits increase in value used in taxing eligible agricultural land to 2% annually (limita-tion was 10% in prior years) Ch. 385 (S.B. 1952), Laws 2013

North Carolina1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – All county property that is not subject to cen-tral assessment or exempted under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-275.Centrally assessed – Public service companies (railroads, bus lines, motor freight carriers, airlines, telecom companies, electric power companies, gas companies, and pipeline com-panies). N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-289.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Property is listed in the name of the owner. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 105-302, 306.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?County and municipality taxing authorities. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-347.6. Current tax rate? Varies by jurisdiction. The tax rates are located at http://www.dor.state.nc.us/publications/countyrates.html. The rates vary from $.2790 per $100 to $1.030 per $100.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-347.8. Tax collected by?Local tax collectors. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-350. Taxes on reg-istered motor vehicles collected by NCDMV. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-330.

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9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Locally assessed properties are assessed by the county asses-sors. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-296. Centrally assessed properties are assessed by the Department of Revenue. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-289. 10. Basis of valuation?Current true value (market value) for most properties. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-285. However agricultural, horticultural and forest land can be valued at present use with the filing of a proper application. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-277.4.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real property must be appraised at least once every 8 years, but a county can reappraise all real property on a shorter cy-cle if so desired or if their sales ratio goes below 85% or over 115%. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-286.

12. Date of last general revaluation? Varies by jurisdiction

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-285.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?An exemption is allowed on the greater of the first $25,000 or 50% of assessed value for taxpayers 65 or older with in-comes of less than $28,100. This exemption also applies to totally and permanently disabled taxpayers. http://www.dor.state.nc.us/downloads/av9_2013.pdfDisabled veterans and surviving spouses are allowed an ex-emption of $45,000 of the appraised value. http://www.dor.state.nc.us/downloads/av9_2013.pdfA circuit breaker deferment also exists for taxpayers 65 or older and for totally and permanently disabled taxpayers. For taxpayers with income under $28,100, they will only be re-sponsible for 4% of their tax. Taxpayers with income under $42,150 will be responsible for 5%. http://www.dor.state.nc.us/downloads/av9_2013.pdfThe amount unpaid is not exempted however and remains a lien on the property. Additionally, interest accrues on the deferred amount.15. Initial appeal process?A taxpayer may contact the tax office informally or they may appeal to the local board of equalization and review. The board is made up of either the board of county commis-sioners, or a specially appointed board. http://www.dor.state.nc.us/downloads/av9_2013.pdf

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals may be made to the State Board of Equal-ization and Review known as the Property Tax Commission. http://www.dor.state.nc.us/downloads/av9_2013.pdf

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?North Carolina collected approximately $8.57 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 26.20% of the $32.71 billion in state and local taxes collected.

At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 76.59% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Use Valuation: Business Entities – For taxable years after July 1, 2011, land owned by a business entity is classified and as-sessed at its present-use value (e.g., agricultural land, forest land), the land must have been owned by one or more of the following for the four years immediately preceding January 1 of the year for which the benefit is claimed: (1) the busi-ness entity; (2) a member of the business entity; or (3) an-other business entity whose members include a member of the business entity that currently owns the land. Ch. 9 (H.B. 123), Laws 2011 Roadway Corridors – Real property on which a building or other structure is located and that lies within a transportation corridor is designated a special class of property and is taxable at 50% of the appraised value, if the property has not been sub-divided. The provision for the reduced assessment is effective for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2011, and before July 1, 2021. Ch. 30 (S.B. 107), Laws 2011 Nonprofit Housing – The property tax exemption period for a nonprofit organization holding real property as a future site for housing for low- or moderate-income individuals and families has been extended from five years to 10 years. Ch. 368 (H.B. 417), Laws 2011Interest on Overpayments – For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, when an order of a county board of equal-ization and review reduces the valuation of property, for prop-erty tax purposes, or removes the property from the tax lists and based on the order, the taxpayer has paid more tax than is due on the property, the taxpayer is entitled to receive interest on the overpayment at the indicated rate. Interest accrues from the later of the date the tax was paid or the date the tax would have been considered delinquent. Ch. 3 (S.B. 76), Laws 2011Important issues regarding the burden of proof on the as-sessment officials have recently arisen in the North Carolina Court of Appeals. These cases are In the Matter of Appeal of: IBM Credit Corporation, N.C. Ct. of App. (Aug. 21, 2012) and In the Matter of Appeal of: Parkdale Mills and Parkdale America, N.C. Ct. of App. (Mar. 5, 2013). These cases show that there is currently a strong push towards providing an equal burden to prove valuation in the appeals process.Proposed legislation to exclude customized software from property taxation (SB490) was passed by the NCGA and will become effective for the 2014 tax year.

North Dakota1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Real property and general business property

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Centrally assessed – Utilities, railroads, pipelines, air transportation. All centrally assessed properties are listed at http://www.nd.gov/tax/property/pubs/guide/propertynotassessedbylocalassessors.pdf?20130321090852. [The only express company ever centrally assessed was Railway Express, which is no longer assessed].3. Person tax legally imposed on?Owner. N.D. Cent. Code. § 57-02-31.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?County auditor. N.D. Cent. Code § 57-15-02.6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst taxing jurisdiction, although the rate cannot exceed 23 mills. N.D. Cent. Code § 57-15-06. There are cer-tain properties that are not subject to the 23 mill limit. N.D. Cent. Code § 57-15-06.8.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by? County Treasurer.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The city assessor, N.D. Cent. Code § 40-19-01, although for unorganized territories, the assessor districts are valued by district assessors, N.D. Cent. Code § 57-02-33.10. Basis of valuation?True and full value, although the meaning differs based on the type of property.For commercial and residential properties, it is the prop-erty’s market value http://www.nd.gov/tax/property/pubs/ guide/conceptsresidentialcommercialproperty.pdf ?2013 0321092323For agricultural properties, it is the property’s capitalized av-erage annual gross return http://www.nd.gov/tax/property/ pubs/guide/valuationconceptsagriculturalproperty.pdf?2013 032109201911. Frequency of general revaluations?Annually. N.D. Cent. Code § 57-02-11.12. Date of last general revaluation? 2012.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?February 1st. N.D. Cent. Code § 57-02-11.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious and charitable properties are fully exemptedHomestead is available for taxpayers 65 and older, as well as for totally disabled persons of any age. These taxpayers are eligible for a reduction in the value of their homestead up to a maximum true and full value of $100,000 if their income did not exceed $26,000 and their total assets excluding the first $100,000 unencumbered value of the homestead did not exceed $75,000. The exemption percentage varies based on income, and ranges from 100% to 20%. More information is listed at http://www.nd.gov/tax/property/pubs/guide/creditsforndhomeownersrenters.pdf?20130321120018

Up to $150,000 true and full value of new single family, con-dominium, and townhouse residential property excluding land is exempt for the first two taxable years after the taxable year in which construction is completed and the residence is owned and occupied for the first time, so long as: 1) the gov-erning body has approved the exemption by resolution and 2) special assessments and taxes on the property upon which the residence is situated are not delinquent. More information is listed at http://www.nd.gov/tax/prop-erty/pubs/guide/newsinglefamilyresidentialproperties.pdf?20130321120751.

15. Initial appeal process?Initial appeals are made to local boards of equalization. N.D. Cent. Code § 57-09-04.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals are next appealed to the board of county commissioners. Appeals may be made to the State Board of Equalization, but the taxpayer must first appeal to the local and county boards of equalization. N.D. Cent. Code § 57-12-06.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?North Dakota collected approximately $.69 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 19.78% of the $3.48 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 82.37% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Veterans – Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2010, the North Dakota property tax homestead credit for qualifying disabled veterans is modified. A disabled veteran with a service-connected disability of 50% or greater, or an unremarried surviving spouse, is eligible for a credit applied against the first $5,400 (previously $120,000) of the true and full valuation of the fixtures, buildings, and improvements of the person’s homestead equal to the percentage of the disabled veteran’s disability compensation rating for service-connected disabilities. Ch. 446 (H.B. 1116), Laws 2011Agricultural Land – Effective for tax years beginning after De-cember 31, 2010, some land previously used for agriculture, but now used to extract oil, natural gas, or subsurface miner-als, may remain under the classification of agricultural land purposes of North Dakota property tax. Specifically, land that was assessed as agricultural property at the time the land was put to use for the extraction of oil, natural gas, or subsurface minerals must continue to be assessed as agricultural property, if the remainder of the owner’s parcel of property continues to qualify as agricultural property for purposes of an assessment. Ch. 442 (H.B. 1071), Laws 2011Potash Tax – Effective for taxable production occurring after June 30, 2011, a 2% North Dakota property tax is imposed on all pot-ash produced within North Dakota and a 4% tax is imposed on

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the gross value of all subsurface mineral by-products produced during the processing of potash. [The payment of the tax on pot-ash and by-products of potash is in lieu of all property taxes by the state, counties, cities, school districts, and other taxing districts on any property rights attached to producing potash and potash by-products; leases; machinery, appliances, and equipment used in and around any well producing potash or potash by-products; and on any investment in property. The land and the processing plant, mining facility, or satellite facility must be assessed and taxed as other property within the taxing district in which the property is situated. Ch. 486 (H.B. 1046), Laws 2011Charitable Exemption: Housing – Effective for tax years be-ginning after December 31, 2011, property will not be con-sidered used wholly or in part for charitable or public pur-poses if rental units are leased to tenants based on income levels that enable the owner to receive a federal low-income housing income tax credit. Ch. 444 (S.B. 2049), Laws 2011.

Ohio1. Title of Property Tax System? Real Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Real property except railroad propertyCentrally assessed – Railroad property3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?The tax rate is set by a combination of all of the local taxing jurisdictions. Examples of such jurisdictions include school districts, counties, municipalities, townships, and special ser-vice districts. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5705.03. Tax rates in excess of ten mills are set by voters. 6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst taxing jurisdiction with different mill-age rates for public utility tangible personal property, class 1 real property, and class 2 real property. http://www.tax.ohio.gov/tax_analysis/tax_data_series/publications_tds_property/12atratd.aspx. For tax year 2011 (affecting bills paid in 2012), the average rate applied to agricultural and residen-tial property was 61.11 mills, and the average rate applied to all other property was 70.02 mills.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5705.03.

8. Tax collected by? County Treasurer.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors assess all locally assessed property. The Tax Commissioner assesses the real property of railroads used in railroad operations and the tangible personal property of all public utilities, including railroads.

10. Basis of valuation?Market value. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5713.03.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real property is updated every 3 years with full reappraisal every 6 years.

12. Date of last general revaluation?Ohio’s 88 counties are divided into three groups, and those groups are further divided so that one subgroup undergoes reappraisal while the other subgroup undergoes a less de-tailed update.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5705.61.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious, charitable, public, and educational properties are fully exemptedUp to $25,000 of the market value can be shielded through the homestead exemption. Seniors 65 and older, as well as totally and permanently disabled homeowners are eligible to apply with their local county auditor.Agricultural land is taxed at its use value rather than its mar-ket value, thus providing a substantial savings. 15. Initial appeal process?Tax Commissioner (public utility property) or county boards of revision (real property except railroads.) 16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals are appealed to the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals. All complaints must be resolved, but those deter-minations may be appealed to the Ohio board of tax appeals. 17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Exemption Applications – Beginning in tax year 2011, appli-cations for exemption must be filed with the county auditor (rather than the tax commissioner) for: 1) a public road or highway; 2) property of the federal government; 3) addi-tions or improvements to an existing building or structure that belongs to the state or a political subdivision and that is exempted from taxation as property used exclusively for a public purpose; and 4) property of the boards of trustees and of the housing commissions of the state universities, the Northeastern Ohio Universities college of Medicine, and of the state, to be exempted from taxation under continuing law under which the property must be held for the use and ben-efit of those institutions. H.B. 225, Laws 2011.

Oklahoma1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Real and tangible personal propertyCentrally assessed – Railroads and public service corporations3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.

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4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?County excise board, http://www.tax.ok.gov/advform/TES-14.pdf (p.15)6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst taxing jurisdiction. There is no central re-source for tax rates. 7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. http://www.tax.ok.gov/advform/TES-14.pdf (p.15)8. Tax collected by? County Treasurer.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County Assessor.10. Basis of valuation?Generally, current market value, although agricultural land is valued on its capacity to produce livestock or crops. Okla. Stat. tit. 68, § 2817.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Every four years.12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies amongst jurisdiction.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st. Okla. Stat. tit. 68, § 2817.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious and charitable properties are fully exemptedHomestead exemption of $1,000 from the value of the prop-erty applies for taxpayers who own and make the property their principal residence by January 1st.An additional $1,000 exemption may apply if the annual household income is $20,000 or less. A refund of 1% of your taxable income may be given up to $200 if annual household income is $12,000 or less and the taxpayer is 65 or older or totally disabled.Full exemptions for homestead real and personal property may be given to 100% disabled veterans or surviving spouses15. Initial appeal process?Locally assessed – AssessorCentrally assessed – State Board of Equalization16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Locally assessed – County board of equalization, then to the district courtCentrally assessed – Unresolved appeals go to the Court of Tax Review17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Oklahoma collected approximately $2.40 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 21.05% of the $11.40 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 55.55% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Property Tax Bills – A local county treasurer may provide by electronic mail a statement to an Oklahoma property tax-payer showing the ad valorem taxes due and owing that have been assessed against the taxpayer’s real and personal prop-erty. In lieu of a regular mailing, the treasurer may send the statement to the taxpayer using electronic mail, provided that the taxpayer has previously submitted a written request to re-ceive such a statement by electronic mail instead of by regular mail. Ch. 79 (S.B. 104), Laws 2011

Oregon1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Property subject to taxation includes all pri-vately owned real property (e.g., land, buildings, and fixed machinery and equipment), manufactured homes, and tan-gible personal property used in a businessCentrally assessed – Railroads, air transportation, communi-cation providers, utilities, pipelines, toll bridge owners, and other properties listed in Or. Rev. Stat. § 308.515. Includes both tangible and intangible property.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Owner (or user for centrally assessed property)4. Unit of assessment?Separate Parcel (except for centrally assessed property

5. Tax rate(s) set by?The tax rate is generally set by the local taxing district. Or. Rev. Stat. § 310.090.

6. Current tax rate?Varies amongst taxing jurisdiction. In 2013, the highest tax rate was $13.47 per $1,000, the lowest tax rate was $4.32 per $1,000, and the average was $11.85 per $1,000 http://www.oregon.gov/dor/STATS/docs/303-405-12/property-tax-stats_303-405_2012-13.pdf (p. 31).

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. Or. Rev. Stat. § 310.010.

8. Tax collected by?Local Tax Collector

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Locally assessed – County assessor. Or. Rev. Stat. § 308.210.

Centrally assessed – Department of Revenue. Or. Rev. Stat. § 308.515.

10. Basis of valuation?The lesser of real market value or maximum assessed value. Maximum assessed value increases are capped at 3%. Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 308.232, 308.146.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Annually. Or. Rev. Stat. § 308.210.

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12. Date of last general revaluation?2012.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st. Or. Rev. Stat. § 308.210. 14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Federal property fully exemptedState and local government property fully exemptedFarmland and forestland special assessment programsReligious and charitable properties are fully exemptedDisabled veteran and surviving spouse exemptions apply in the amounts of $18,448 or $22,138 with a yearly increase of 3%.A property tax deferral system is in place where the state will pay the property taxes and take a lien on properties of tax-payers age 62 or over (as well as disabled citizens), who have owned and lived on the property for at least 5 years, with household annual income less than $41,500, and a net worth of less than $500,000.• These deferral payments accrue 6% interest com-

pounded annually.15. Initial appeal process?Locally assessed – To the assessor or the county board of prop-erty tax appealsCentrally assessed – To the director of the Department of Revenue16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Locally assessed – Unresolved appeals are made to the Magis-trate Division of the Oregon Tax Court, , then the Regular Division, and then the Oregon Supreme Court (as a matter of right).Centrally assessed – Unresolved appeals are made to the Mag-istrate Division of the Oregon Tax Court, then the Regular Division, and then the Oregon Supreme Court (as a matter of right).17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Oregon collected approximately $5.2 billion in local prop-erty taxes in fiscal year 2012-13.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Public Safety Emergencies – New measure allows the Gover-nor to determine the fiscal conditions that compromise the ability of a county to provide a minimally adequate level of services and declare a “Public Safety Fiscal Emergency” in a county. After obtaining written authorization signed by governing body of each county subject to proclamation, the Governor may enter into a written intergovernmental agree-ment (IGA) with the affected counties and other counties for performance of functions and activities of the affected county. The cost of the services provided under an IGA will be shared between state and counties parties to the IGA. The state will bear 50 percent of costs and affected counties will bear 50 percent of cost, To pay for the county’s portion of cost,

counties may impose a surtax on state personal, corporate income or excise tax; a tax on telecommunication services; impose any assessment county governing body is lawfully capable of imposing; use existing sources of county revenue; or any combination of previously identified funding sources. The bill provides that a public safety fiscal emergency procla-mation terminates after 18 months unless Governor extends declaration for up to 18 more months. The Governor shall terminate public safety fiscal emergency by proclamation when emergency no longer exists or threat of emergency has passed. Public safety fiscal emergency proclaimed by Gover-nor may be terminated at any time by action of Legislative Assembly. Termination of a public safety fiscal emergency shall apply to: Income and excise tax years beginning on or after January 1 following the termination and other assess-ment reporting periods beginning on or after first day of first calendar quarter following termination. Sunsets provisions of this Act on January 2, 2018. Declares emergency, effective upon passage. Ch. 753 (H.B 3453 B), Laws 2013.Communications Companies – There is discriminatory treat-ment of communications companies. The DOR’s chief liti-gator and legal advisor thinks many companies are telecom firms and should be centrally assessed.

Pennsylvania1. Title of Property Tax System? Real Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property only, although there are special considerations for certain types (utility, forest and timber lands, and coal and mineral lands).3. Person tax legally imposed on?Generally, the owner. However, if the owner does not pay, then it may be imposed on a lessee of the real property (the amount paid will be deducted from any rent or amounts due to the owner).4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?The tax rate is generally set by the county commissioner. 72 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1770. 6. Current tax rate?Varies amongst taxing jurisdiction. The highest rate is 55 mills and the lowest is 0 mills.http://munstatspa.dced.state.pa.us/ReportViewer.aspx? R=CountyTaxSummary&reporting_year=2013& rendering=H7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. 72 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1770.

8. Tax collected by? Local Tax Collector.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Counties elect and cities appoint their own assessors.

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10. Basis of valuation?Generally fair market value, although agricultural, forest, timber lands, and a few other special types may be valued at their current use value. 72 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 5020.402, 5490.3.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Generally annually, however Allegheny County revalues ev-ery 3 years.12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies amongst localities13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?Varies amongst localities

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious and charitable properties are fully exemptedThe property tax/rent rebate program benefits citizens age 65 and over; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and over. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters with half of Social Security income being excluded.Seniors also receive varying levels of rebates depending on which city they live in. An additional 50% is given if the senior lives in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Scranton with an additional 50% on top of that for the rest of the state. 15. Initial appeal process?County level appeals board16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Court of Common Pleas for whichever county the initial ap-peal was made in.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Pennsylvania collected approximately $16 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 30.37% of the $52.71 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 70.77% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

Puerto Rico1. Title of Property Tax System?Title 21 of Laws of Puerto Rico Annotated, Municipalities.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and Personal property taxes. 3. Person tax legally imposed on?As a general rule, the tax is imposed on the owner. 4. Unit of assessment?On each separate parcel or personal property located in Puerto Rico.

5. Tax rate(s) set by?Tax rate is set by the municipal governments acting within the parameters of a state Act. 6. Current tax rate? Puerto Rico has 78 municipalities, each with its own per-sonal and real property tax rates. For fiscal year 2013-2014, the highest/lowest tax rates on personal and real property were 9.58%/5.80% and 11.83%/8.03%, respectively. 7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by? Municipal Revenue Collection Center, known by its Span-ish acronym “CRIM.”9. Assessor responsible for assessments? For personal property the tax is self-assessed and for real property the tax is assessed by the Municipal Revenue Col-lection Center. 10. Basis of valuation?For personal property, the value is assessed on the basis of fair market value at January 1st of each year. For real property, the value is assessed on the basis of 1958 reproduction costs.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Property values in Puerto Rico have not been evaluated since 1958. 12. Date of last general revaluation? 1958.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st of the current year. 14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Public PropertyHousehold property used for personal useNon-for profit entitiesProperty owned by a tax-exempt businessFarm property15. Initial appeal process?The taxpayer initial process is to request an administrative review before the Municipal Revenue Collection Center. 16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Court of First Instance (trial court).17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Since the tax rates vary by municipality, this exercise would require a separate calculation for each of the 78 municipalities. 18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?On December 9, 2013 the Puerto Rico legislature enacted into law a temporary amnesty for real and personal property taxes. Pursuant to Act 145, taxpayers with outstanding prop-erty tax obligations can elect to pay the principal and have all interest, penalties and surcharges waived. As mandated by Act 145, the Municipal Revenue Collection Office, CRIM by its Spanish acronym, issued Administrative Determina-

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tion 2013-06, providing that the tax amnesty will be in effect for one hundred (100) days starting on December 18, 2013 and ending on March 27, 2014. The tax amnesty will not be available to real property tax debts for fiscal tax year 2013-2014 and subsequent years or for personal property tax debts for year 2013 and subsequent tax years. Act 145 also provides payment plan options with reduced interest rates.

Rhode Island1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Most real and personal property Centrally assessed – The Department of Revenue assesses tangible property of telecommunication, cable, and express companies.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?The tax rate is generally set by the town or city. R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-5-1.6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst taxing jurisdiction and amongst property types (residential real estate, commercial real estate, per-sonal property, and motor vehicles) http://www.muni-info.state.ri.us/documents/finances/property%20tax%20info/TaxRatesFY2011.pdf.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-5-18. Tax collected by? Local tax collector.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Local assessors are responsible except for the centrally as-sessed properties listed above in which case the Department of Revenue is responsible.10. Basis of valuation?Fair Market Value. R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-5-12.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Revaluations occur every 9 years with property updates every 3 years.12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies amongst counties13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?December 31st. R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-5-1.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious and charitable properties are fully exemptedExemptions for veterans and homesteads vary by locality, but are typically in the 15% to 50% range. 15. Initial appeal process?Initial appeals are filed with the local office of tax assessment within 90 days from the first date payment is due.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Local tax board of review within 30 days of the local office of tax assessment’s decision. An appeal is then made to a Superior Court of Rhode Island.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Rhode Island collected approximately $2.19 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 45.59% of the $4.81 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 97.73% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Homestead – A Rhode Island city or town is authorized to extend, by ordinance, a homestead property tax exemption to any owner-occupied premises in the city or town. Ch. 397, (H.B. 5918), Laws 2011Payment – If a taxpayer fails to pay the first installment or any succeeding installment by the last date of the respective installment period, a Rhode Island municipality has the au-thority to require immediate payment of local taxes, includ-ing property tax, on only that late installment and to impose an interest charge only on that late installment. Ch. 334 (S.B. 592) and Ch. 394 (H.B. 946), Laws 2011

South Carolina1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Commercial, agricultural, and residential property. Centrally assessed – The Department of Revenue values the property of all manufacturers, utilities, mining companies, certain transportation companies (railroads, private carlines and Page 19 airlines) used in the business of the taxpayer, the personal property of merchants, and the motor vehicles of motor carriers.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?The tax rate is set by the aggregate of all levies for county, township, school and special district taxes. The tax is deter-mined by applying the millage rate to the assessed value of the property. http://www.sctax.org/NR/rdonlyres/6FDEC068-4A31-4BC2-B89B-60A63836F0E7/0/SCPropertyTax-Book2012Edition.pdf (p.2)6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst taxing jurisdiction with rates differing among county, city, and school districts http://www.sccounties.org/Data/Sites/1/media/publications/propertytax2011.pdf

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7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. http://www.sctax.org/NR/rdonlyres/6FDEC068-4A31-4BC2-B89B-60A63836F0E7/0/SCPropertyTax-Book2012Edition.pdf (p.2)8. Tax collected by?County Treasurers9. Assessor responsible for assessments?Generally, county assessors are responsible for assessments. For real and personal property assessed by the Department of Revenue, the county auditor computes the tax after the Department certifies the assessment. The Department of Revenue both assesses and collects taxes for airlines, private carlines, and motor carriers.State Dept of Revune assess business personal property for most companies (www.scbos.sc.gov).10. Basis of valuation?Fair Market Value. http://www.sctax.org/Tax+Information/property/prop.html.11. Frequency of general revaluations?County revaluations occur every 5 years.12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies amongst counties13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?The valuation date for real property is December 31st in a year of countywide reassessment or any other year in which fair market value must be determined. S.C. Code Ann. § 12-37-900.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious and charitable properties are fully exempted$50,000 of the fair market value of the primary residence is exempt for seniors, the blind, or the disabled. Full exemptions are available for those disabled as a result of military, law enforcement, or fire fighting services.All primary residences are exempt from property taxes im-posed for school operating purposes.15. Initial appeal process?Locally assessed property is initially appealed to the local as-sessor. S.C. Code Ann. § 44-5-26. Centrally assessed property is initially appealed to the Department of Revenue.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals from local assessors are directed to the County Board of Assessment Appeals for further review. Un-resolved appeals from the Department of Revenue require a contested case hearing before the Administrative Law Court.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?South Carolina collected approximately $4.72 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 35.84% of the $13.16 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.

Property taxes accounted for approximately 80.50% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

South Dakota1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Real property Centrally assessed – Personal property (pipelines, railroads, operating property of light and power companies, and prop-erty of telephone companies used in providing telecom ser-vices.)3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Locally assessed property – Set by the board of county com-missioners. S.D. Codified Laws § 10-12-8.Centrally assessed property – Set by the Department of Rev-enue and Regulation. S.D. Codified Laws § 10-12-1.6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst each locality7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually8. Tax collected by? County treasurers.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? District assessors.10. Basis of valuation?For agricultural land, that value is based on productivity value. For all other property, value equals the amount for which it would sell on the open market. http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/propspectax/property/Your%20Property%20Taxes2.pdf (p.4.)11. Frequency of general revaluations? Annual.12. Date of last general revaluation? 2012.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?November 1st for locally assessed properties and January 1st for centrally assessed properties. S.D. Codified Laws §§ 10-6-2, 10-28-7.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious and charitable properties are fully exemptedOwner occupied status that applies to primary residences. - [In 2010, the status reduced property taxes by approximately $500 for every $100,000 of taxable value.Paraplegic veteran program that exempts all property tax.]Paraplegic exemption - between 25% and 100% of their property taxes based on income (limits are $8,000 a year for singles and $12,000 for multi person households)Homestead - available for taxpayers over 70. [Property taxes may be deferred until the property is transferred, but interest accrues at 4%.]

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A refund program exists for the elderly and disabled. The refunds are between 35% and 11% for single member house-holds with income between $0 and $10,250 and between 55% and 19% for multi member households with income between $0 and $13,250. Other exemptions are listed at (http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/propspectax/tax%20program%20brochure%201012%20up-dated.pdf )15. Initial appeal process?The appeals process begins with an appeal to the local board of equalization or the consolidated board of equalization (if the jurisdiction has a combined local and county board). 16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals are heard by the Office of Hearing Ex-aminers, then to the circuit court.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?South Dakota collected approximately $0.93 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 35.88% of the $2.58 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 73.42% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

Tennessee1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Assessment.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed: Real and personal property, as well as statu-torily listed intangible property (such as intangibles owned by investment companies)Centrally assessed: Properties owned by public utility com-panies, railroads, telecom, transportation, etc. Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-5-1301.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?County. Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-1-601.6. Current tax rate? Varies among localities as listed at http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/pa/pdf/2012TaxAggregateReport.pdf (pp. 59-68). The highest combined rate is 7.13% and the lowest rate is 1.63%.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-1-6018. Tax collected by? County trustees.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors assess locally assessed property. The Comp-troller of the Treasury assesses centrally assessed property.

10. Basis of valuation?Market value. The value of all property shall be ascertained from the evidences of its sound, intrinsic and immediate value, for purposes of sale between a willing seller and a will-ing buyer without consideration of speculative values. Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-5-601.11. Frequency of general revaluations?At least once every four to six years depending on the juris-diction12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies amongst jurisdictions13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st. Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-5-504.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious and charitable properties are fully exempted. - [However a one time application is typically required by May 20th for any non governmental properties]Farm and residential tangible personal property are not as-sessable. There is no homestead exemption, but the elderly and dis-abled can file for relief. Relief can be provided for disabled veterans or their qualify-ing spouse.15. Initial appeal process?Assessments are initially appealed to the county board of equalization16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Unresolved appeals are then heard by the State Board of Equalization.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Tennessee collected approximately $5.03 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 27.58% of the $18.24 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 65.08% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Auditors – Tennessee jurisdictions are using 3rd party auditors for their audits. These auditors are fairly aggressive with their assessments.

Texas1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property are both assessed at the local level.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.

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5. Tax rate(s) set by?Each tax rate is set by the local taxing unit. Tex. Tax Code Ann. § 26.04.6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst each locality as listed in http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/taxrates/. The highest combined rate is 1.67%, the lowest combined rate is 0%, and the aver-age is 0.89%.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. Tex. Tax Code § 26.04.8. Tax collected by? Local Tax Collector.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County appraisal district.10. Basis of valuation?Typically, valuation is based on market value. However, the Texas Constitution provides for the use of “productivity val-ues” for agricultural and timberland. [Meaning the land is taxed based on the value of what it produces, such as crops and livestock, rather than its sale value]. 11. Frequency of general revaluations?At least once every three years12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies amongst jurisdictions13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st, although inventory has an optional September 1st valuation date. Tex. Tax Code § 23.01.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Religious and charitable properties are fully exempted.Homesteads apply to taxpayer’s personal residences so long as they owned and lived on the property as of January 1st as of the tax year. Homestead exemptions include $3,000 for county taxes and $15,000 for school taxes.If a taxpayer is over 65 years of age, then they do not have to fulfil the January 1st ownership and residence requirement. Taxpayers 65 years of age or over and disabled taxpayers may also get an additional $10,000 for school tax purposes.Taxpayers may not receive $10,000 for being both 65 years old and disabled.Disabled veterans also receive relief depending on their dis-ability rating.More exemption information is available in a document entitled “2013 Texas Property Tax Exemptions” available at http://www.window.state.tx.us/propertytax/exemptions/owner-exemptions/96-1740.pdf.15. Initial appeal process?A taxpayer may appeal to the Appraisal Review Board.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Taxpayers may appeal Appraisal Review Board decisions to the state district court in the county in which the property is located.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Texas collected approximately $39.09 billion in state and lo-cal property taxes in 2010, representing 45.19% of the $86.50 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 82.99% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?A 40-page document entitled “Texas Property Tax Law Changes 2011” is provided on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/96-669_2011.pdf.

Utah1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Most real and tangible personal property

Centrally assessed – All mines, utilities and railroad properties

3. Person tax legally imposed on?The county assessor shall assess the property to the owner, claimant of record, or occupant in possession or control at 12 o’clock midnight of January 1st in the tax year, unless a subsequent conveyance of ownership of the real property was recorded in the office of the county recorder more than 14 calendar days before the date of mailing of the tax notice.

4. Unit of assessment?Separate Parcel.

5. Tax rate(s) set by?The tax rate is a combination of state, county, and city/town rates. Utah Code Ann. §§ 59-2-901, 59-2-906.1, 59-2-909.

6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst each locality as listed at http://propertytax.utah.gov/library/pdf/taxrate_pdfs/budgetratesbyentity2012.pdf.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Annually. Utah Code Ann. §§ 59-2-901, 59-2-906.1, 59-2-909.

8. Tax collected by?County Treasurers.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors are responsible for local assessments. Fol-lowing the County assessor’s assessment, the county board of equalization shall adjust and equalize the valuation and as-sessment of the real and personal property within the county, subject to regulation and control by the commission as pre-scribed by law.

The State Tax Commission assesses all centrally assessed property.

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10. Basis of valuation?Generally fair market value, except for construction work in progress which is valued at the full cash value projected upon completion. Utah Code Ann. § 59-2-201.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Annually, with a physical inspection every five years 12. Date of last general revaluation?Physical inspections vary amongst each jurisdiction13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st. Utah Code Ann. § 59-2-201.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Government and charitable properties are fully exempted.Primary residences are allowed relief of 45% of fair market value in assessment. There is also a “circuit breaker” credit for low income elderly people (65 years old).Abatements may also be granted for those taxpayers facing extreme conditions or hardships. 15. Initial appeal process?Locally assessed property appeals go to the appropriate county board of equalization.

Centrally assessed property appeals go to the Utah State Tax Commission.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Appeals from locally assessed property decisions go to the district court in the affected taxpayer’s county. Appeals from centrally assessed property decisions go to Third Judicial District Court in and for Salt Lake County.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Utah collected approximately $2.30 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 27.64% of the $8.32 bil-lion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented 0% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 71.24% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?SB 58 Property Tax Valuation Amendments, [Effective January 1, 2013] - Addressing the assessment of fair market value of prop-erty particularly after a reduction in value within the past three years, it requires reporting of property tax valuation reductions on appeal and requires the assessor to consider: (1) any additional information previously unknown or unaccounted for by the asses-sor that is made known on appeal; (2) whether the reasons for the valuation reduction continue to influence the fair market value of the property. The assessor is not prohibited from including any other factors affecting the fair market value of the property. More information on 2012 enacted property tax legislation is available at http://www.propertytax.utah.gov/library/pdf/news/2012summaryoflegislation.pdf

Vermont1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Valuation and Review2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Most real and tangible personal property. Centrally assessed – Railroads and other properties as required by law (stated in Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 32, § 3411(11)).3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Legislature of each municipality for most taxes, however the state sets the state-wide education tax rate. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 32, § 2664.6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst each locality as listed in http://www.state.vt.us/tax/pvrannualreports.shtml (Taxes and tax rates by county). There are different rates for homestead school dis-tricts, non resident school districts, and municipal taxes. For homesteads, the highest rate in 2012 was 1.9515%, the lowest was 0%, and the average was 1.0537%. For non resident school districts, the highest rate was 1.8636%, the lowest was 0%, and the average was 1.1171%. For municipal taxes, the highest rate was 1.5961%, the lowest was 0%, and the average was .3897%.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?The Grand List is compiled annually and aids in the adjust-ment of tax rates.8. Tax collected by?Tax is collected by the municipal tax collector unless the town votes to have the treasurer collect.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Assessments are typically made by local “listers” who qualify through certain criteria as listed in the “lister’s handbook” on the department of tax website.10. Basis of valuation?Fair market value for most properties although a current use exception applies for agricultural land properties of 25 acres or more. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 32, § 4041. 11. Frequency of general revaluations? Annual.12. Date of last general revaluation? 2012.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?April 1st. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 32, § 3651. 14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Government and charitable property is fully exempted.Exemptions or deferrals may be enacted by the localities for permanently disabled and elderly taxpayers. Act 60 and Act 68 have been interpreted by the legislature to replace the property tax with an income based tax for Ver-mont homeowners with income less than $90,000. Some taxpayers with up to $97,000 in income also qualify for the

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“income sensitivity” provision, which limits the amount of tax paid toward the state wide portion of their tax bill on their primary residence to a pre determined percentage of their prior year’s income. Primary homes with a value over $500,000 are no longer eligible for the relief. There is also a reduction of $15,000 on a primary home and up to two acres for incomes under $47,000.Act 60 also continued a system that provides a cap of 5% of household income for payment of combined state and local property taxes on a home and two acres when the household income is between $25,000 and $47,000. This cap is reduced for income under $25,000 and falls as low as 2% for income under $10,000.Further exemptions are located at http://www.state.vt.us/tax/pdf.word.excel/pvr/rule82-1.pdf

15. Initial appeal process?The taxpayer must first appeal in writing to the Board of Listers for that municipality.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?An appeal from the Board of Lister’s decision next goes to the Board of Civil Authority must be in written form within 14 days of the decision’s mailing date.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Vermont collected approximately $1.35 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 45.85% of the $2.95 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented approximately 37.50% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 93.20% of taxes collected at the local government level.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

Virginia1. Title of Property Tax System?The property tax system is broken down amongst each county to include both real estate tax and personal property tax sections.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Locally assessed – Most real and tangible personal property. Centrally assessed – Real and tangible personal property asso-ciated with public service corporations and railroads, as well as utilities, telecom, and motor vehicle carriers.

3. Person tax legally imposed on?Property owned by a person in his or her own right must be taxed to him or her. If property is owned by a minor, it shall be listed by and taxed to the guardian or trustee. If there is no guardian or trustee, it is listed by and taxed to the person in possession of the property.

4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.

5. Tax rate(s) set by?The duty of fixing county and district levies on property seg-regated for local taxation is on the board of supervisors or governing body of each county. Va. Code Ann. § 58.1-3001.

6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst each locality as listed in http://www. nrvalliance.org/documents/VirginiaGuidetoLocalTaxeson Business2012-2013.pdf (pp.1-4). The highest rate is 1.65% and the lowest is .09%.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?Typically annually, however localities may change the rate of levy during the fiscal year. Va. Code Ann. § 58.1-3001.

8. Tax collected by?Tax is collected by the county or city treasurer.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Assessments are made by either a city revenue commissioner or a county revenue commissioner.

10. Basis of valuation?Fair market value. Va. Const. § 2.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?Every two years in cities and every four years in counties. Counties with a total population of 50,000 or less may elect by a majority vote of its board of supervisors to conduct its general reassessments at five or six-year intervals. Most large cities and counties assess annually (e.g. Northern Virginia: Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudon, and Richmond Metro: City of Richmond, Henrico).

12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by county

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st. Va. Code Ann. § 58.1-3281.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Government and charitable property is fully exempted.Exemptions or deferrals may be enacted by the localities for permanently disabled and elderly taxpayers.

15. Initial appeal process?The taxpayer must first contest the assessment to the com-missioner of revenue or other responsible assessing official.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?An appeal from the commissioner of revenue or other re-sponsible assessing official goes to the tax commissioner, and an appeal from the tax commissioner must go to the appro-priate Circuit Court.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Virginia collected approximately $11.24 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 36.06% of the $31.18 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.

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Property taxes accounted for approximately 75.92% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Local 10% interest rates are very high and not tied to federal and state interest rates.

Washington1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and tangible personal property. Most personal property is exempt unless it is used in a business. 3. Person tax legally imposed on?The tax is legally imposed on the owner.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Each county determines the tax rate needed to reach the amount of taxes levied for county purposes. 6. Current tax rate? Counties vary in tax rate, but the state-wide average for 2012 was $11.78 per $1,000 http://dor.wa.gov/docs/reports/2012/Property_Tax_Statistics_2012/2012%20 levies%20due.pdf (summary of major WA state tax rates). The county aver-age local levy rates are listed at http://dor.wa.gov/docs/re-ports/2012/Property_Tax_statistics_2012/Table_28.pdf. The highest county average levy rate was $13.87 per $1,000, and the lowest was $5.60%.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annual.8. Tax collected by?Property tax is paid to the county treasurer.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? County assessors are responsible for assessments, but valua-tions of centrally assessed properties (e.g., utilities) are per-formed by the state and valuations of all other property are performed by county assessors.10. Basis of valuation?Fair market value. Wash. Rev. Code § 84.40.030.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Real property revaluations must occur at least once every four years with physical inspections occurring once every six years. Starting by 2014, each piece of property must be reval-ued annually.12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by county13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st for most property. July 1st of the assessment year for new construction. Wash. Rev. Code § 36.21.08014. Main exemptions/reliefs?Certain non-profits, governments, low income homeowners, household goods, intangibles, and business inventories

15. Initial appeal process?A taxpayer may appeal to the county board of equalization within 30 days (or 60 days if set by the county) of the mailing of the assessment.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?An appeal from the county board of equalization is made to the Board of Tax Appeals.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Washington collected approximately $8.43 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 31.47% of the $26.77 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented approximately 11.31% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 61.90% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?The burden of proof for property tax appeals is the unusually high clear, cogent and convincing standard rather than the traditional preponderance of the evidence test. Legislative attempts to change this have failed the last several years.

West Virginia1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and tangible personal property except that all tangible personal property employed exclusively in agriculture, in-cluding horticulture and grazing is not taxable. All property except public utility property (centrally as-sessed) is locally assessed. While this is a true statement, industrial real and personal property and natural resource real property is appraised by the Tax Commissioner and results furnished to the assessor of the county in which the property is located.3. Person tax legally imposed on?The tax is legally imposed on the owner, except on certain stock or capital of a company. Since intangible personal property is now exempt from property tax, corporations pay tax on the assessed value of their real and tangible personal property.4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Each municipal district sets their rates subject to the limita-tions listed in the next question. The levying bodies are the State, county boards of education, county commissions and municipalities.6. Current tax rate? All rates below are valued at Cents per $100 valuation.The current rates for state tax are set at .25 for Class 1; .50 for Class 2; and 1 for Class 3 and Class 4 as set by the WV State Code.

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The current maximum rates for county tax are set at 14.3 for class 1; 28.6 for Class 2; and 57.2 for Class 3 and Class 4. The listing of various rates for localities and property classes is listed at http://www.wvsao.gov/localgovernment/files/reports/Rate_Book_2012_VALUES_revised_6_25_2012.pdf. Note: In addition to the above maximum regular rates of levy, they levying bodies may also impose a levy for voter approved general obligation bonds and voter approved excess levies.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by?Property tax is collected by the County Sheriff except for property taxes on public utility property which is collected by the State Auditor and distributed to local levying bodies..9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Except for utility property, which is assessed by the state Board of Public Works, the county assessor determines the value of real and personal property in the county using pro-cedures and methodologies established by the tax commis-sioner.Note: the Tax Commissioner determines the appraised value of industrial real and personal property and natural resource real property and furnishes the appraisals to the county as-sessors who determine the assessed value of the property. The Tax Commissioner also prepares tentative assessed values of public utility property for the Board of Public Works.10. Basis of valuation?Generally fair market value except for except farmland, which is valued according to its fair and reasonable value for farming purposes, and managed timberland, which is valued based on its use and productive potential. W. VA. Code § 11-1C-10.11. Frequency of general revaluations?Annually, although state law only requires physical inspec-tion every three years.12. Date of last general revaluation? 2012.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?July 1st of current year. Official Material: West Virginia Taxpayer Services Division Publications No. TSD-387, 08/01/2002. The property tax year is the calendar year. The assessment year begins six months before the property tax year.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Property owned by the federal government, the state, and by local governments is generally exempt. Property owned and used by churches, universities, educational and charitable facilities are also generally exempt. Homestead exemptions apply for low income seniors and the disabled ($20,000 of assessed value). There is an additional exemption on the next $10,000 of assessed value, which is refunded by the State through the personal income tax and provides additional tax relief of $125 or less.

15. Initial appeal process?The initial appeal is made to the local assessor.An informal review process is provided for property ap-praised by the Tax Commissioner.For property appraised and assessed by county assessor there is also an informal review process in January of the property tax year.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?For locally assessed properties, the taxpayer may appeal to the county commission. The county commission of each county meets as a board of equalization to hear appeals no later than February 1. The board must adjourn sine die on or before February 28. Taxpayers may also file a written protest with the board prior to February 20 and elect to have their protests heard in October by the county commission sitting as a board of assessment appeals. Appeals are to the circuit court for the county.Protests of tentative assessed values of public utility are heard by the Board of Public Works. Appeals are to the circuit court. Note: The county commission sitting as a board of equal-ization and review or as an appraisal review board may not consider questions of classification or taxability. The appeal process for this is established in W. Va. Code § 11-3-24a. Appeals from rulings of the Tax Commissioner are to the circuit as provided in W. Va. Code § 11-3-25. The appeal is heard de novo.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?West Virginia collected approximately $1.38 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 21.31% of the $6.47 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented less than 1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 80.82% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Beginning with the 2011 property tax year, the Legislature established the informal review process discussed earlier and established the board of assessment appeals. However, to maintain the appeal, taxpayer needs to pay taxes assessed on the property as they become due.Discount – Taxpayers receive a 2.5% discount if they fully pay on or before Sep. 1.

Wisconsin1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description? Real and Personal Property.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Generally, personal property is assessed to the owner. How-ever, personal property may also be assessed to an agent of the owner who is in charge or who has possession of the property. If personal property is assessed to an agent, the as-

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sessment is entered on the assessment roll separately from the agent’s own personal property.

4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.

5. Tax rate(s) set by?The county clerk calculates the rate after the governing body of the town, village, or city determines how much money must be raised from the property tax.

6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst each locality as listed in http://www. revenue.wi.gov/pubs/slf/tvc11.pdf. In 2011, the average rate for towns, villages, and cities was .02133.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually

8. Tax collected by?In Wisconsin the town, village, or city treasurer collects property taxes not only for its own purposes, but also for the school, the county and the state.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The assessor of each taxation district determines the assessed value of all taxable property, with the exception of manufac-turing property. The DOR makes the annual assessment of all manufacturing property in the state.

10. Basis of valuation?Generally “full cash value” (fair market value) valued at its highest use. http://www.revenue.wi.gov/pubs/slf/pb060.pdf.

11. Frequency of general revaluations?State-assessed property – Manufacturing reporting forms filed by manufacturers and the related accounts are reviewed and adjusted annually. A field review is statutorily required at least once in every five years. Locally-assessed property – The frequencies vary widely for lo-cally assessed properties, although a field review is required at least once in every five years.

12. Date of last general revaluation?Varies by assessing jurisdiction

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?January 1st of current year. http://www.revenue.wi.gov/pubs/slf/pb060.pdf.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Property owned by the federal government, the state, and by local governments is generally exempt. Property owned and used by churches, universities, educa-tional and charitable facilities, non-profit hospitals, and non-profit housing are also generally exempt. Certain types of personal property, such as household per-sonal property, manufacturing machinery and equipment, inventories, computers, and waste treatment equipment are also exempt. • Intangible property (examples include bank accounts

and corporate securities) are also exempt.

15. Initial appeal process?Locally assessed property – In all first class cities and some sec-ond class cities, the party must object 15 days from the date of the notice of assessment to their Board of Assessors.All others must give written or oral notice at least 48 hours prior to the Board of Review’s first meeting, and file a no-tice of objection before or within the first two hours of the board’s first scheduled meeting. The Board of Review meets for at least 30 days starting on the second Monday in May.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?An appeal after the Board of Review goes to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court will not allow new evidence to be introduced. A taxpayer may also appeal to the Department of Revenue within 20 days of receipt of the Board of Review’s decision or within 30 days of the mailing of the decision.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Wisconsin collected approximately $9.64 billion in state and local property taxes in 2010, representing 39.54% of the $24.39 billion in state and local taxes collected.At the state level, property taxes represented only about 1% of total taxes collected.Property taxes accounted for approximately 94.80% of taxes collected at the local government level.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is working with local governments and assessors to implement several im-provements to the assessment process by 2013 by requiring assessors to follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and requiring municipality as-sessment data to be stored and maintained electronically.S.B. 414 provides the following: 1) 30-day notice period in revaluation years; 2) allows jurisdictions to allow for written or telephonic testimony rather than a physical appearance before the board of review; and 3) allows for the taxpayer or jurisdic-tion or board to move to decline to hear the taxpayer’s appeal at the board of review (allowing taxpayers to file a de novo ac-tion in circuit court 60 days after notification, as compared to over a year taxpayers had to wait before the bill passed).

Wyoming1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real and personal property – General commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural property is locally assessed. Min-ing, pipelines, telecom, utilities, railroads, leased property (consisting of warehouse, storage facilities and office struc-tures), cable and satellite television, are centrally appraised by the Wyoming Department of Revenue.3. Person tax legally imposed on?Property tax is generally imposed on the Owner. If property is leased by centrally appraised company then the property is assessed to the lessee and it shall not be assessed to the

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property owner. Leased property is subject to the same level of assessment as for all owned property. 4. Unit of assessment? Separate Parcel.5. Tax rate(s) set by?Property tax rates are annually set by the state, counties, cit-ies, towns, school districts and special districts.6. Current tax rate? Varies amongst each locality as listed on tables available at: http://revenue.wyo.gov/property-tax-division/property-tax-tables. In 2013, the highest average millage rate was 74.280, the lowest millage rate was 59.625, and the average was 67.9177. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually.8. Tax collected by? County treasurer.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Generally by county assessor, however certain property types are appraised by the Department of Revenue. The property types appraised by the Department include the gross product of mines and mining claims, as well as the property of pipe-line companies, electric utilities, railroad and rail car com-panies, telecommunications companies, property of other public utilities, and property of cable and satellite television companies.10. Basis of valuation?Generally fair market value. Agricultural land is valued based on its capability to produce. Additionally, mineral property is valued at is production value. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 39-13-103(b).11. Frequency of general revaluations?Property values must be updated annually. Detailed review of residential property characteristics must be made at least once every six years. The State BOE confirms that county assessments are made in a uniform manner based on estab-lished standards.12. Date of last general revaluation?Required to value each property annually.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?Taxable property is appraised at its fair market value on Janu-ary 1st of each year. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 39-13-103(b).

14. Main exemptions/reliefs?Government property used primarily for a governmental purpose.Personal property held for personal use.Properties used for non-commercial purposes, including property used for hospitals, real property used exclusively for religious worship, church schools and church parsonages, property used by benevolent societies, and non-profit schools and colleges. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 39-11-105(a).Wyoming law provides a home owner’s tax credit (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 39-13-101(d)(i)) ; veterans who have been a Wyoming resident for three years can claim a $3,000 assessed value exemption, when funded by the legislature; there is a property tax refund program with qualifying income/asset levels; deferral program available for elderly, disabled, and low income taxpayers. 15. Initial appeal process?Locally-assessed property – Appealed to the assessor’s office and County BOE within 30 days of the mailing of the no-tice of assessment.State-assessed property – Appealed to the State BOE (and served upon the Department of Revenue) within 30 days of the mailing of the notice of assessment.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Locally-assessed property - If the county board finds for the assessor, the taxpayer may appeal to the State BOE within 30 days of the decision. The State BOE is comprised of three Governor appointed members. Appeals may progress to the district court and ultimately the Supreme Court. State-assessed property – An appeal from a State BOE deci-sion is made to the district court for the county in which the administrative action was taken, or where the property is or was located, or where the property was produced in the case of mineral production.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Wyoming’s total assessed valuation of property in 2013 was approximately $22.79 billion and Wyoming collected ap-proximately $1.46 billion in state and local property taxes in 2013. Approximately 59.25% of the assessed value is from mineral production.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?

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AUSTRALIA

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)1. Title of Property Tax System? The ACT operates as both a State government and the local-municipal government. It has 3 types of property taxes being:Municipal rates: levied annually on all property owners and is based on the property’s Unimproved Land ValueLand Tax: charged annually on residential properties that are rented (i.e. investment properties). Again is based on the property’s Unimproved Land ValueStamp Duty: charged on each property transaction. Pur-chaser pays a tax as a percentage of the contracted sale price. Duty paid as part of the settlement of sale process2. Type of property taxed along with brief description? Municipal rates: All property Land Tax: All revenue generating resi-

dential properties Stamp Duty: All property transactions3. Person tax legally imposed on? Municipal rates: The property owner Land Tax: The property owner Stamp Duty: The property purchaser4. Unit of assessment? Municipal & Land Tax: Unimproved Land Value Stamp Duty: Contracted sale price5. Tax rate(s) set by? All are set by the ACT Government6. Current tax rate? Rates: http://www.revenue.act.gov.au/rates/rates_

calculation Land Tax: http://www.revenue.act.gov.au/land_tax/

land_tax_rates Stamp Duty: http://www.revenue.act.gov.au/duties/land_

and_improvements 7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually for Rates and Land Tax; Infrequent for Stamp Duty8. Tax collected by? All - ACT Revenue Department9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Rates & Land Tax - Australian Valuation Office Stamp Duty - Contract of Sale10. Basis of valuation? Rates & Land Tax - Unimproved Land Value11. Frequency of general revaluations? Rates & Land Tax - Annually12. Date of last general revaluation? Rates & Land Tax – 1 January 201313. Valuation date used for current assessment period? Rates & Land Tax – 1 January 2013

14. Main exemptions/reliefs? Charities, Educational institutions and religious institutions exempt from rates and land tax15. Initial appeal process? 60 days from date of issue of no-tice of rates and/or land tax16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals? ACT – Administrative and Civil Appeals Tribunal17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? Not known18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Proposing to phase out Stamp Duty over the next 20 years

New South Wales1. Title of Property Tax System? Land Tax – State levelLocal Government Rates – local levelFor local government rating new land values (approx 880,000 annually) are issued by the Valuer General on average once every 3 years. For land tax purposes land values (approx 2.46 million annu-ally) are issued by the Valuer General annually to the Office of State Revenue In NSW rating and taxing valuations are administered through the Valuation of Land Act 1916. 2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?For local government rating – part of the assessed rates are levied on vacant land value For land tax purposes – land tax is assessed solely on the vacant land value.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner or lessee depend-ing upon ownership and lease provisions4. Unit of assessment? Owner’s parcel5. Tax rate(s) set by? Local government rates – Set by individual local govern-ment councils with an annual cap in rates increases im-posed by the State Government. Administered through the Local Government Act 1996 and the Valuation of Land Act 1916. Land tax – New South Wales Government. Administered through the Land Tax Management Act 1956 and the Valu-ation of Land Act 1916. 6. Current tax rate? Local government rates – Actual rate is set by individual lo-cal government councils with an annual cap in rates increases imposed by the State Government. Land Tax Rate (2013) – 1.6% over a land value of $406,000. If land value greater than $2,482,000, then 2% over that figure.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Reviewed annu-ally

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8. Tax collected by? Local Government rates collected by individual local gov-ernment councilsLand tax collected by the Office of State Revenue on behalf of the NSW Government9. Assessor responsible for assessments? NSW Valuer General provides all land values for rating and taxing purposes (2.46 million currently produced annually)10. Basis of valuation? Current market value based on va-cant land value11. Frequency of general revaluations? On average individual councils receive new land values every 3 years for rating purposes. Majority on 3 years but some remote councils on 4 years. Land tax valuations are provided annually.12. Date of last general revaluation? 1 July 2012 – issued in January/February 201313. Valuation date used for current assessment period? 1 July 201214. Main exemptions/reliefs? Local Government rates – relief for such organizations such as charities and not for profit organizationsLand tax – exempt – principle place of residence (family home) and agricultural land15. Initial appeal process? 60 days from the issue of the Notice of Valuation or issuing of the land tax assessment. There is provision for the Valuer General to accept ‘out of time’ objections where adequate reasons are provided for lateness.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals? Land and Environment Court17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? Local Government Rates – Approx $2.6 billion collected an-nually off the land values.Land Tax – Approx $2.0 billion collected annually off the land values (represents approx 10% of State taxes).18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?The base legislation (Valuation of Land Act 1916) is to be completed reviewed in 2013, to provide a clear, concise, sim-ple English legislative document. The federal Government commissioned ‘Henry’ Report has also recommended that property remain as the principle ba-sis for levying property taxes, with a recommendation for increased emphasis on land tax as being a principle basis for taxes.

Northern Territory (Australia)1. Title of Property Tax System? Council/Local Govt RatingFederal GST

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Council rates are based on land value (UCV)GST is a complicated tax for property and is levied where the vendor is registered usually on new and commercial properties3. Person tax legally imposed on? The Proprietor4. Unit of assessment? Based on the valuation band set out below on the “rate roll”5. Tax rate(s) set by? Local Govt6. Current tax rate? .3-.5 Cents in the $UCVRates are charges on the unimproved capital value of property (the land only - this does not include any improvements). The unimproved value of land is assessed by the Valuer-Gen-eral every three years.

Differential Rating The differential rating system is seen by the Council to be fairer and less vulnerable to market fluctuations. It also helps prevent major increases following the unim-proved capital valuations every three years. It has been based on Town Planning Zones under the Plan-ning Act. There are 25 Town Planning Zones and Council has grouped these into 10 categories.The Minimum residential rate for 2012/13 is $922, an in-crease of $40 on last year. The minimum commercial rate is $961, an increase of $41. The differential rates are applied to the assessed unimproved capital value of the land on the fol-lowing categories.The differential rates are applied to the assessed unimproved capital value of the land on the following categories.

TOWN PLANNING ZONE (% of UCV) MINIMUM SD, RR, RL, R 0.380417%  $922MD, MR, HR 0.380417% $970CV 0.371883% $922CB 0.495058% $1168PS, CN 0.342934% $961OR 0.314830% $380FD, SU, CP, CL, RD, U 0.380417% $970C, SC 0.497032% $961TC, HT 0.523302% $961LI 0.316623% $961GI, DV 0.267500% $961

An example - Lyons Property RatesThe property originally had a 2008 Unimproved Capital Value (UCV) of $226,900. Following the recent revaluation by the Australian Valuation Office, the UCV has now been assessed at $325,000. This equates to a 43.2% increase in the property UCV.

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The General Rate for 2011/2012 was $988.29 (based on the UCV of $226,900), if a 4.5% increase were applied using the original UCV, the new rate would have been $1,032.76.However with the increased UCV, the new General Rate for this property will actually be $1,236.36. This equates to an actual increase in the General Rate for this property of $248.07 or 25%.Other Rates, Levies or ChargesThere may be other rates, charges or levies that apply to a particular property. These could include garbage charges or car parking shortfall levy.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually

8. Tax collected by? Local council

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Valuer General NT

10. Basis of valuation? Unimproved capital value

11. Frequency of general revaluations? At least 3 yearly

12. Date of last general revaluation? 1 July 2012

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? 1 July

14. Main exemptions/reliefs? Traditional owners, Pastoralists.Charities, Religious bodies15. Initial appeal process? By way of objection to the VG16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals? Valuation Board of Review if dissatisfied with VG ruling17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? Not available18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Land Tax is not levied and not envisioned by present govern-ment

Queensland1. Title of Property Tax System? Apart from transfer duty, there are two forms of property tax in Queensland:A) Council Rates: One of the main sources of revenue for local authorities. Local authorities charge rates on all rate-able property in their area. It is calculated by a rate in the dol-lar multiplied by the unimproved or site value of the property owned in the local authority.B) Land Tax: Land tax is paid to the State Government and is assessed on the taxable value of an owner’s total land-hold-ings in Queensland. Land tax is paid if the total taxable value exceeds the relevant threshold. An owner can apply for a land tax exemption on their principal place of residence or if the property is used for primary production purposes.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?A) Council Rates: All rateable land under the local govern-ment legislation. Real property including freehold and lease-hold tenure.B) Land Tax: Real property, freehold tenure only.3. Person tax legally imposed on? A) Council Rates: OwnerB) Land Tax: Owner4. Unit of assessment? Separate valuation generally for each lot; however adjoining lots are included in the same valuation if they are owned by the same person.5. Tax rate(s) set by? A) Council Rates: Local Government.B) Land Tax: State Government 6. Current tax rate? A) Council Rates: Varies with each Local Authority, exam-ple of Brisbane City Council below:

Category Description

Differential General Rate

(cents in the dollar)

Differential Minimum

General Rate Parity Factor 1 Residential – Owner-occupied 0.3000 $484.96 1.0000 2a Commercial/Non-Residential – Group A 0.8344 $1,231.48 1.0000 2b Commercial/Non-Residential – Group B 0.7824 $56,915.92 1.0000 2c Commercial/Non-Residential – Group C 0.7824 $98,407.64 1.0000 2d Commercial/Non-Residential – Group D 0.3716 $1,231.48 1.0000 2e Commercial/Non-Residential – Group E 0.8344 $117,925.00 1.0000 2f Commercial/Non-Residential – Group F 0.8344 $58,595.00 1.0000 2g Commercial/Non-Residential – Group G 0.8344 $115,653.00 1.0000 2h Commercial/Non-Residential – Group H 0.8344 $150,350.00 1.0000 2i Commercial/Non-Residential – Group I 0.8344 $20,700.00 1.0000 2j Commercial/Non-Residential – Group J 0.8344 $85,350.00 1.0000

(Continued)

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Category Description

Differential General Rate

(cents in the dollar)

Differential Minimum

General Rate Parity Factor 2k Commercial/Non-Residential – Group K 0.8344 $6,810.00 1.0000 2l Commercial/Non-Residential – Group L 0.8344 $1,231.48 1.0000 3 Rural 0.3144 $519.08 1.0000 4 Multi-Residential 0.5168 $750.36 1.0000 5a Central Business District – Group A 1.2940 $1,588.56 1.0000 5b Central Business District – Group B 1.1868 $191,485.80 1.0000 5c Central Business District – Group C 1.2300 $212,762.00 1.0000 5d Central Business District – Group D 1.2420 $265,952.48 1.0000 5e Central Business District – Group E 1.1848 $319,143.00 1.0000 5f Central Business District – Group F 1.212 $372,333.48 1.0000 5g Central Business District – Group G 1.2976 $425,524.00 1.0000 5h Central Business District – Group H 1.2032 $478,714.48 1.0000 5i Central Business District – Group I 1.2780 $531,905.00 1.0000 5j Central Business District – Group J 1.2020 $638,286.00 1.0000 5k Central Business District – Group K 1.1582 $691,476.48 1.0000 5l Central Business District – Group L 1.1568 $904,238.48 1.0000

5m Central Business District – Group M 1.5324 $1,010,619. 1.0000 5n Central Business District – Group N 1.1752 $1,063,810. 1.0000 5o Central Business District – Group O 1.3288 $1,170,191. 1.0000 5p Central Business District – Group P 1.2036 $1,489,334. 1.0000 5q Central Business District – Group Q 1.2112 $1,702,096. 1.0000 5r Central Business District – Group R 1.2000 $1,808,477. 1.0000 6 Other 0.8344 $1,231.48 1.0000 7 Residential – Non-owner Occupied or Mixed Use 0.3812 $605.72 1.0000 8a Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group A 1.0252 $106,381.00 1.0000 8b Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group B 1.0076 $132,976.24 1.0000 8c Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group C 1.3300 $138,295.28 1.0000 8d Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group D 1.0324 $170,209.60 1.0000 8e Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group E 1.0348 $191,485.80 1.0000 8f Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group F 1.0416 $239,357.24 1.0000 8g Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group G 1.4608 $292,547.72 1.0000 8h Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group H 1.0084 $319,143.00 1.0000 8i Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group I 1.0868 $398,928.72 1.0000 8j Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group J 1.1000 $425,524.00 1.0000 8k Large Regional Shopping Centre – Group K 1.1000 $553,181.20 1.0000 9a Major Regional Shopping Centre – Group A 1.4448 $904,238.48 1.0000 9b Major Regional Shopping Centre – Group B 1.1000 $1,063,810. 1.0000 9c Major Regional Shopping Centre – Group C 1.5348 $1,170,191. 1.0000 9d Major Regional Shopping Centre – Group D 1.2868 $1,329,762. 1.0000

10 CTS - Residential – Owner-occupied 0.3292 $484.96 Refer TABLE ‘A’

(Continued)

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B) Land Tax: There are two separate scales: one for individuals (other than trustees or absentees) and one for companies, trustees and absentees:

Rates for individuals (other than absentees, companies or trusts) 

Taxable value Rate of tax$0–$599,999 $0

$600,000–$999,999 $500 plus 1 cent for each $ more than $600,000

$1,000,000–$2,999,999 $4,500 plus 1.65 cents for each $ more than $1,000,000

$3,000,000–$4,999,999 $37,500 plus 1.25 cents for each $ more than $3,000,000

$5,000,000 and over $62,500 plus 1.75 cents for each $ more than $5,000,000

Rates for companies, trustees and absentees 

Taxable value Rate of tax$0–$349,999 $0

$350,000–$2,249,999 $1,450 plus 1.7 cents for each $ more than $350,000

$2,250,000–$4,999,999 $33,750 plus 1.5 cents for each $ more than $2,250,000

$5,000,000 and over $75,000 plus 2.0 cents for each $ more than $5,000,000

Category Description

Differential General Rate

(cents in the dollar)

Differential Minimum

General Rate Parity Factor

11a CTS - Commercial/Non-Residential – Group A 0.8316 $1,231.48 Refer TABLE ‘A’

11b CTS - Commercial/Non-Residential – Group B 0.8316 $1,231.48 Refer TABLE ‘A’

12 CTS - Multi-Residential 0.5504 $750.36 Refer TABLE ‘A’

13 CTS - Central Business District 1.2648 $1,588.56 Refer TABLE ‘A’

14 CTS - Residential – Non-owner Occupied or Mixed Use 0.4280 $605.72

Refer TABLE ‘A’

15 CTS – Minor Lot 0.9112 $605.72 Refer TABLE ‘A’

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annual

8. Tax collected by? A) Council Rates: Local GovernmentB) Land Tax: State Government

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? State Valuation Service (State Government)

10. Basis of valuation?For deciding the value of land, all land is taken to be unen-cumbered and granted in fee simple. There are two method-ologies used to undertake statutory land valuations:• Site Value (non-rural land): It is the amount which

non-rural land could be expected to sell for without any structural improvements on the land (e.g. houses,

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buildings or fences). A site valuation includes site im-provements made to the land such as earthworks (e.g. levelling, filling, or drainage works).

• Unimproved Value (rural land): It is the amount for which rural land could be expected to sell for without physical improvements such as houses, fences, clear-ing, levelling and earthworks. If land has been valued on an unimproved basis, it is either zoned rural (or equivalent) or is designated rural for statutory valua-tion purpose.

11. Frequency of general revaluations? Land valuations are issued annually across the state, except in unusual circumstances, or where the Valuer-General deter-mines there has been insufficient market movement in a local government area to warrant an annual valuation.12. Date of last general revaluation? 201213. Valuation date used for current assessment period? 01/10/201114. Main exemptions/reliefs?1. Council rates exemptions:• Unallocated State land• Land occupied by State or Government entity• Land in a State forest• Aboriginal land, • Port land, rail corridor land, airport land, • Land used for religious, charitable, educational, rec-

reational/sporting, hospital, cemetery or other public purposes

B) Council rates relief varies by Local Authority, but exam-ples include:• Pensioner remission• Owner occupied cap on rate increases• Bushland preservation remission• Not-for-profit rate remissionB) Land Tax exemptions: 1. Principal place of residence (if a person owns the

home and lives mainly at that address),2. Land used only for the business of primary produc-

tion,3. Land used predominantly as a moveable dwelling park, 4. Land owned by a charitable institution and used for

a qualifying exempt purpose (eg public benevolence, charity, education, religion, provision of care)

5. Land used as the location for an aged care facility6. A non-profit organisation using or occupying a build-

ing on the land.7. Land used for premises or facilities for residents of a

retirement village

8. Land used for a supported accommodation serviceA & B) Concessions on valuations by State Valuation Ser-vice under the Land Valuation Act 2010: 1. Deduction for Site Improvements (DSI) - granting of

a deduction to particular owners of land for site im-provements to their land paid for by them in the pre-vious 12 years

2. Exclusive use as a single dwelling house or for farm-ing – In deciding its value any enhancement in its value because of potential for higher use must be dis-regarded.

3. Discount for subdivided land not yet developed - The local government must discount the but value of the relevant parcel by 40%

15. Initial appeal process? To challenge the valuation, an objection may be lodged with State Valuation Service (the assessor) within 60 days of the date of issue. For property valued over $5,000,000 the land-owner must be invited to an objection conference for which an independent (non-government) chairperson is appointed.To challenge the valuation methodology of a property (i.e. if an owner believes their land is rural land and should be valued using the unimproved valuation methodology,) an ap-plication may be lodged with the State Valuation Service. If an owner does not agree with the decision they can apply to the Valuer-General (State Valuation Service) for an internal review of the decision.Applications for a general rates exemption/ relief or to object against a property’s rating category are submitted to the local authority.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?To challenge a valuation objection decision an appeal can be lodged with the Land Court of Queensland.To challenge an internal review decision (after an applica-tion to change the valuation methodology), an owner can apply for an external review through the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).Council Rates: After objecting to a property’s rating cat-egory, an appeal against the decision can be lodged with the Land Court.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue?Council Rates: Rates are the only tax levied by local govern-ments. Other sources of income include state grants and user charges.Land Tax: Land tax comprises approximately 9.5% of state government taxation revenue. Refer table and chart below:Composition of estimated state taxation revenue for 2012-13:

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Source: Queensland Government State Budget 2012–13, Budget Strategy and Outlook, Budget Paper No. 2

Queensland Government Taxation Revenue:

Source: Queensland Government State Budget 2012–13, Budget Strategy and Outlook, Budget Paper No. 218. Any significant recent changes and important issues? No.

South Australia1. Title of Property Tax System? Land tax, Council rates, Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and Water and Sewerage rates2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Land tax – site value (land only) however exemptions avail-able e.g. principle place of residence and if the property is used for the business of primary productionCouncil rates – site and capital value (land + improvements) where rebates and exemptions exist under the Local Govern-ment Act 1999

ESL and Water and sewerage rates – capital value only3. Person tax legally imposed on? Land tax, ESL and Water and sewerage rates – ownerCouncil rates – owner or ratepayer4. Unit of assessment? Each separately saleable parcel of land which can be amal-gamated into a single assessment or part thereof can be val-ued if separately occupied5. Tax rate(s) set by? Land tax, ESL and Water/Sewerage – set by State GovernmentCouncil rates – set by Local Government6. Current tax rate? Please refer to the following web sites:Land tax and ESL – www.revenuesa.sa.gov.auSA Water – www.sawater.com.auLocal Government Association – www.lga.sa.gov.au7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? All reviewed annually8. Tax collected by? Land tax, ESL and SA Water – State GovernmentCouncil rates – Local Government9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Valuer-General and Councils; Councils have the ability un-der the Local Government Act to appoint their own valuer.10. Basis of valuation?Site value and capital valueThe City of Adelaide Council use an annual value 11. Frequency of general revaluations? Annually12. Date of last general revaluation? 1st January 201213. Valuation date used for current assessment period? 1 January every year14. Main exemptions/reliefs? Notional values for principal place of residence and if prop-erty is used for primary production purposes. Also, heritage considerations.15. Initial appeal process? Objection process where an owner or person who has an in-terest in a property can object to their property’s valuation to the Valuer-General within 60 days of their first rate notice from any of the rating authorities. The objection must be in writing and there is no fee.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?A review panel comprised of private sector valuers appointed by the Governor every 3 years and/or the Supreme Court.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? 18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?There are suggestions of removing stamp duty and broaden-ing the land tax base across all property values (removing principle place of residence exemption) and SA Water mov-ing away from capital values to user pay system.

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Tasmania1. Title of Property Tax System? There are two property tax systems in Tasmania.(a) Land Tax – Land Tax is calculated on the Land Value as

determined by the Valuer-General of Tasmania. (b) Council rates – The majority of the 29 municipal areas of

Tasmania base their rates on the Assessed Annual Value (AAV) of the property. AAV is the gross annual rental value of a property, excluding GST, council rates and land tax, but is not to be less than 4% of the Capital Value. AAV has been used as a measure of property value for rating purposes in Tasmania for many years.

NOTE: No reference is made in this survey to ‘Duty’ (previ-ously known as “stamp duty”) which is a form of taxation charged by the Tasmanian Government, under the Duties Act 2001 when someone acquires an interest in property, usually by buying a property. The type of property and the way it is acquired can impact the way that duty is assessed.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?(a) Land Tax is applied to properties known as ‘general’ land.

The amount of tax payable on land in this category is as-sessed as at 1 July each year. Refer to question 14 for the properties exempt from land tax.

(b) Council Rates - Until the 2011-12 rating year all of Tasmania’s 29 councils elected to use AAV as the basis of their rates resolutions. In the 2011-12 rating year, 1 council transitioned to the use of a different valuation base - Capital Value.Tasmania’s councils are using a variety of tools to set rates for their council areas. This is in keeping with the intent of the Local Government legislation, which gives broad parameters for the setting of rates, while recognising the autonomy of Local Government and the flexibility it requires in relation to the raising of revenue to deliver services for communities. There has been a good level of take-up of the rating tools provided by the Local Gov-ernment Amendment Act 2001.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? (a) Land Tax – property owner.(b) Council rates – property owner or rate paying lessee.4. Unit of assessment? (a) Land Tax – Land Value as at 1 July each year of each unit

of ownership.(b) Council rates - Section 90 of the Local Government Act

1993 enables a council to set a general rate on rateable land, based on values of land (as defined in the Valuation of Land Act 2001) - Land Value, Capital Value or As-sessed Annual Value; unit of ownership. The composition of the general rate is outlined in section 91 of the Local Government Act 1993 and can have two

parts: an ad valorem rate (a proportion of value or rate in the dollar) and a fixed charge.

5. Tax rate(s) set by? (a) Land Tax – State Revenue Office(b) Council rates – Individual Municipal Councils.6. Current tax rate? (a) Land Tax – State Revenue Office

Rates of Land Tax (from 1 July 2010).

Total Land Value Current Tax Scale$0 – $24 999 Nil$25 000 - $349 999 $50 plus 0.55% of value above

$25 000$350 000 and above $1 837.50 plus 1.5% of value above

$350 000

Note: Where two or more properties are held by one owner, the assessed land value of the properties is aggregated (added together). Land tax is then calculated on the total (aggre-gated) land value.(b) Council rates – The amount of rates is determined by

each individual municipal council depending on their revenue needs to deliver services within their area.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? (a) Land Tax – Annual(b) Council rates – Annual. Additional rates notices are is-

sued whenever a change occurs to the Land Value, Capi-tal Value and the AAV as determined by the Valuer-Gen-eral as part of the supplementary valuation process.

8. Tax collected by? (a) Land Tax – State Revenue Office(b) Council rates – Individual Municipal Councils.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? (a) Land Tax – The Office of the Valuer-General determines

the relevant land value for each property. The State Rev-enue Office has jurisdiction over the amount and who pays Land Tax.

(b) Council rates – The Office of the Valuer-General deter-mines the land value, capital value and AAV relevant to each property or tenancy; however each municipal coun-cil is responsible for their own rating resolutions and level of rates.

10. Basis of valuation?(a) Land Tax – Land Value(b) Council rates – Land Value, Capital Value and AAV.

Currently 28 councils use AAV as the basis for rating and 1 council used Capital Value.

11. Frequency of general revaluations? Fresh Valuations (revaluations) currently occur every six years with interim Adjustment Factors annually for Land Tax purposes and biennially for Municipal rating purposes.

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A Review is currently being undertaken by the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Local Government Division) in re-lation to the future frequency and basis of valuations.

12. Date of last general revaluation? Fresh valuations (revaluations) are issued on a moving 6 year cycle. 1 July 2012 – 10 councils (currently underway)1 July 2010 – 10 councils (due again by 1 July 2016)1 July 2008 – 9 councils (due again by 1 July 2014)

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? 1 July in the year of revaluation. The values are proclaimed and become effective for rating and taxing purpose in the following year 1 July. (i.e. 2012/13 revaluation become effec-tive 2013/14 rating and taxing year.)

14. Main exemptions/reliefs? (a) Land Tax – Is not payable on the following types of prop-

erty: An owner’s principal place of residence. This is land on

which a dwelling is erected. The dwelling must be the place where the owner of at least a 50% interest in the land ordinarily eats and sleeps. Leaving personal posses-sions at a property or using it as a weekend home gener-ally does not qualify the property for the classification.

Primary production land which is used substantially for the business of primary production. Also included are private timber reserves declared under the Forest Prac-tices Act 1985.

Property used by the owners for religious purposes; as a medical establishment; for Aboriginal cultural activities and is Aboriginal land; and/or used to operate a retire-ment village, or for related purposes;

Or if: the land is subject to a conservation covenant; or owned

by a charitable institution. Where a principal place of residence is built on vacant

land owned as at 1 July of a financial year, a rebate up to the amount of the land tax paid or payable can be claimed.

Sporting clubs are not exempt, but may be entitled to a concessional rate of tax depending on the rules or objec-tives of the club.

In certain circumstances, deferring payment or paying by instalments may be available. The State Revenue Office must consider a case to be of genuine financial hardship before agreeing to either of the above. If approved, in-stalments can only be paid by direct debit from the ap-plicant’s bank or similar financial institution account and the applicant must maintain sufficient funds in their ac-count to guarantee payment by the agreed due date/s.

(b) Council rates – Each Council determines their own rating resolutions and

main exemptions/rate reliefs, however the Department of Treasury and Finance (via the State Revenue Office), pro-

vides a facility for eligible pensioners (ie those that include health care card holders) to be granted a rates remission of the lesser of the prescribed maximum amount; or 30% of the rates. The property that the rates remission applies to must be the principal place of residence, i.e. the property where the person usually lives, eats and sleeps.

The prescribed amounts for 2012-13 are: - $275 for a Water and Sewerage Corporation client; or - $406 for a non Water and Sewerage Corporation client.15. Initial appeal process? (a) Land Tax – direct to the Commissioner of State Revenue.(b) Council rates – property owners or rate paying lessees can

write directly to the relevant municipal council. There is no set format.

Neither (a) or (b) are within the jurisdiction of the Val-uer-General.

Section 28 of the Valuation of Land Act 2001 outlines the objection process against a valuation. That Section states - An owner of land who is dissatisfied with – (a) a valuation of that land made under section 11, 18, 20 or

21; or(b) the provision of a certificate under section 44 –may,

within 60 days after receipt of a notice under section 27 or the provision of that certificate, post to or lodge with the Valuer-General an objection, in an approved form, against the relevant valuation stating fully and in detail the grounds on which he or she relies and stating any changes to the values specified in that valuation or cer-tificate which he or she considers should be made.

In relation to adjustment factors for both Land Value and AAV, Section 50B of the Valuation of Land Act 2001, pro-vides a process for the review of a determination as follows: (1) An owner of land or a rating authority, within a period

of 60 days after a copy of a determination is published in the Gazette under section 50A, may apply to the Valuer-General for a review of that determination.

(2) An application for a review of a determination is to be in writing and accompanied by a statement of the grounds on which the application is made and any supporting evi-dence on which the applicant proposes to rely.

(3) As soon as may be practicable, the Valuer-General is to – (a) consider the application; and (b) affirm or vary the determination to which it relates.(4) The Valuer-General is to – (a) give notice in writing of any variation or affirmation

to the applicant; and (b) cause a copy of any varied adjustment factor to be

published as provided by section 50A(7)(b).(5) A determination varied under this section has the same

effect as if it had been made under section 50A. (6) A determination, affirmation or variation made by the

Valuer-General under this Part is not subject to review under the Judicial Review Act 2000.

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16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?(a) Land Tax – No. Disagreements and objections are made

to the Commissioner for State Revenue. (b) Council rates - noneIn relation to a valuation for land value, capital value or AAV, Section 34 of the Valuation of Land Act 2001, outlines the role and procedures for the Land Valuation Court.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? (a) Land Tax – In Tasmania, approximately $90m per an-

num is raised via Land Tax. The total taxation revenue is approximately $922m as per the 2012-13 revised Depart-ment of Treasury and Finance mid year report.

(b) Council rates – Not available.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?(a) Land Tax – From 1 July 2010 a reduction was made to

the percentage payable for properties with a Land Value of $350,000 and above.

(b) Council rates – no comment.

Victoria1. Title of Property Tax System? (a) Municipal rates(b) Land Tax2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?(a) Only real property(b) Only real property (Land)3. Person tax legally imposed on? (a) Owner(b) Owner4. Unit of assessment? (a) Separate occupation (b) Separate occupation5. Tax rate(s) set by? (a) Local Govt.(b) State Govt6. Current tax rate? (a) Varies from each Local Govt depending on revenue

required(b) Land tax

2009 - 2013 General RatesTotal taxable value of

landholdings Land tax payable

< $250,000 Nil

$250,000 to < $600,000 $275 plus 0.2% of amount > $250,000

$600,000 to < $1,000,000 $975 plus 0.5% of amount > $600,000

$1,000,000 to < $1,800,000

$2,975 plus 0.8% of amount > $1,000,000

2009 - 2013 General RatesTotal taxable value of

landholdings Land tax payable

$1,800,000 to < $3,000,000

$9,375 plus 1.3% of amount > $1,800,000

$3,000,000 and over $24,975 plus 2.25% of amount > $3,000,

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? (a) Annually(b) Ad hoc adjustments8. Tax collected by? (a) Local Government.(b) State Government.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? (a) State Valuers 11 municipalities; Local Government Valu-

ers 68 Municipalities(b) State Valuers 11 municipalities; Local Government Valu-

ers 68 Municipalities10. Basis of valuation?(a) C IV – market value of property 73; NAV rental value 6(b) Site value – market value less improvements on land11. Frequency of general revaluations? (a) Every 2 years(b) Every 2 years12. Date of last general revaluation? (a) 2012(b) 201213. Valuation date used for current assessment period? (a) 01/01/2012(b) 01/01/201214. Main exemptions/reliefs? Commonwealth Government owned land, State Govern-ment owned land, Local Council owned land, charitable use land schools hospitals etc., land owned by religious bodies and public utilities railways and roads. Primary production land, Owners principal place of resi-dence, Commonwealth Government owned land, State Government owned land, Local Council owned land, chari-table use land schools hospitals etc, land owned by religious bodies and public utilities railways and roads. 15. Initial appeal process? Objection to valuer16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals? VCAT (Victorian Civil Arbitration Tribunal)17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? On Av.50 % of total Council revenue10 % of total tax revenue18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?A new proposed fire services levy to fund state-wide fire bri-gades (CFA MFB) is to be collected from all properties from 01/06/2013

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Western Australia1. Title of Property Tax System? There are two valuation rolls used for rating and taxing in Western Australia;a) Unimproved value (UV) – a.1 Site value within Perth Metro Region and all town sites, includes merged improve-ments a.2 land outside townsites – unimproved value of land assum-

ing any improvements hadn’t been made. A number of for-mulae driven approaches apply to less than freehold interests.

b) Gross Rental Value (GRV): “gross rental value” of land means the gross annual rental that the land might reasonably be expected to realize if let on a tenancy from year to year upon condition that the landlord were liable for all rates, taxes and other charges thereon and the insurance and other outgoings necessary to maintain the value of the land.Where GRV can’t be determined on the primary definition above, assessed value applies:“assessed value” of land means such percentage of the capital value thereof as may from time to time be prescribed;This currently 3% for residential land and 5% for all other lands.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Real property for both. NB: In some properties plant and equipment have been ruled by the courts to be included in the gross rents/assessed value (e.g. Lifts and running gear).

3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner.

4. Unit of assessment? Ratable value determined in a general valuation and pub-lished in a ‘valuation roll’.

5. Tax rate(s) set by? 5.1 LAND TAX - set by the Office of State Revenue (OSR), Department of Finance.5.2 METROPOLITAN REGION IMPROVEMENT TAX – set by the State Planning Commission/ Metropoli-tan Region scheme but collected by OSR. It is a tax in the form of additional land tax and assessed on the same basis. It applies principally to urban property owners who obtain the main benefit from development of development and infra-structure requiring funding.5.3 Local government rates – set by 138 autonomous lo-cal governments in accordance with provisions of the Local Government Act 1995. Gazetted an subject to audit by Dep’t Local Government. 5.4 Emergency Services levy – set by Dep’t of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). GRV based and universal levy applying to otherwise non-rateable land. 5.5 Residential Waste water and all main drainage charges (GRV based) set by the Water Corporation. 5.6 Biosecurity Levy - new tax to be progressively collected from owners of agricultural land by the Dep’t of Food and Agriculture (UV based).

6. Current tax rate? 6.1 LAND TAXTAX TABLE – UNIMPROVED VALUE

Exceeding ($)

Not exceeding ($) Rates

0 300,000 NIL 

300,000 1,000,000 0.09 cent for each $1 in excess of $300,000

1,000,000 2,200,000$630.00 + 0.47 cent for each $1 in excess of $1,000,000

2,200,000 5,500,000$6,270.00 + 1.22 cents for each $1 in excess of $2,200,000

5,500,000 11,000,000$46,530.00 + 1.46 cents for each $1 in excess of $5,500,000

11,000,000 and upwards$126,830.00 + 2.16 cents for each $1 in excess of $11,000,000

Note: The land tax rate scale is reviewed annually as part of the budget review process

6.1.1 METROPOLITAN REGION IMPROVE-MENT TAX – (MRIT)

0.14 cent for every dollar of the land-taxable value 6.1.2 BIOSECURITY LEVY – rate not yet known, ap-

plied to the rural land values (Unimproved, uncleared).6.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT RATESGRV - urban land and UV - agricultural land and remote/pastoral land. Some land at the edge of urban local govern-ments remain on UV. Each local government set their own rates in the $ of value. 6.3 WATER CORPORATION and APPROVED AGEN-CIES (eg Fire and Emergency Service levy) - Each set their own based on GRV

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? LAND TAX – reviewed annually, however have remained stable of past 5 years.LOCAL GOVERNMENTS – annual and typically always changeOTHER AGENCIES – as required - typically annually

8. Tax collected by? 8.1 LAND TAX, MRIT and BIOSECURITY LEVY- Office of State Revenue (Finance Dept) on behalf of agencies. 8.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT RATES AND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICE LEVY – Local governments (ESL collected on behalf of DFES).8.3 WATER AND DRAINAGE RATES (Where based on GRV) – Water Corporation of Western Australia and ap-proved water providers.

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9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Valuer - General10. Basis of valuation? See 1 above11. Frequency of general revaluations? 11.1 Unimproved values – annual11.2 Gross Rental Value – varies according to a general valu-ation cycle by district. Major areas 3 yearly; others 4 years. There are 138 local governments in Western Australia.12. Date of last general revaluation? 12.1 Unimproved values currently in force – effective date 1 August 201112.2 Gross Rental Values – as required in cycle, see 11.2 above. Date of valuation is 1 August to align with UV program.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? The date of valuation is 1 August of the year preceding the date the general valuation comes into force (i.e. 30 June for UV and 1 July for GRV) except the 30 LGs within Perth Metropolitan Region where the general valuation comes into force 23 months after the date of valuation. 14. Main exemptions/reliefs? • Usual exemptions apply across all rating and taxing

– typically Crown lands , public purposes, religious, private schools and institutions, charitable institu-tions, show grounds, local government owned land not used for profit, are exempt from rates and land taxes. See S26 Local Government Act 1995 below for full details:

• 6.26. Rateable land • (1) Except as provided in this section all land within a

district is rateable land. • (2) The following land is not rateable land ¾ • (a) land which is the property of the Crown and ¾ • (i) is being used or held for a public purpose; or • (ii) is unoccupied, except ¾ • (I) where any person is, under paragraph (e) of the

definition of }owner~ in section 1.4, the owner of the land other than by reason of that person being the holder of a prospecting licence held under the Min-ing Act 1978 in respect of land the area of which does not exceed 10 hectares or a miscellaneous license held under that Act; or

• (II) where and to the extent and manner in which a person mentioned in paragraph (f ) of the definition of }owner~ in section 1.4 occupies or makes use of the land;

• (b) land in the district of a local government while it is owned by the local government and is used for the purposes of that local government other than for pur-poses of a trading undertaking (as that term is defined in and for the purpose of section 3.59) of the local government;

• (c) land in a district while it is owned by a regional local government and is used for the purposes of that

regional local government other than for the purposes of a trading undertaking (as that term is defined in and for the purpose of section 3.59) of the regional local government;

• (d) land used or held exclusively by a religious body as a place of public worship or in relation to that worship, a place of residence of a minister of religion, a convent, nunnery or monastery, or occupied exclusively by a re-ligious brotherhood or sisterhood;

• (e) land used exclusively by a religious body as a school for the religious instruction of children;

• (f ) land used exclusively as a non-government school within the meaning of the School Education Act 1999;

• (g) land used exclusively for charitable purposes; • (h) land vested in trustees for agricultural or horticul-

tural show purposes; • (i) land owned by Co-operative Bulk Handling Lim-

ited or leased from the Crown or a statutory author-ity (within the meaning of that term in the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985) by that company and used solely for the storage of grain where that company has agreed in writing to make a contribution to the local government;

• (j) land which is exempt from rates under any other written law; and

• (k) land which is declared by the Minister to be ex-empt from rates.

• (3) If Co-operative Bulk Handling Limited and the relevant local government cannot reach an agreement under subsection (2)(i) either that company or the lo-cal government may refer the matter to the Minister for determination of the terms of the agreement and the decision of the Minister is final.

• (4) The Minister may from time to time, under subsec-tion (2)(k), declare that any land or part of any land is exempt from rates and by subsequent declaration cancel or vary the declaration.

• (5) Notice of any declaration made under subsection (4) is to be published in the Gazette.

• (6) Land does not cease to be used exclusively for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) merely because it is used occasionally for another purpose which is of a charitable, benevolent, religious or public nature.

• In addition, land tax exemptions apply to nearly all primary producers meeting certain tests, all principle places of residence, pastoral leases, all mining and pe-troleum tenements. In addition relief by way of rebates and concessions apply to pensioners.

• The one exception applies to the DFES ESL – this is a universal levy applying to all land owners including land exempt under the other rating and taxing laws.

• Owners of uncleared land in agricultural areas may re-ceive a concessional valuation where they enter into a Soil and Land Conservation Agreement.

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• Owners of land subject to a registered Heritage Agreement may also receive various concessions and bonuses.

15. Initial appeal process? Formal objection rights to the Valuer-General within 60 days of the issue of a notice for rates or taxes or the date the general valuation is gazette by the Valuer-General whichever date is the latter.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?The State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia, Re-sources Division - http://www.sat.justice.wa.gov.au/default.aspx17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? Not available18. Any significant recent changes and important issues? No.

CANADAAlberta1. Title of Property Tax System? A municipal taxation system that bases taxes on the value of property.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Land and Improvements: Land and improvements are as-sessed using the market value-based standard, except farm-land, railway, linear, and machinery and equipment, which are assessed in accordance with the Alberta Assessment Minister’s Guidelines.Business Tax: The definition of a business is found in the Municipal Government Act Section 1(1)(a). Municipal council must pass a business tax bylaw in order to impose a business tax.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Land and Improvements – Owner of record (Land Titles)Business Tax – Occupant4. Unit of assessment? Parcel of ownershipLand and Improvements – Market Value in DollarsBusiness Tax –The bylaw must specify one or more of the following methods to prepare the business assessments:• a percentage of gross annual rental;• a percentage of net rental value;• storage capacity of the premises;• rate per unit area of floor space;• a percentage of property assessment.This bylaw may also:• exempt identified classes of business;• establish groupings for business classes5. Tax rate(s) set by? Municipality6. Current tax rate? Varies widely by municipality7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually

8. Tax collected by? Municipality9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Municipality is responsible for its own assessments. These must meet the standards and review of the “Assessment Standards Branch” of the Province. Linear assessment is performed by the Linear Property Assessment Unit of the Provincial Government.10. Basis of valuation? Market Value11. Frequency of general revaluations? Annually12. Date of last general revaluation? Varies by municipality13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? July 1, 1 year prior to the tax year.14. Main exemptions/reliefs? Facilities used chiefly for• Religious services• Community games• Education• Municipal Infrastructure15. Initial appeal process? Alberta has a one-level assessment complaint system. Under this system, there are two types of assessment review boards. The local assessment review board (LARB) is comprised of three members appointed by the municipality and hears complaints on:• tax notices other than property tax notices, and• assessments for• residential properties with three or fewer dwelling

units, and• farmlandThe composite assessment review board (CARB) consists of two members appointed by the municipality and a provincial member appointed by the province and hears complaints on:• non-residential property assessments, and• assessments of residential property with four or more

dwelling units, and• machinery and equipmentComplaints about linear property and equalized assessments are heard by the MGB.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?An appeal of an assessment review board decision lies to the Court of Queen’s Bench on a question of law or jurisdiction. The decision of an ARB can be appealed to the Court by any of the following:• An assessed person,• A taxpayer,• An assessor, or• A municipality, if the decision being appealed relates

to property that is within the boundaries of that mu-nicipality.

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An application for leave to appeal must be filed with the Court of Queen’s Bench within 30 days after the persons notified of the hearing receive the decision of the ARB.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? Property tax and Business tax are the primary sources of Mu-nicipal Funding as well as Provincial Education funding.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?The one level assessment complaint system is relatively new and the Municipal Government Act is under review for up-dating by the Provincial Government. (http://www.munici-palaffairs.alberta.ca/mga_review.cfm)

British Columbia (BC)*Note: Throughout this survey where national/subna-tional is referenced, BC Assessment is a Crown Corpora-tion, which reports to a Ministry at the Provincial level (subnational).1. Title of Property Tax System? British Columbia uses an ad valorem system of property taxation, meaning “based on value”. Property taxation is the main source of revenue for local gov-ernments. Municipalities have authority under Part 7 of the Community Charter to tax property owners; this same au-thority does not apply to regional districts. Instead, the Local Government Act provides the authority for regional districts to establish bylaws setting out maximum taxation amounts. The Province taxes property owners on the regional districts’ behalf and remits the revenue to the regional district.Property taxes are calculated on the basis of the market value, or “assessment”, of land, improvements (or both) and the municipal “tax rate”. Most local governments calculate taxes using the variable tax rate system where tax rates are based on a dollar figure per $1,000 dollars of assessed property value.For more information on Home Owner Grants and Tax Ex-emption programs, please see: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/finance/property_tax.htm2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?BC Assessment is required to classify properties into one of nine property classifications as outlined in the Assessment Act:Class 1: Residential — single-family residences, multi-fam-ily residences, duplexes, apartments, condominiums, nursing homes, seasonal dwellings, manufactured homes, some va-cant land, farm buildings and daycare facilities.Class 2: Utilities — structures and land used for railway transportation, pipelines, electrical generation or transmis-sion utilities, or telecommunications transmitters. This prop-erty class does not include gathering pipelines, offices or sales outlets.Class 3: Supportive Housing —this property class only includes eligible supportive housing property that has been designated by Cabinet. Eligible supportive housing property

is funded by the provincial government or a health authority for the provision of housing that includes on-site support services for persons who were previously homeless, at risk of homelessness, and who are affected by mental illness or who are recovering from drug or alcohol addictions or have other barriers to housing.

Class 4: Major Industry — land and improvements (build-ings and structures) of prescribed types of industrial plants, including lumber and pulp mills, mines, smelters, large man-ufacturers of specified products, ship building and loading terminals for sea-going ships.

Class 5: Light Industry — property used or held for ex-tracting, processing, manufacturing or transporting products, including ancillary storage. Scrap metal yards, wineries and boat-building operations fall within this category. Excep-tions include properties used for the production or storage of food and non-alcoholic beverages and retail sales outlets, which fall into Class 6.

Class 6: Business and Other — property used for offices, retail, warehousing, hotels and motels all fall within this category. This class includes properties that do not fall into other classes.

Class 7: Managed Forest Land — privately-owned, forest land managed in accordance with the Private Managed For-est Land Act or the Forest and Range Practices Act. Prop-erty owners in this class have an obligation to provide good resource management practices, such as reforestation, care of young trees, protection from fire and disease and sound har-vesting methods.

Class 8: Recreational Property, Non-profit Organization — includes two very different categories:

Recreational Land

• land used solely as an outdoor recreational facil-ity for specific activities such as golf, skiing, tennis, public swimming pools, waterslides, amusement parks, marinas and hang gliding. Improvements on the land (such as a clubhouse) fall into Class 6.

• land in a rural area that is part of parcel used for overnight commercial accommodation that exists predominantly to facilitate specific outdoor recre-ational activities such as hunting, fishing and kaya-king. Improvements on the land most likely fall within Class 6 (e.g. a hotel).

Non-Profit Organization Land and Improvements• property used or set aside for at least 150 days per

year as a place of public worship or as a meeting hall by a non-profit, fraternal organization. The 150 days cannot include activities with paid ad-mission or the sale/consumption of alcohol.

• additionally, the 150 days needs to be in the year ending on June 30 of the calendar year preceding

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the calendar year for which the assessment roll is being prepared.

Class 9: Farm — to qualify as farm for assessment purposes, the land must produce a prescribed amount of qualifying pri-mary agricultural products for sale, such as crops or livestock. Farm buildings come within Class 1.Split Classification – Property with several distinct uses can fall into more than one class. For example, commercial and residential space might be combined in one building, or a property combines residential, farm and forest land. In these cases, BC Assessment determines the share of the value of the property attributable to each class. 3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner or occupier4. Unit of assessment? Parcel of ownership (Canadian dollars)5. Tax rate(s) set by? Municipality or taxing authority. Surveyor of Taxes (Min-istry of Finance) for Rural Properties (land outside cities, towns, districts and village boundaries in BC)6. Current tax rate? Rates are set at the municipal level, in addition to amounts prescribed by the provincial government (i.e. school tax por-tion, by property class). For most recent tax rates, see: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/statistics_index.htm 7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually (by May 15)8. Tax collected by? Municipality/Taxing Authority or Surveyor of Taxes (Min-istry of Finance) for rural properties.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? BC Assessment has 10 Assessors who are responsible for 15 offices throughout the province. It is the Assessor’s respon-sibility to oversee their staff in the production of an annual assessment roll.10. Basis of valuation?Market value. Section 19 (1) of the Assessment Act of Brit-ish Columbia, RSBC 1996, Chapter 20, defines Actual Value as “the market value of the fee simple interest in land and improvements.” Some special purpose properties (e.g. Telecommunications, Railways, Pipelines, Electrical Power Generating Facilities) may be assessed using Regulated Rates, or under legislated provisions (e.g. Supportive Housing properties must be des-ignated by Cabinet, and value is set at $1 land, $1 improve-ments, for a total assessed value of $2).11. Frequency of general revaluations? Annually12. Date of last general revaluation? The 2013 Assessment roll was finalized and Assessment Notices were sent to own-ers on December 31, 2012.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? July 1 of the year previous to the assessment roll year (tax year). E.g. July 1, 2012 for 2013 Assessment Roll.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs? Exemptions from property tax may be whole or partial. The majority of property tax exemptions are contained in taxing statutes such as the Community Charter, the Vancou-ver Charter, the Local Government Act and the Taxation (Rural Area) Act. However, exemptions are also set out in more subject-specific legislation such as the School Act, the Health Authorities Act or the University Act.

More information about property taxation and exemptions can also be found at the following provincial government links:1)  Municipalities - http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/finance/property_tax.htm2) Rural areas - http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Prop-erty_Taxes/Rural_Property_Tax/rpt.htm15. Initial appeal process? The first level of appeal is to file a “Notice of Complaint” (Appeal) to the Property Assessment Review Panel (PARP). However, owners are encouraged to contact BC Assessment to discuss their assessment prior to filing an appeal. If the owner and BC Assessment agree to a change, an amendment can be made without going to PARP.Property Assessment Review Panels are appointed by the Minister to provide property owners with an independent, accessible and equitable forum for review and consideration of property assessment. There are approximately 75 panels which sit throughout the province, each consisting of a chair and 2 members. PARP hearings take place between February 1 and March 15 each year. At this level, the appeal is called a review or complaint. Any person is entitled to file a complaint about their own or another assessment on the grounds set out in s. 32 of the As-sessment Act and to have that assessment reviewed by a PARP.For more information on the Property Assessment review process, please see the following factsheet on our public website: http://www.bcassessment.ca/public/Fact%20Sheets/Property%20Assessment%20Review%20Process.aspx

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?If a person is unhappy with the decision of the Property As-sessment Review Panel (PARP), they may file an appeal to the Property Assessment Appeal Board (PAAB). There is a $30 filing fee for each folio appealed at this level, and appeals must be filed no later than April 30.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? Amount and percentage of property tax revenue at national/subnational level as compared to all other tax revenue at na-tional/subnational level? Total Property Taxation Revenue from the province in 2012: $1,773,000,000This represents 9.53% of total taxation revenue at the provin-cial level. (2012 Total Taxation Revenue - $18,614,000,000)Source: http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/ocg/pa/11_12/Public%20Accounts%2011-12.pdf

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18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?• Commencing in January 2011, property in Class

4 – Major Industry and Class 5 – Light industry qualified for a credit equal to 60% of the property taxes imposed under the School Act. For the 2009 and 2010 tax years, this industrial property tax credit was 50%. For the 2013 budget, it was an-nounced that this credit would be rolled back to 30%, and ultimately, will no longer be available for the 2014 tax year.

• Provincial Farm land tax credit – for 2011 and subsequent years, a provincial farm land tax credit is available. The credit reduces the school tax for Class 9 (Farm) properties as classified under the Assessment Act. The credit amount is 50% of the school tax payable.

New Brunswick1. Title of Property Tax System? Municipal Property TaxThere are two levels of property taxation [provincial and mu-nicipal/local] in New Brunswick. Both the province and municipalities establishing separate tax rates within two property classes [residential and non-residential]. 2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?

2. All real property [land and buildings] is assessed3. Municipal deed transfer tax is imposed on the sale

of a property at the rate of 0.25% of the property value.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? The company or individual who owns the property4. Unit of assessment? The property unit of assessment is market value of the entire property.5. Tax rate(s) set by? In New Brunswick there are two tax classifications these be-ing residential and non-residential. The tax rate for each cat-egory is established on an annual basis by the individual mu-nicipality. The Province establishes the rates for Local Service Districts (LSDs). The provincial government also applied to tax to cover cost of provincially provided services, such as roads. The tax is applied to properties including rental, in-dustrial, recreational, and commercial and homes in LSDs.6. Current tax rate? Tax rates are applied to property assessment and (based on market value) which can change from year to year. The con-vention is to express the tax rate as per $100 of assessment, e.g. the province levies a property tax on residential property [commercial and industrial] at a rate of $2.25 for each $100

of assessment. All local governments tax those properties at 1.5 times the corresponding residential rate

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Tax rates are ad-justed annually.

8. Tax collected by? Taxes are collected by the province and distributed to the appropriate municipalities and LSDs.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Valuation services are provided by the Assessment Division of Service New Brunswick. 10. Basis of valuation?Basis of market valuation is an effective date of January 1 on each assessment and taxation year. All real property is valued at its “real and true value” essentially the same as “market value”.11. Frequency of general revaluations? Annually12. Date of last general revaluation? January 1, 201313. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1, 201314. Main exemptions/reliefs? Universities, non-profit low-rent housing, churches, cemeter-ies, ice rinks, provincial parks historical and literary societies as well as volunteer rural fire departments are all exempt. Tax relief for deferral of tax on agricultural land and buildings is available. Three sectors of transportation infrastructure [ma-jor cargo ports, certified airports and rail right-of-way] along with crude oil tanks and pipes are exempted by legislation. 15. Initial appeal process? The initial appeal may be made by a “Request for Review of Assessment” directly to SNB at which point the assessor will review the property details and either confirm or amend the assessment.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?

9. A taxpayer who is not satisfied with the assessor’s review may appeal to the Assessment And Plan-ning Appeal Board [APAB]

10. Any taxpayer not satisfied with the ruling may ap-peal to the Court of Queen’s Bench of New Bruns-wick.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? The amount of taxes collected by each municipality is un-known.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?The former Capped Rate on residential property is being phased out. Current property owners will have a base excep-tion which will stay in place until the property is sold. The provincial government has made plans to reduce the amount of tax that is imposed on rental properties, commercial prop-erties and second homes.

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Newfoundland1. Title of Property Tax System? Municipal Property Tax. Property assessment in Newfound-land is conducted by the Municipal Assessment Agency Inc. The City of St. John’s administers their assessment and tax collection separately. Property assessment is an elective tax at the municipal level. Currently, 226 municipalities have im-posed a real property tax and a business tax.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?4. All real property [land and buildings] is assessed5. Land transfer tax is not payable. However a registra-

tion fee equal to $100 plus 0.4% of the value of the property in excess of $500 is imposed by the province.

6. Municipalities may choose to adopt a business oc-cupancy tax. The rate can vary by type of business and the taxes are set as a percentage of the assess-ment of real property use either that business or as a percentage of the gross business of the enterprise. This is in addition to the real property tax.

7. Real property is classified for tax purposes as either commercial property, residential property or partly one partly the other.

8. Municipalities that do not adopt a market value base operate under a poll tax system.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? 1. The company or individual who owns the property

is responsible for the real property tax.2. The owner and the occupant are responsible for the

proportional values and area occupied, if a business tax is applicable.

4. Unit of assessment? The property unit of assessment is market value of the entire property. Business tax is a proportion.

5. Tax rate(s) set by? The Municipal Assessment Agency determines the values and assessment. The municipality sets the mill rate to be used for the calculation of real property tax and business tax.

6. Current tax rate? Tax rates are applied to property assessment and (based on market value) which can change from year to year. The con-vention is to express the tax rate as Mills or $1,000.00 of assessment. 7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually8. Tax collected by? Municipality9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The MAA is a self-funding Crown Corporation whose sole purpose is to prepare real property assessments.

10. Basis of valuation?Basis of market valuation is “actual value” essentially the same as “market value”.11. Frequency of general revaluations? Properties are as-sessed on a three-year cycle.12. Date of last general revaluation? January 1, 201313. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1, 201114. Main exemptions/reliefs? Universities, churches, cemeteries, productive farmland, des-ignated with lots in the buildings associated with both. Mu-nicipal councils have the authority to upper tax relief on an individual basis. 15. Initial appeal process? The initial appeal may be made directly to the Municipal As-sessment Authority. There is a filing fee associated with all ap-peals. The fee is returned if the appeal is successfully reduced.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?

1. A taxpayer who is not satisfied with the asses-sor’s review may appeal to the Assessment Review Commission.

2. Any taxpayer not satisfied with the ruling of the Assessment Review Commission may appeal to the Trial Division, Supreme Court of Newfound-land and Labrador.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? The amount of taxes collected by each municipality is un-known.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?N/A

Nova Scotia1. Title of Property Tax System? Municipal Property Tax. 2. Type of property taxed along with brief description? Real Property only3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner4. Unit of assessment? Fee simple ownership in same loca-tion for same use.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Each municipality 6. Current tax rate? Varies by municipality7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annual 8. Tax collected by? Municipality9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Province wide “not for profit” government corporation owned by the municipalities called Property Valuation Ser-vices Corporation.

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10. Basis of valuation? Market Value on January 1st two years prior to the tax year.11. Frequency of general revaluations? Annual12. Date of last general revaluation? 201313. Valuation date used for current assessment period? 1st January 201114. Main exemptions/reliefs? Seasonal business designation results in 25% tax relief.Resource land taxed at $0.25/acre.Can apply for non profit status.Residential property assessment increases capped at inflation rate.15. Initial appeal process? Appeal to PVSC16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Yes – initially to Regional Assessment Appeal Court then to Public Utility and Review Board.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? Not known. Property Tax main revenue source for munici-palities.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Residential property assessment increases were capped at the inflation rate about three years ago. The “cap” is lost if the property is sold or redeveloped. Cap eligibility requires that the property be owned at least 50% by a Nova Scotia resident.

Ontario1. Title of Property Tax System?

• There is one property tax system in Ontario. • Approximately 4,000,000 residential and non-resi-

dential properties are assessed and taxed. • There is only one Assessment Authority for the en-

tire province: the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

• Ontario municipalities levy tax and they collect ap-proximately CAN $23 billion annually, of which approximately 50% is collected from non-residen-tial properties.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?• All real property in Ontario is liable to assessment

and taxation. • There is only real property tax levied.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? • The owner of the property is liable for the tax.• Tenants (occupiers) do not receive a separate as-

sessment notice or tax bills.4. Unit of assessment? Each separate (legal) parcel of land is assessed and taxed.5. Tax rate(s) set by? All tax rates are set by the municipalities (local governments). Provincial education tax rate set by the province.

6. Current tax rate? • All properties are assessed by MPAC at 100% of

current value (market value) with the following ex-ceptions:Farmland - based on current useManaged forests - based on lower of a prescribed rate based on farmland values or market valuePipelines, hydro and rail corridors - based on pre-scribed ratesHotel condominium units - valued on the same ba-sis as similar hotel held in fee simple

• The properties are divided into 36 classes/sub-classes.

• Ontario Regulation 282/98 - under the Assess-ment Act - determines these categories as follows:1. Residential2. Residential farmland awaiting development,

Phase 13. Residential farmland awaiting development,

Phase 24. Resort condominiums5. Multi-residential, occupied6. Multi-residential farmland awaiting develop-

ment, Phase 17. New multi-residential8. Commercial, occupied9. Commercial, excess land10. Commercial, vacant land11. Commercial farmland awaiting development,

Phase 112. Commercial farmland awaiting development,

Phase 213. Office buildings14. Office buildings, excess land15. Official buildings, vacant land16. Shopping centres17. Shopping centres, excess land18. Shopping centres, vacant land19. Parking lots and vacant land20. Parking lots and vacant excess land21. Professional sports facilities22. Professional sports facilities, excess land23. Professional sports facilities, vacant land24. Industrial, occupied25. Industrial, excess land26. Industrial, vacant land27. Industrial farmland awaiting development,

Phase 128. Industrial farmland awaiting development,

Phase 229. Large industrial30. Large industrial, excess land

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31. Large industrial, vacant land32. Pipelines33. Farmlands34. Managed forest35. Railway rights of way36. Hydro rights of way

• The municipalities determine the tax rates accord-ingly.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Annually8. Tax collected by? Local government9. Assessor responsible for assessments?

• Valuation assessments are provided by the Munici-pal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

• It is a central agency dealing with all properties situated in the province.

10. Basis of valuation? Current value which is synonymous with market value.11. Frequency of general revaluations? All properties are reassessed every four years12. Date of last general revaluation?

• The last general revaluation took place in 2008 for 2009 taxation

• In 2012, all properties are being revalued with a common valuation date of January 1, 2012 for the next 4-year cycle which will commence in 2013.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 2012 will be the valuation basis for the current reas-sessment.14. Main exemptions/reliefs?

• The following is a selected list of exemptions from taxation.a) Crown landsb) Cemeteries, burial sitesc) Churchesd) Public education institutionse) Philanthropic organizationsf ) Public hospitalsg) Care homesh) Highwaysi) Municipal propertyj) Boy Scouts and Girl Guidesk) House of refugel) Charitable institutesm) Children’s aid societiesn) Scientific or literary institutionso) Battle sitesp) Machinery: All machinery and equipment

used for manufacturing or farming purposesq) Machinery used for producing electric powerr) Amusement ridess) Conservation land

t) Small theatresu) Hydro-electric generating stationsv) Poles and wires

15. Initial appeal process? • For residential properties there is a mandatory “Re-

quest for Reconsideration” for all other properties it is discretionary.

• It is a procedure available at the request of the as-sessed person to request a reconsideration of the assessment from the Assessor (MPAC).

• For all other properties appeals may be filed an-nually by March 31st to the Assessment Review Board (ARB), an independent tribunal. Note: If a property owner participates in the Request for Re-consideration process the deadline for appeal is 60 days from the date MPAC sends its response.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Yes, the Assessment Review Board, an independent tribunal. The Board is composed of a Chair and a number of Vice-Chairs and other members, all of whom are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? • No significant changes. • Province is in the process of reassessing all a prop-

erties for taxation years 2013-2016 (4-year roll)18. Any significant recent changes and important issues? No.

Quebec1. Title of Property Tax System? Based on actual value. The Act respecting municipal taxation (R.S.Q., c. F-2.1) (“Act”) defines actual value as its exchange value in the free and open market, the price most likely to be paid at a sale by agreement (willing buyer, willing seller). The Act contains sections which are basically a resume of juris-prudence on the matter. The municipal assessment roll serves both the municipality and local school commission.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?Immoveables within the meaning of article 900 of the Civil Code of Québec and movables that are permanently at-tached to an immoveable.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? Owner (person who holds the right of ownership) of the land including the emphyteutic lessee and the occupant of land in the domain of the state (public land or immoveable).

4. Unit of assessment? The greatest possible aggregate of immoveables, owned by the same owner or group of owners in undivided ownership; used for a single primary purpose; can normally and in a short term be transferred only as one whole.

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5. Tax rate(s) set by? Set yearly by municipalities and school commissions. The rates vary by categories of immoveables: non-residential, in-dustrial, six or more dwellings, serviced vacant land, agricul-tural and the basic rate (used for residential).6. Current tax rate? Varies widely by municipalities and school commissions; the highest rate is always the non-residential rate which applies to commercial properties.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Each year.8. Tax collected by? Municipalities and school commissions.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The Assessor is locally chosen by the municipality. It may be a regional county municipality or a local municipality.10. Basis of valuation?Actual value. The land and building values will appear sepa-rately on the assessment roll.11. Frequency of general revaluations? The Assessor files three (3) year rolls. The Minister can ex-tend this period. The Assessor must check the accuracy of the data in his possession at least every nine (9) years.12. Date of last general revaluation? It varies by municipali-ties13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? July 1st of the second fiscal year preceding the first of fiscal years for which the roll is made for the condition of the unit of assessment, be it the physical condition, its economic and legal condition as well as its physical surroundings, for the property market conditions and for the most likely use made of the unit on that date. As for sales, the information relating to transfers of ownership that have occurred before and after the valuation date may be taken in account.14. Main exemptions/reliefs? Public property; property owned by religious institutions; property used for education purposes; industrial machinery; anti-pollution machinery linked to industrial production; mineral deposits; a railway; system of gas distribution; tele-communications system; immoveables relating to electrical production, transmission or distribution.15. Initial appeal process? Application for Administrative Review can be filed with the assessment authority (before May 1st of the first year of coming into force of a new triennial roll).16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Yes, after the Assessor communicates his/her position on the taxpayer’s application for administrative review, the taxpayer may appeal to an independent Tribunal (Administrative Tri-bunal of Québec).17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? ± 70-75 % of municipal tax revenues.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues? No

Saskatchewan1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Assessment and Taxation System2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?There are three pieces of provincial legislation that speak to the assessment of property for municipal taxation purposes; The Municipalities Act, The Cities Act, The Northern Mu-nicipalities Act, 2010.All have identical assessment and taxation legislation. For discussion purposes, The Municipalities Act (M Act) will be used as a reference. Municipalities and School Divisions are empowered to access the property tax system. Municipalities administer the process on behalf of the school divisions. The province sets the education tax mill rates.The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) is responsible for assessment policy as per The As-sessment Management Agency Act (AMA Act). SAMA reports to provincial government via the Ministry of Gov-ernment Relations. The provincial Ministry of Government Relations is directly responsible for property tax policy; SAMA has no authority in this area.Real property is assessed and taxed (sections 2(e)(q)(dd)(nn), 193, 194, 194.1, 195, 199, 201). As well, some types of per-sonal property such as mine, oil and gas equipment used to extract a mineral resource is deemed to be assessed and taxed (sections 2(nn), 199).3. Person tax legally imposed on? Typically the owner of the property. In some cases, such as government owned property and railway station ground leases, the tenant would be deemed liable for the taxes.4. Unit of assessment? Assessments are prepared on a parcel level, which is typically the ISC (land titles) parcel. See section 2(dd) of the M Act.5. Tax rate(s) set by? Individual municipalities establish their own municipal mill rates and apply available tax tools. Tax tools and mill rate information can be found on the Ministry of Government Relations website http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/Adminis-tration/Assessment/2013-revaluation/. Provincial government sets the education mill rates which are 2.67 for agricultural property, 5.03 for residential prop-erty, 8.28 for commercial/industrial property and 11.04 for resource property (mines, oil and gas, pipelines).6. Current tax rate? Refer to the above question. Municipal mill rate informa-tion is available on the Ministry’s website at: http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/Administration/Taxation-Assessment/Mill-Rate-Survey.

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7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Mill rates are reviewed on an annual basis.

8. Tax collected by? The municipality administers the tax collection process for both municipal and school taxes. The school taxes are then remitted to provincial government who then allocates the amounts to the school boards.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Generally speaking, the assessment appraiser (qualified in-dividual that performs valuations) prepares the assessments on behalf of the municipal assessor. The municipal assessor (employee of the municipality) is responsible for the assess-ment roll (see sections 2(c), 205 of the M Act and sections 2c (d)(e), 22 of the AMA Act).

10. Basis of valuation?Market valuation standard for non-regulated property as-sessments (residential and commercial property) and the regulated property assessment valuation standard for farm land, heavy industrial property, pipeline, railway roadway and resource production equipment for mines/oil/gas sites as specified in sections 193, 194.1 of the M Act.

11. Frequency of general revaluations? Saskatchewan has a four year revaluation cycle.12. Date of last general revaluation? 2013 for use to 2016.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? January 1, 201114. Main exemptions/reliefs? Property tax exemptions are specified in sections 292-298 of the M Act. Notable comments include typical religious exemptions, government exemptions, as well as farm use buildings are exempt from taxation, an a exemption for new economic development (section 298(5)).15. Initial appeal process? The first level of appeal is the Board of Revision (BoR) as outlined in sections 220 to 242 of the M Act. Property own-ers have the opportunity to appeal every year. Municipalities provide notice when the assessment roll is open for inspec-tion and appeal. In a non-revaluation year, you have 30 days to launch an appeal. In a revaluation year, you have 60 days to appeal.The Ministry of Government Relations has additional mate-rials regarding the appeal process on their website at http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/publications/ 16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?The second level of appeal is the Assessment Appeals Com-mittee of Saskatchewan Municipal Board as per sections 243-257 of the M Act. Questions regarding questions of law can be taken to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? This informa-tion is not available at this time.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?2013 is a revaluation year in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan’s economy experienced substantial economic growth since the previous 2009 revaluation which is reflected in 2013 assess-ments. The 2009 revaluation implemented the market valu-ation standard for residential and commercial property. For 2013, valuation policies have stabilized.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China1. Title of Property Tax System? Property Tax is known as Rates in Hong Kong. Rates are a tax on the occupation of property, and are charged at a percentage of the rateable value of property. Properties in all parts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) are liable to the assessment of rates. As at the end of 2012, there are about 3.08 million domestic and non-do-mestic properties.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description? Rates are charged on real property only.3. Person tax legally imposed on? Both the owner and the occupier are liable for rates. In prac-tice, this will depend on the terms of the agreement between the owner and occupier of the property. In the absence of any agreement to the contrary, liability of rates rests with the occupier.4. Unit of assessment? The unit of assessment for rating purposes is a “tenement”, defined in the Rating Ordinance as “any land (including land covered with water) or any building, structure, or part thereof which is held or occupied as a distinct or separate tenancy or holding or under any licence”.5. Tax rate(s) set by? The charging rate is prescribed annually by resolution of the Legislative Council.6. Current tax rate? Rates is charged at 5% of the rateable value for the financial year of 2012/13.7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? The rates charge percentage is prescribed annually.8. Tax collected by? Rates are collected by the Rating & Valuation Department (RVD) of the HKSAR Government. The revenue forms part of the general revenue of the HKSAR Government.9. Assessor responsible for assessments? The assessments are provided by the RVD of the HKSAR Government.10. Basis of valuation?The rateable value of a property is an estimate of its annual open market rental value at a designated valuation reference

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date made on the assumption that the property was then va-cant and to let. Neither restrictions on sale or letting nor the financial status of the ratepayer can be taken into account. It also makes no difference to the rateable value whether the property is owner-occupied or let.If a property is let, its rateable value may not necessarily be the same as the rent passing, since there are many factors affecting the rental level, such as commencement date of the rent and other terms of the tenancy agreement. Regard must be had to other open market rents agreed at or around the date of valuation, for similar properties in the locality, adjusted to reflect any differences in size, location, facilities, standards of finish and management, etc. 11. Frequency of general revaluations? The frequency of general revaluations in Hong Kong is not specified in the Rating Ordinance. Under Section 11 of the Ordinance, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR may at any time direct the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation to prepare a new list of rateable values, and at the same time designate a date by reference to which the rateable values of the tenements shall be ascertained for the purpose of that revaluation. Since 1999, general revaluations have been con-ducted on an annual basis.12. Date of last general revaluation? The last general revalu-ation (2012/13) took effect on 1 April 201213. Valuation date used for current assessment period? 1 October 2011 is specified as the valuation date of the 2012/13 general revaluation.14. Main exemptions/reliefs? I. ExemptionsThe current provisions for exemption from liability for rates take two forms:(i) Exemption from assessment to rates - no tenement

will appear in the valuation list. The tenements which are exempt from assessment to rates are:(a) agricultural land and buildings;(b) New Territories dwelling houses occupied in connec-

tion with agricultural land or agricultural operations;(c) New Territories village houses within designated

areas, complying with the prescribed size, height and type criteria;

(d) tenements built for the purpose of public reli-gious worship and used wholly or mainly for such purpose;

(e) cemeteries and crematoria;(f ) properties owned and occupied for public purposes

by the Government, the Legislative Council Com-mission or the Financial Secretary Incorporated;

(g) properties owned by the Government and occu-pied as dwellings by public officers by virtue of their employment;

(h) properties owned by the Housing Authority and occupied for public purposes by the Government;

(i) military land;(j) certain resited village houses in the New

Territories;(k) properties occupied for domestic purposes in cot-

tage areas or temporary housing areas;(l) properties of which the rateable value would not

exceed the prescribed amount (the prescribed amount was raised to $3,000 from 1 April 1997).

(ii) Exemption from payment of rates - a tenement is in-cluded in the valuation list but exemption from pay-ment of the rates is granted by administrative means. The following classes of tenements are exempted from payment of rates:(a) all tenements, or parts thereof, used wholly or

mainly for public religious worship, other than those exempt from assessment. (This provision gives exemption to non-purpose-built premises.)

(b) all tenements, or parts thereof, occupied for public purposes by or on behalf of the Government or the Financial Secretary Incorporated (FSI) other than those exempt from assessment. (This provision gives exemption to premises which are occupied but not owned by Government or FSI.)

(c) all tenements, or parts thereof, held by the Govern-ment and occupied or to be occupied as dwellings by public officers by virtue of their employment other than those exempt from assessment. (This provision gives exemption to non-Government owned premises.)

Moreover, Chief Executive of the HKSAR is authorized to exempt any particular tenement or part of any particular ten-ement (but not classes of tenements) from the payment of rates. For example, the exemption of consular premises and residences of accredited consular officers, as well as certain village houses situated outside the designated village areas in the New Territories and occupied by an indigenous villager.

II. Water ConcessionWhere there is no supply of fresh water from a Government water-main or the Government supply is unfiltered, the amount of rates payable will be reduced by 15% and 7.5% respectively. For rating purposes, a supply is deemed to be available even if a connection has not actually been made, if a tenement is within 180 metres of a Government water-main constructed to supply fresh/unfiltered water to the tenement.

III. Rates ConcessionIn the financial year of 2012/13, rates concession is given to offset the rates payable for the four quarters from April 2012 to March 2013, subject to a ceiling of $2,500 per quarter for each rateable tenement.

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15. Initial appeal process? (i) ProposalsFollowing a general revaluation, a new valuation list is de-clared by the Commissioner in the month of March and is made available for public inspection during the months of April and May of the year the list comes into force. The new rateable values take effect on 1 April of the year in which the valuation list is declared.The Rating Ordinance provides for any person who is ag-grieved by an entry in the valuation list to serve a proposal in the specified form on the Commissioner for alteration of the valuation list from 1 April of that year. Although the Ordi-nance requires that the proposal must be served within the months of April and May, there is provision for the Com-missioner to accept proposals served on him at any time after the declaration of the list in March and before 1 June in the same year.Upon receiving a valid proposal, the Commissioner will re-view the assessment and may confirm or alter the entry in the valuation list. The decision must be issued before 1 De-cember immediately following the making of the proposal or within such other time as the Chief Executive of the HK-SAR may direct.

(ii) ObjectionsWhenever the Commissioner serves a notice of an amend-ment to a valuation list by way of a correction, a deletion or an interim valuation (An interim valuation is made whenever it is necessary to assess a new tenement or any tenement, which is not already included in the valuation list.), an ag-grieved owner or occupier may, within 28 days, serve on the Commissioner a notice of objection in the specified form in accordance with the Ordinance.After considering a valid objection, the Commissioner shall confirm, vary or set aside the interim valuation, the deletion or the correction to the valuation list. He is required to is-sue his decision on the objection within six months after the expiration of the 28-day objection period.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?A person who is dissatisfied with the Commissioner’s deci-sion in respect of a proposal or objection may appeal to the Hong Kong Lands Tribunal. The decision of the Tribunal is final on issues of valuation and findings of fact. Further ap-peals can only be on points of law to the Court of Appeal and then to the Court of Final Appeal.

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? In the financial year of 2011-12, the revenue from rates was HK$9,722 million which represents 3.7% of all tax revenue in HKSAR.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues? No

Ireland1. Title of Property Tax System? There are two forms of property tax in Ireland:(1) Non-domestic Rates (NDR). This applies to about 170,000 non-domestic, business and industrial properties.(2) Local Property Tax [LPT] was introduced in Ireland with the passing of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 on 26 December 2012 and took effect for the year 2013. The Act was subsequently amended on 13 March 2013 and is now the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended). Initially, LPT is charged in respect of the six-month period 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013 and will be charged on an annual basis after that. It is payable by the person who is the liable person in relation to residential property on a specified date in each year (known as the ‘liability date’) and is based on the self-assessed market value of a property on a specified date in a 3-year valuation period (known as the ‘valuation date’) LPT applies to approximately 1.9m residential prop-erties in the State. 2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?(1) Subject to legally specified exceptions, non-domestic Rates apply to commercial and industrial properties, includ-ing real property and certain prescribed rights and easements over property. (2) LPT applies to all residential properties in the State which are in use as, or which are suitable for use as, a dwell-ing. A property that is occupied as a dwelling is chargeable regardless of the state of repair of the property. A property that is not occupied is also chargeable as long as it is suitable for use as a dwelling, i.e. it has been completed or is not in such a bad state of repair that it is not capable of being occu-pied. LPT applies to both privately-owned and State-owned residential properties.3. Person tax legally imposed on? (1) NDR: The occupier of the property is liable. Where the property is vacant, the owner/immediate lessor of the prop-erty is liable.(2) LPT: For the most part, the liable person is the owner of the prop-erty, regardless of whether he or she lives in the State or not. In certain circumstances, the owner of a property is displaced as the liable person by other categories of person such as:

• A landlord who has let the property under a lease of less than 20 years

• A tenant who has leased the property under a lease of at least 20 years.

• Persons with a long term right of residence who are entitled to exclude any other person from the property.

• Holders of a life interest in the property.

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• Personal representatives of a deceased owner.• Trustees where the property is held in trust.

4. Unit of assessment? (1) NDR: The unit of assessment is the unit of occupation and is known as the “relevant property” [following the enact-ment of the Valuation Act, 2001 the term ‘relevant property’ replaced ‘hereditament’]. The valuation assessment is known as “rateable valuation”. This is based on the national Valu-ation Office estimating the “Net Annual Value” (NAV) of each rateable property and the NAVs are published in a “val-uation list”. There are currently 88 rating authorities each of which has its own valuation list.A number of public utility valuations are valued globally and entered on a ‘Central Valuation list’ which also shows the amount of each global valuation apportioned to individual rating authorities.(2) LPT: The unit of assessment is each chargeable residen-tial property. This is any building or structure (or part of a building or structure) which is used as, or is suitable for use as, a dwelling. It also includes any ancillary buildings and structures such as sheds, outhouses and, garages and any ancillary land, such as yards and gardens, of up to 0.4047 hectares (equivalent to one acre). Because a residential prop-erty includes part of a building, individual apartments in an apartment block are a separate unit of assessment. However, a building that contains accommodation units such as bedsits or granny flats that are not capable of being sold indepen-dently is treated as a single unit of assessment.5. Tax rate(s) set by? (1) NDR: The tax rate, known as Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV), is set annually by the particular rating authority (Lo-cal Authority) in which the property is located. (2) LPT: The basic tax rates of 0.18% and 0.25% are set by central government. From 1 January 2015, each local author-ity will have the ability to increase or decrease the basic tax rates by up to 15% (known as the local adjustment factor) on properties situated within its functional area.6. Current tax rate? (1) NDR: Setting the ARV is a reserved function of each rat-ing authority. Accordingly, the rate varies from local author-ity to local authority. Examples for 2013 include:

Rating Authority ARV for 2013

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown 0.1666South Dublin 0.1620Fingal 0.1440

The amount of NDR payable by a ratepayer is calculated by multiplying the NAV determined by the Valuation Of-fice by the ARV set annually by the rating authority (Local Authority).

(2) LPT: There are two rates of 0.18% and 0.25%, depending on the value of the property. The rate of 0.18% is applied to properties valued at up to €1m. The amount of LPT due is established by reference to valuation bands in that the rate is applied to the mid-point of the relevant valuation band.

Valuation band

numberValuation band €

Mid-point of

Valuation band €

LPT in 2014, 2015,

2016 € (full year charge)

01 0 to 100,000 50,000 9002 100,001 to 150,000 125,000 22503 150,001 to 200,000 175,000 31504 200,001 to 250,000 225,000 40505 250,001 to 300,000 275,000 49506 300,001 to 350,000 325,000 58507 350,001 to 400,000 375,000 67508 400,001 to 450,000 425,000 76509 450,001 to 500,000 475,000 85510 500,001 to 550,000 525,000 94511 550,001 to 600,000 575,000 1,03512 600,001 to 650,000 625,000 1,12513 650,001 to 700,000 675,000 1,21514 700,001 to 750,000 725,000 1,30515 750,001 to 800,000 775,000 1,39516 800,001 to 850,000 825,000 1,48517 850,001 to 900,000 875,000 1,57518 900,001 to 950,000 925,000 1,66519 950,001 to 1,000,000 975,000 1,755

Properties valued at over €1m are assessed on their actual value with a rate of 0.18% applied to the first €1m and 0.25% applied to the remainder. As the initial chargeable period of 1 July 2013 to 31 Decem-ber 2013 is only six months, the usual annual charge is halved for the year 2013. 7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? (1) NDR: Tax rate (ARV) is set annually by the rating au-thority (Local Authority).(2) LPT: While there are currently no plans to adjust the basic 0.18% or 0.25% rates, there is no statutory restriction on the frequency of adjustment. However, as outlined in 5 above, from 1 January 2015 each local authority will have the ability to increase or decrease the basic rates by up to 15% in each year. 8. Tax collected by? (1) NDR: Collected by each individual rating authority (Lo-cal Authority).

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(2) LPT: Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland on behalf of central government. 9. Assessor responsible for assessments? (1) NDR: Assessments are conducted by the Valuation Of-fice, the State organisation responsible for conducting such assessments.(2) LPT: There is no central assessor that is responsible for assessments. LPT is a self-assessed tax, i.e. the liable person himself or herself determines the value of his or her property and determines the amount of LPT payable by reference to the valuation bands at 6 above, or the actual value in the case of properties valued at >€1m.10. Basis of valuation?(1) NDR: The basis of valuation is known as “Net Annual Value” (NAV). This is defined in legislation and equates to the annual rental value, subject to a number of statutory as-sumptions.(2) LPT: The basis of valuation is the price that a property would be expected to sell for in the open market as estab-lished by the liable person on a specified date (known as the ‘valuation date’). The valuation date for the initial 3½ year valuation period, covering 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2016, is 1 May 2013. Thereafter, the valuation date will be 1 No-vember in the year preceding each three-year valuation pe-riod, i.e. 1 November 2016 for the valuation period 2017 to 2019. The open market sales price is hypothetical in the sense that that any actual restrictions on the sale of the encum-bered fee simple of a property cannot be taken into account. 11. Frequency of general revaluations? (1) NDR: National revaluation programme currently un-derway on a rolling basis; each rating authority is re-valued independently of other rating authorities. Thereafter, revalu-ations will occur not less than five years and not more than ten years.(2) LPT – A valuation submitted by a liable person for the first valuation date of 1 May 2013 will remain in place for the valuation period 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2016. Thereafter, revaluations will be submitted every 3 years with the next valu-ation date being 1 November 2016 for the period 2017 - 2019. 12. Date of last general revaluation? (1) NDR: First modern national revaluation currently un-derway.(2) LPT: 1 May 2013 [also first year of valuation]13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? (1) NDR: The valuation date is set by statutory order as the revaluation of each rating authority takes place. It precedes the date of the order. (2) LPT: The first valuation date is 1 May 2013 for the pe-riod 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2016. Thereafter, it will be 1 November preceding each subsequent 3-year valuation period, i.e. 1 November 2016 for the period 2017 to 2019.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs? (1) NDR: Various classes of non-rateable property are set out in legislation. These include agricultural land, land developed for horticulture, forestry or sport, together with farm buildings and domestic properties. Buildings used exclusively for public worship, not-for profit hospitals, educational institutions, art galleries, museums, libraries, parks and national monuments are generally exempt. Lighthouses, community halls and certain properties occupied by charitable organisations are also exempt. Local authorities can grant discretionary relief in some cases. At present, there is no “transitional relief ” available to phase in the impact of revaluation. The Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) is applied to all rateable properties in a rating author-ity area; there is no distinct tax rate for small businesses.(2) LPT: The following residential properties are exempt from LPT:

• Properties constructed and owned by a builder or a property developer that are treated as trading stock for income tax purposes, that remain unsold and that have not yet been used as a residence.

• New and previously unused properties that are purchased from a builder or a property developer between 1 January 2013 and 31 October 2016 are exempt until 2017.

• Properties purchased by a first time buyer between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013 and used as the first time buyer’s sole or main residence are exempt until 2017.

• Properties in specified unfinished housing estates. • Properties owned by a charity or a public body and

used to provide accommodation and support for people with special needs.

• Nursing Homes.• Properties that have been vacated by individuals

who cannot continue to live there because of a long term mental or physical infirmity, provided that the property remains vacant..

• Mobile homes, vehicles or vessels and other prop-erties/structures that are not permanently attached to the ground.

• Properties fully subject to commercial rates.• Properties that have a tax exemption under the Vi-

enna Conventions of 1921 (Diplomatic Relations) and 1923 (Consular Relations).

• Properties that have been certified by a competent person such as an engineer as having a significant level of pyrite-induced damage have a temporary exemption of approximately three years.

• Properties used by charitable bodies as residential accommodation in connection with recreational ac-tivities that are an integral part of the body’s chari-table purpose, e.g. guiding and scouting activities.

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• Properties purchased, built or adapted because of their suitability for, or to make them suitable for, occupation by permanently and totally incapaci-tated individuals as their sole or main residence.

The chargeable value of a property that has been adapted to make it suitable for occupation by a disabled individual may be reduced by the amount of the value that is attributable to the adaptation work where the adaptation work has had the effect of moving the chargeable value of the adapted property into a higher valuation band.Properties that are owned by a local authority or an approved private body providing social housing are placed in the low-est valuation band regardless of their actual chargeable value for the first valuation period 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2016.Certain liable persons are eligible to defer payment of LPT until the ownership of a property changes or the conditions for the deferral cease to be met. Deferral is subject to the payment of simple interest calculated at the daily rate of 0.011% for each day that liability is deferred. These are:

• Individuals who have gross annual income of €15,000 and couples who have gross annual in-come of €25,000. The corresponding gross annual income thresholds for eligibility for a 50% defer-ral are €25,000 and €35,000, respectively. These thresholds may be increased by 80% of mortgage interest payments in the case of properties occu-pied as a liable person’s sole or main residence and that are subject to a mortgage.

• The personal representatives of a deceased liable person are eligible to a maximum deferral period of three years.

• Insolvent individuals who have entered into a specified statutory insolvency arrangement for the duration of the arrangement.

15. Initial appeal process? (1) NDR: There are several opportunities to challenge or ap-peal a valuation. Before a valuation is finalised, the ratepayer receives a “Proposed Valuation Certificate” from the Valu-ation Office. The ratepayer may challenge this by making statutory “representations” to the valuation manager. This is an informal stage prior to the more formal appeal processes which follows. There is no fee payable for this challenge. The ratepayer is notified of the outcome of this, is provided with a final assessment and is informed of the appeal options. If the ratepayer is dissatisfied with the outcome of the con-sideration of representations, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, after the publication of the Valua-tion List. The Tribunal is an independent body established to resolve disputed valuations between the Valuation Office, ratepayers and local authorities.

Under the Valuation Act 2001 there is also a right of internal appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation, before the appeal to the Tribunal. However, the Government has published legislative proposals in the Valuation (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2012 which would result in this appeal being removed. This is one of a number of legislative proposals set out in the Bill, which is currently making its way through the Oireach-tas (Irish Parliament).(2) LPT: Individuals may appeal to the Revenue Commissioners where they do not consider themselves to be liable persons. There are essentially two reasons why this may happen. Firstly, an individual may not accept that he or she has the relevant interest (such as ownership) in a property. Secondly, an individual may consider that the property is not charge-able to LPT because it is not occupied and not suitable for use as a dwelling. A determination made by the Revenue Commissioners against an individual may be appealed to an independent tribunal.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?(1) NDR: Yes, unresolved valuations may be appealed to the Valuation Tribunal, an independent body set up to settle dis-puted valuations between the Commissioner of Valuation and the ratepayers or local authorities. To be valid, an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal must be made within 28 days from the date of publication of the Valuation List. The appeal must be in writing; it must specify the grounds of appeal and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. For more informa-tion on the Valuation Tribunal visit www.valuation-trib.ie.The Tribunal’s decision on quantum is final; however, there is a further appeal on a point of law to the High and Supreme Court.(2) LPT: A taxpayer has the right to appeal to the Appeal Commissioners against the following decisions of the Rev-enue Commissioners:

• A refusal of a claim for repayment.• A determination that a person is a liable person.• An assessment to LPT.• A determination that a liable person is not eligible

for a deferral of LPT.An appeal against an assessment may encompass any dispute between the person and the Revenue Commissioners regard-ing the interpretation of the legislation, the ownership of the property, whether the property is a liable property, the valua-tion of the property and the liability of the person.The Appeal Commissioners is an independent appeals tribu-nal. A taxpayer who is aggrieved by a decision of the Appeal Commissioners has a further right of appeal to the Circuit Court. An appeal to the Circuit Court is a de novo appeal. Both the taxpayer and the Revenue Commissioners have a right of appeal to the High Court on a point of law from the Appeal Commissioners and the Circuit Court.

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17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? (1) NDR amounts in total to approximately €1.35 billion nationally, each year. This has been estimated as represent-ing approximately 32% of the entire annual funding require-ments of local authorities [based on 2013 funding data]. The entire national tax take for Ireland in 2013 is estimated at €38.018 billion.(2) LPT: 2013 is the first year of LPT. The proportion of all tax revenue [including LPT] represented by LPT alone is 0.7% in 2013 based on an estimated budgeted yield of €250m for LPT and €38.018bn for all tax revenues.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?(1) NDR: The Valuation (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2012, which is currently making its way through the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament), contains a number of important legisla-tive proposals which are intended to accelerate and stream-line how national revaluation programmes are carried out in Ireland. The proposals include provision for:

• elements of self-assessment of valuations by rate-payers

• engaging external contractors to undertake valua-tions

• streamlining of the current appeals process• wider use of statistical analysis tools and processes• a number of technical adjustments to the legisla-

tion to improve operations(2) LPT: In 2012 the Irish Government introduced a €100 Household Charge on each residential property situated within the State. This charge was abolished in 2013 and was replaced by the Local Property Tax. From 1 July 2013 the Revenue Commissioners took over responsibility for collect-ing any outstanding Household Charge liabilities. From that date, any outstanding liabilities (including late payment pen-alties) increased to €200 and are included as part of the LPT liability for the property.

New Zealand1. Title of Property Tax System? There is one system in New Zealand – Local government rates – applies to 1.9 million rating units which are recorded on each of the 68 Territorial Authority district valuation rolls. No land tax in NZ.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description? Real property only – includes network Utility assets. 3. Person tax legally imposed on? The owner. NZ moved to away from occupier and onto owner liability in 2002.4. Unit of assessment? Rating unit – legally defined and supported by prescriptive Rules defining what constitutes a rating unit. Rating unit

primarily based on a certificate of title and other instruments of ownership (Deed, proclamation, gazette notice, etc).

5. Tax rate(s) set by? Individual Local Authorities in accordance with the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002. NZ has 80 Local Authori-ties (68 Territorial Authorities and 12 Regional Authorities) all of whom have the power to set rates.

6. Current tax rate? Varies for each of the 68 Territorial Authorities & 12 Re-gional Authorities – they set a strike rate in the dollar of rateable value each year to fund budget requirements. Some rate substantially on rateable value whilst others use a com-bination of rateable values and targeted rates/uniform an-nual charges. There is no banding of rateable values and rat-ing policy can be varied in consultation with the ratepayer community.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? Yearly depending on budget and individual council rates policy. All properties are revalued at least once every three years and new rates struck on the results of the revaluation.

8. Tax collected by? Local authorities (councils) collect for their district – some-times they also collect on behalf of regional councils

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? Territorial authorities (councils) – rating valuations have to be completed under the authority of a registered valuer and councils can elect to do this in house or contract with an ex-ternal valuer. Currently Quotable Value assess approximately 90% of rating valuations in NZ. Regional councils use rate-able values from Territorial authorities district valuation rolls.

10. Basis of valuation?Open market sale price for both capital and land value as at one effective date per territorial authority once every three years. Based on a freehold tenure assumption, actual condi-tion, highest and best (not actual) use, disregard actual leases.11. Frequency of general revaluations? Once every three years. Rating valuations can be updated during the three year period to reflect new improvements or subdivisions.12. Date of last general revaluation? Varies for each of the 68 territorial authorities – roughly a third of them revalue each year so all done in a three year cycle.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? Effective date between 1 August and 1 October – revalue every three years.14. Main exemptions/reliefs? All properties are valued on the district valuation roll in ac-cordance with the rating Valuations Act 1998 irrespective of

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their rateable status. The Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 Schedule 1 identifies a number of property types that are non rateable. National Parks, civic use heritage and rec-reation buildings, State Schools (not private ones), Religious premises, some types of Maori Freehold Land, Machinery, Roads, Airport passenger movement and runway areas, Par-liament, common marine and coastal areas.15. Initial appeal process? Full objection rights to revaluation assessment within 30 working days of issue of public notice. Ratepayers can ap-peal/object to the territorial authority who undertake a re-view – can use the same registered valuer who did the revalu-ation. Appeals based on comparable sales.Rating valuations updated during the currency of the roll (e.g. the three years between revaluations) have a 20 working day pe-riod to object and receive a review from the territorial authority. These appeals are based on comparable roll parcels not sales.16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?Appeal rights on all objections to the Land Valuation Tribu-nal (further appeal on points of law to a higher court)17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? Reported to be a 99% rates collection – non payers can be subject to a forced rating sale unless it’s Maori Freehold Land which is protected.18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Tax collected goes directly to each local authority and no im-mediate plans to change this. A review of funding mecha-nisms for local government has been mooted but no substan-tive developments as yet.

South Africa1. Title of Property Tax System? There is one system to levy rates in South Africa and the term used is Property Rates. The enabling legislation is the Local Government: Municipal Property Rates ACT, (Act No 6 of 2004), also referred to as the MPRA.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?The following definition of “property” is applicable for prop-erty rates:a) immovable property registered in the name of a person, including, in the case of a sectional title scheme, a sectional title unit registered in the name of a person;b) a right registered against immovable property in the name of a person, excluding a mortgage bond registered against the property;c) a land tenure right registered in the name of a person or granted to a person in terms of legislation;d) public service infrastructure (Note - which is further defined)Further each property is required to be assigned a category of property determined by the municipality on which the ad-opted “rate” will be levied in terms of rates policy.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? The following definition of “owner” is applicable for property rates:

a) in relation to a property referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition of “property”, means a person in whose name ownership of the property is registered;b) in relation to a right referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of “property”, means a person in whose name the right is registered;c) in relation to a land tenure right referred to in paragraph (c) of the definition of “property”, means a person in whose name the right is registered or to whom it was granted in terms of legislation; ord) in relation to public service infrastructure referred to in paragraph (d) of the definition of “property”, means the or-gan of state which owns or controls that public service in-frastructure as envisaged in the definition of “publicly con-trolled”, provided that a person mentioned below may for the purposes of this Act be regarded by a municipality as the owner of a property in the following cases:

i) A trustee, in the case of a property in a trust excluding state trust land;ii) an executor or administrator, in the case of a property in a deceased estate;iii) a trustee or liquidator, in the case of a property in an in-solvent estate or in liquidation;iv) a judicial manager, in the case of a property in the estate of a person under judicial management;v) a curator, in the case of a property in the estate of a person under curatorship;vi) a person in whose name a usufruct or other personal ser-vitude is registered, in the case of a property that is subject to a usufruct or other personal servitude;vii) a lessee, in the case of a property that is registered in the name of a municipality and is leased by it; or a buyer, in the case of a property that was sold by a municipality and of which possession was given to the buyer pending registration of ownership in the name of the buyer;

Further a municipality may also determine categories of owners and criteria for the purposes of rates relief, e.g. Pen-sioners in terms of adopted rates policy.

4. Unit of assessment? This is directly linked to the definition of property however the legislation also caters for multiple purpose use properties which can be rated as a dominant use category of property or as a specified multiple purpose category. In the applica-tion of dominant use the category of property would be the dominant use based on the building development size, e.g. if a property has two uses business and residential, depend-ing on the policy if more residential than business it would attract the residential category “rate” and if the reverse more business it would attract the business “rate”.

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In the application of multiple purposes the value of the prop-erty would be apportioned based on each different use type and a category of property determined for each apportioned value and a rate levied. Therefore each category of property on a property would attract the applicable “rate”.Values and rates can also be split based on a rates policy deci-sion, where a portion of a property may be classified as non rateable and rates levied accordingly.

5. Tax rate(s) set by? The tax rate(s) are set by each municipality intending to levy rates on property and the power to levy rates is through the Constitution, the Municipal Property Rates ACT (MPRA) and a municipality’s adopted rates policy. A tax rate is set against a category of property in terms of the MPRA and as adopted by the municipality.

6. Current tax rate? Tax rates are the responsibility of the municipality and there-fore differ between them, and are also dependent on the re-valuation cycle. Therefore do not have the conclusive tax rate stats on highest, lowest and average rates for each category of property.A property tariff or property tax rate is determined at a local government level, following an obligatory public participa-tion process. Due to the provision that local government may determine the tax rate levied, rates per category of property can vary significantly and is also influenced by the category of property profile mix.Properties used for agricultural, public service infrastructure and public benefit organisation purposes have a prescribed maximum net tariff ratio to the residential tariffs as follows: Residential 1:0.25 (Agricultural/PSI /PBO).Typically Commercial/Industrial property is 1.5 to 2 times higher than the residential tariff and vacant land may be charged a punitive tariff to encourage development, produc-tive agriculture and to discourage speculation.

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? The tax rate(s) are reviewed annually and may be adjusted through community participation and by adoption of the municipality.

8. Tax collected by? Local government – municipal collection.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? An Assessor is termed municipal valuer and assessments termed valuations. Valuations for property rates are currently conducted at a local government level and may be through an internal municipal valuation structure and/or contracted to the private sector. A municipal valuer, who must be registered with the statu-tory controlling body, the South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession (SACPVP), is appointed by a

municipality and is responsible for the compilation and cer-tification of a valuation roll.

10. Basis of valuation?The basis of valuation is the market value of a property sub-ject to specified areas that must be disregarded, such as im-moveable equipment, any unregistered lease, for agricultural property the value of any annual crops or growing timber that has not been harvested at the date of valuation. Property must be valued in accordance with generally recognised valu-ation practices, methods and standards and the provisions of the MPRA.

11. Frequency of general revaluations? A valuation roll is valid for a maximum of 4 years so the cycle of revaluations has mostly been 4 years, however a roll can be extended for a further 1 year by the MEC (Member of the Executive Council) for local government of the province under certain circumstances. If a municipality chooses it may revalue within the 4 year cycle.

12. Date of last general revaluation? The date of valuation and the effective date of valuation rolls vary by municipality mainly due to the initial phase-in of the legislation (MPRA) when it was promulgated in 2005. In terms of the MPRA the first rolls at market value were implemented in July 2007 and were compiled over a three year period up to July 2009. SA is now well into the next revaluation cycle no. 2 and only rolls that have been extended by the MEC for a further year are being prepared for imple-mentation in July 2014.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? The date of valuation is set by the municipality and these may differ depending on the revaluation cycle. In terms of legis-lation the valuation date may not be more than 12 months before the date of implementation. The current practice is for valuation dates to be set at 1 July and then implemented the following year from the start of the financial year, being 1 July. Further the delivery of the roll is governed by regula-tion which specifies that a certified valuation roll must be delivered and handed to the municipality by the 31 January preceding the date of implementation.

14. Main exemptions/reliefs? Some of the typical exemptions / relief are accounted for in the “rate” ratio set between residential and agricultural / pub-lic service infrastructure / public benefit organisation used property, and against a category of property based on actual use such as a worship church property used as a church. Set and council adopted reductions in the market value of a cat-egory of property is also an area of relief granted.Further rates relief may also be granted to an owner such as pensioners / senior citizens, land reform beneficiaries as defined by legislation, child headed households, Disability Grantees / Medically Boarded Persons, Indigent Owners,

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property affected by a disaster, owners of agricultural proper-ties who are bona fide farmers, etc. Part extract of the legisla-tion as worded below.The enabling MPRA legislation provides for the following, which can be added to, enhanced or clarified at a municipal level:“A municipality may in terms of criteria set out in its rates policy:(a) exempt a specific category of owners of properties, or the owners of a specific category of properties, from payment of a rate levied on their property; or(b) grant to a specific category of owners of properties, or to the owners of a specific category of properties, a rebate on or a reduction in the rates payable in respect of their properties.(2) When granting in terms of subsection (1) exemptions, rebates or reductions in respect of owners of categories of properties, a municipality may determine such categories in accordance with section 8 (2), and when granting exemp-tions, rebates or reductions in respect of categories of owners of properties, such categories may include-(a) indigent owners;(b) owners dependent on pensions or social grants for their livelihood;(c) owners temporarily without income;(d) owners of property situated within an area affected by-(i) a disaster within the meaning of the Disaster Manage-ment Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002); or(ii) any other serious adverse social or economic conditions;(e) owners of residential properties with a market value lower than an amount determined by the municipality; or(f ) owners of agricultural properties who are bona fide farmers.(3) The municipal manager must annually table in the coun-cil of the municipality a-(a) list of all exemptions, rebates and reductions granted by the municipality in terms of subsection (1) during the previ-ous financial year; and(b) statement reflecting the income for the municipality foregone during the previous financial year by way of-(i) such exemptions, rebates and reductions;(ii) exclusions referred to in section 17 (1) (a), (e), (g), (h) and (i); and(iii) the phasing- in discount granted in terms of section 21.(4) Projections regarding revenue to be forgone for a finan-cial year in relation to subsection (3)(b) must be reflected in the municipality’s annual budget for that year as-(a) income on the revenue side; and(b) expenditure on the expenditure side.17 Other impermissible ratesA municipality may not levy a rate-(a) on the first 30% of the market value of public service infrastructure;

(b) on any part of the sea-shore as defined in the Sea-shore Act, 1935 (Act 21 of 1935);(c) on any part of the territorial waters of the Republic as determined in terms of the Maritime Zones Act, 1994 (Act 15 of 1994);(d) on any islands of which the state is the owner, including the Prince Edward Islands referred to in the Prince Edward Islands Act, 1948 (Act 43 of 1948);(e) on those parts of a special nature reserve, national park or nature reserve within the meaning of the National Environ-mental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act 57 of 2003), or of a national botanical garden within the meaning of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004), which are not developed or used for commercial, business, agricultural or residential purposes; [Para. (e) substituted by s. 29 of Act 19 of 2008.](f ) on mineral rights within the meaning of paragraph (b) of the definition of ‘property’ in section 1;(g) on a property belonging to a land reform beneficiary or his or her heirs, provided that this exclusion lapses ten years from the date on which such beneficiary’s title was registered in the office of the Registrar of Deeds;(h) on the first R15 000 of the market value of a property as-signed in the valuation roll or supplementary valuation roll of a municipality to a category determined by the municipality-(i) for residential properties; or(ii) for properties used for multiple purposes, provided one or more components of the property are used for residential purposes; or(i) on a property registered in the name of and used primarily as a place of public worship by a religious community, includ-ing an official residence registered in the name of that commu-nity which is occupied by an office-bearer of that community who officiates at services at that place of worship.”

15. Initial appeal process? In SA, there is an initial objection process and then an appeal process. Once the roll is delivered a notice is required to be published in a specified manner, inviting every person who wishes to lodge an objection in respect to any matter in, or omitted from, the roll to do so within a prescribed manner and within a stated period, which must not be less than 30 days. An objection is lodged with the municipality and for-warded to the municipal valuer for processing.

An objection is then considered by the municipal valuer and a notification of the decision outcome is sent to the objec-tor. If the objector is not satisfied with the municipal valuer’s decision, the objector has a right of lodging an appeal to the municipality.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?An independent valuation appeal board is established by the province to hear and decide on appeals lodged and to review the decision of the municipal valuer in objections, where the

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value has been changed by more than 10% upwards or down-wards.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? N/A18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?There are planned legislative amendments to the municipal property rates ACT however these are not yet promulgated so may be premature to mention at this stage as they could change. Some challenges however are the updates to the valuation roll by supplementary roll batch updates which is regarded as cumbersome and not efficient. There have been some motivations to alter to a more routine process which can be undertaken daily and on the fly.Quality of the roll and data is also an issue that is often raised from the ratepayer and oversight /quality control of-ficers and which is compounded as there are no recognised South African Mass Valuation Standards. This is being re-viewed however by the valuer industry and participants and hopefully standards will be formulated from considering other international benchmark standards and modified for the SA context.

United KingdomEngland1. Title of Property Tax System? There are two property tax systems in England:

a) Business Rates (or National Non-Domestic Rates – NNDR system). This tax applies to all 1.8 million non-domestic properties.

b) Council Tax. This tax applies to all 23 million domestic (i.e. residential) properties.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?a) Business Rates – real property, but also some

rights over property (e.g. advertising rights).b) Council Tax – real property.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? a) Business Rates – the occupier; but the tax is

paid by the owner if the property is empty.b) Council Tax – the resident; this is usually the

owner as most residential properties in the UK are owner-occupied, but it would be the tenant in the case of rented properties. The owner pays the property element (75%) of this tax if the property is unoccupied.

4. Unit of assessment? a) Business Rates – the unit of occupation (called

a hereditament) is the normal unit of assess-ment. The valuation assessment is called “rate-able value” and is published in a “rating list”.

b) Council Tax - the unit of occupation (called a hereditament) is the normal unit of assessment.

The valuation band (see below) for each prop-erty is published in a “valuation list”.

5. Tax rate(s) set by? a) Business Rates – tax rate set by national (i.e.

central) government.b) Council Tax – there is no set tax rate for coun-

cil tax; the amount of tax is determined by which of 8 value “bands” the property falls into (see below). The amount of tax is set for each band by each separate local government.

6. Current tax rate? a) Business Rates - 45.8% (45.0% for small busi-

nesses) for 2012/13 fiscal year.b) Council Tax – as stated in Q5 above, there is no

set tax rate for council tax; the amount of tax is determined by which of 8 value “bands” the property falls into and the amount of tax set for each band by local government. Legislation controls the proportion of tax payable between the different bands. See table below:

Valuation Band Range of ValuesA Up to and including £40,000B £40,001 - £52,000C £52,001 - £68,000D £68,001 - £88,000E £88,001 - £120,000F £120.001 - £160,000G £160,001 - £320,000H More than £320,000

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? a) Business Rates – tax rate revised annually; any

increase limited to change in inflation (RPI).b) Council Tax – tax payable for all bands (based

on the tax for a Band D property) are revised annually.

8. Tax collected by? a) Business Rates – local government (apart from

rates on central list properties; these are col-lected by central government), but all tax is paid into the central “pool” for redistribution to local government.

b) Council Tax – local government.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? a) Business Rates – valuation assessments are pro-

vided by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA); the VOA is a central government agency.

b) Council Tax – property bandings are provided by the VOA.

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10. Basis of valuation?a) Business Rates – rateable value is an estimate

of the open market annual rental value of the property (based on a number of statutory valu-ation assumptions, e.g. that the property is va-cant and to let, is in reasonable condition, etc)

b) Council Tax – the value banding is based on the open market sale price of the property (based on a number of statutory assumptions, e.g. that the property is freehold, is in reason-able condition, the valuation reflects existing use, etc.)

11. Frequency of general revaluations? a) Business Rates – every 5 years.b) Council Tax – no general revaluation since the

council tax system was introduced in 1993.12. Date of last general revaluation?

a) Business Rates – 2010.b) Council Tax – no general revaluation since the

council tax system was introduced in 1993.13. Valuation date used for current assessment period?

a) Business Rates – April 2008b) Council Tax – April 1991

14. Main exemptions/reliefs? a) Business Rates – agricultural land and build-

ings are exempt along with fish farms, places of worship, public parks, highways, etc. There are also a number of reliefs available for different types of property including those occupied by charities, rural shops, etc; local authorities can grant discretionary relief in some cases. There is also “transitional relief ” available to phase in the impact of revaluations – this affects both increases and decreases in liability. There is a lower tax rate for small businesses.

b) Council Tax – there are quite a number of ex-empt dwellings including those undergoing major repair works to make them habitable, buildings unoccupied for 6 months, those oc-cupied by full time students, etc. The Council Tax bill assumes that there are two adults living in a dwelling. If only one adult lives there (as their main home), the bill is reduced by one quarter (25%).There is also council tax benefit available for peo-ple on low incomes.

15. Initial appeal process? a) Business Rates – taxpayers may apply to the

local government if they consider they are en-titled to an exemption or relief. Taxpayers may appeal to the VOA if they wish to challenge the valuation of a property or they consider there

has been a “material change of circumstances” that has reduced the value of the property.

b) Council Tax – taxpayers may appeal to the local government if they consider they are entitled to an exemption or relief. Taxpayers may appeal to the VOA if they wish to challenge the banding of a new property or they consider there has been a material reduction in the value of the property due to changes to the property or its locality.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?a) Business Rates – yes; the Valuation Tribunal

(further appeals lie to the Upper Tribunal of the Lands Chamber).

b) Council Tax – yes; the Valuation Tribunal (fur-ther appeal is only allowed on a point of law).

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? a) Business Rates - Local authorities in England

collected £20.8 billion in non-domestic rates by the end of March 2012 out of a total of £21.3 billion collectable (national average in-year collection rate for non-domestic rates in England = 97.8%).

b) Council Tax - Local authorities in England col-lected £22.1 billion in council taxes by the end of March 2012 out of a total of £22.7 billion collectable (national average in-year collection rate for council tax in England = 97.3%).

According to the latest Budget (March 2012), the to-tal tax revenue for the UK was £550billion. The esti-mates for the annual revenue of the two main property taxes in 2012 is approximately £50billion meaning that property taxes contribution nearly 10% of total tax revenue. To set local government expenditure and income in context, local government accounts for about 24% of the UK public sector’s expenditure as a whole.In England, local authorities’ total expenditure was £172bn in 2010-11. After deducting non-grant in-come, the overall cost to the central and local taxpayer of local authority services was around £146bn (£2,799 per head) in 2010-11. Based on published statistics, 55% of revenue expenditure was funded from govern-ment grant in 2010-11, 25% from local taxes (mainly council tax) and 20% from redistributed non-domestic rates. So property tax contributes approximately 45% of local government’s overall revenue.

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?a) Business Rates – there are significant changes

planned to allow local government to retain a larger proportion of the tax they collect. At pres-

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ent, all the tax collected is paid into a central pool operated by a central government department (the Department for Communities and Local Government) and redistributed to local govern-ments by means of a formula which is supposed to reflect local needs and resources. Next year this will change so local governments will retain 50% of the tax they collect with the remaining tax collected being redistributed through a com-plex system of “tariffs” and “top ups”, “claw back” and “levy”. However, this should not affect tax-payers directly as this change will not impact on the amount of tax they pay.

b) Council Tax – no significant changes. How-ever, council tax is a very unpopular property tax and attracts considerable adverse media coverage and is very sensitive politically. The political sensitivity is why planned revaluations have been cancelled.

Northern Ireland1. Property Tax System?There are two property tax systems in Northern Ireland

a) Domestic Rates. This applies to all 775,000 do-mestic properties

b) Non-Domestic Rates. This applies to all 73,000 non-domestic properties.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?a) Domestic Rates – real propertyb) Non-Domestic Rates – real property, but also some rights over property (e.g. advertising rights.3. Person tax legally imposed on?a) Domestic Rates – the resident; this is usually the owner as most residential properties in Northern Ireland are owner-occupied, but it would be the tenant in the case of rented prop-erties. The owner pays 100% of the tax if the property is vacant.b) Non-Domestic Rates – the occupier, but the tax is paid by the owner if the property is vacant (at 50% of the occupied tax liability). 4. Unit of Assessment?a) Domestic Rates – the unit of occupation (called a her-editament) is the normal unit of assessment. The valuation for each property is called the “capital value” and is published in a “valuation list”b) Non-Domestic Rates –the unit of occupation (called a hereditament) is the normal unit of assessment. The valua-tion assessment is called “rateable value” and is published in a “valuation list”5. Tax rate(s) set by?a) Domestic Rates – the rate is set partly by central govern-ment (the regional rate) and partly by local district council in which the hereditament is located (the district rate).

b) Non-Domestic Rates - the rate is set partly by central government (the regional rate) and partly by local district council in which the hereditament is located (the district rate).6. Current tax rate?See Appendix A below which sets out the Regional Rate, District Rate and Total Rate for both domestic and non-domestic properties across each of the current 26 district councils in Northern Ireland 7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)?a) Domestic Rates – tax rate revised annually, by both central government and local council.b) Non-Domestic Rates – tax rate revised annually, by both central government and local council. 8. Tax collected by?a) Domestic Rates – Land and Property Services (LPS), Revenue and Benefits Directorate.b) Non-Domestic Rates - Land & Property Services (LPS), Revenue and Benefits Directorate.9. Assessor responsible for assessments?a) Domestic Rates – valuation assessments are provided by Land & Property Services (LPS), Mapping and Valuation Directorate.b) Non-Domestic Rates - valuation assessments are provided by Land & Property Services (LPS), Mapping and Valuation Directorate.10. Basis of Valuation?a) Domestic Rates – the capital value is based upon the amount which, subject to certain assumptions, the heredita-ment might reasonably be expected to realise if it had been sold on the open market by a willing seller at the relevant capital valuation date. b) Non-Domestic Rates – rateable value is an estimate of the open market annual rental value of the property (based on a number of statutory assumptions, e.g. that the property is vacant and to let, the tenant is responsible for repairs and insurance and the date of valuation is as set out in statute). 11. Frequency of general revaluations?There is no statutory provision governing the frequency of revaluations. The timing of a revaluation is a matter for the local Minister of Finance. As such the pattern of revaluations in Northern Ireland has been somewhat erratic12. Date of last general revaluation?a) Domestic Rates - – 2007.b) Non-Domestic Rates – 200313. Valuation date?a) Domestic Rates – 1st January 2005b) Non-Domestic Rates – 1st April 200114. Main exemptions/reliefs?a) Domestic Rates – agricultural dwellings (20% relief ), oc-cupancy by minister of religious (50% relief ), Disabled Per-

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son’s Allowance, relief for individuals on low incomes, hard-ship relief. b) Non-Domestic Rates – exemptions apply to agricultural land and buildings, places of worship, public parks, property occupied and used by charities. Reliefs are available for indus-trial premises, small businesses (with NAVs below £15,000), empty premises, sport and recreational facilities, residential homes. There is also transitional relief available to phase in the impact of revaluations. 15. Initial Appeal Process?a) Domestic Rates – the ratepayer may apply to LPS, at any time, if they believe their assessment to be incorrect or they believe they are entitled to a relief or exemption. In the first instance their application will be to the District Valuer re-sponsible for the area within which their property is located. If dissatisfied by the decision of the District Valuer they can appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation for Northern Ire-land.b) Non-Domestic Rates - the ratepayer may apply to LPS, at any time, if they believe their assessment to be incorrect or they believe they are entitled to a relief or exemption. In the first instance their application will be to the District Valuer responsible for the area within which their property is located. If dissatisfied by the decision of the District Val-uer they can appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation for Northern Ireland.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?a) Domestic Rates – If dissatisfied with a decision by the Commissioner of Valuation there is a right of appeal to the Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal (with further appeal on a point of law to the Lands Tribunal for Northern Ireland)b) Non-Domestic Rates – If dissatisfied with a decision by the Commissioner of Valuation there is a right of appeal to the Lands Tribunal for Northern Ireland (with further ap-peal on a point of law to the Court of Appeal17. Amount and percentage of property tax revenue at na-tional/subnational level as compared to all other tax rev-enue at national/subnational level? Total revenue collected (net of reliefs and exemptions) from both the domestic and non-domestic property tax for 2012 /13 was in excess of £1.1 billion. This represented approxi-mately 6% of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s total expen-diture 18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?Currently Northern has localized tax setting with each of its 26 District Councils determining annual tax rates for both domestic and non-domestic properties. With effect from 1st April 2015 the 26 district councils will be reconfigured down to 11 councils. Those 11 councils will retain the power to set annual property tax rates.

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Appendix ARates Poundages 2013

Non Domestic District Rate Poundage

Non Domestic Regional Rate Poundage

Non Domestic Rate Poundage

Domestic District Rate Poundage

Net Domestic Regional Rate Poundage

Domestic Rate Poundage

Antrim 0.276697 0.330200 0.606897 0.003690 0.003882 0.007572Ards 0.228792 0.330200 0.558992 0.002771 0.003882 0.006653Armagh City & District 0.305833 0.330200 0.636033 0.004121 0.003882 0.008003Ballymena 0.276543 0.330200 0.606743 0.003820 0.003882 0.007702Ballymoney 0.274685 0.330200 0.604885 0.003525 0.003882 0.007407Banbridge 0.278807 0.330200 0.609007 0.003706 0.003882 0.007588Belfast 0.270236 0.330200 0.600436 0.003094 0.003882 0.006976Carrickfergus 0.283757 0.330200 0.613957 0.003881 0.003882 0.007763Castlereagh 0.182834 0.330200 0.513034 0.002198 0.003882 0.006080Coleraine 0.243040 0.330200 0.573240 0.003206 0.003882 0.007088 Cookstown 0.225362 0.330200 0.555562 0.002853 0.003882 0.006735Craigavon 0.251627 0.330200 0.581827 0.003907 0.003882 0.007789Down 0.265400 0.330200 0.595600 0.003513 0.003882 0.007395Dungannon & South Tyrone 0.208151 0.330200 0.538351 0.002542 0.003882 0.006424

Fermanagh 0.184227 0.330200 0.514427 0.002543 0.003882 0.006425Larne 0.257522 0.330200 0.587722 0.003799 0.003882 0.007681Limavady 0.282389 0.330200 0.612589 0.004124 0.003882 0.008006Lisburn 0.201716 0.330200 0.531916 0.002643 0.003882 0.006525Derry 0.288663 0.330200 0.618863 0.004173 0.003882 0.008055Magherafelt 0.213413 0.330200 0.543613 0.002693 0.003882 0.006575Moyle 0.316209 0.330200 0.646409 0.003902 0.003882 0.007784Newry 0.241586 0.330200 0.571786 0.003303 0.003882 0.007185Newtownabbey 0.267355 0.330200 0.597555 0.003423 0.003882 0.007305North Down 0.213185 0.330200 0.543385 0.002880 0.003882 0.006762Omagh 0.234347 0.330200 0.564547 0.003809 0.003882 0.007691Strabane 0.252792 0.330200 0.582992 0.003715 0.003882 0.007597

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Scotland1. Title of Property Tax System? There are two property tax systems in Scotland:

a) Business Rates (or Non-Domestic rates). This tax applies to all 220,000 non-domestic properties.

b) Council Tax. This tax applies to all 2.5 million do-mestic (i.e. residential) properties.

2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?a) Business Rates – real property, but also some

rights over property.b) Council Tax – real property.

3. Person tax legally imposed on? a) Business Rates – the occupier; but the tax is

paid by the owner if the property is empty.b) Council Tax – the occupier. The owner pays

this tax if the property is unoccupied. Some discretionary relief can be given by the local authority.

4. Unit of assessment? a) Business Rates – the unit of occupation (called

lands and heritage) is the normal unit of as-sessment. The valuation assessment is called “rateable value” and is published in a “valuation roll”.

b) Council Tax – the unit of occupation (called a dwelling) is the normal unit of assessment. The valuation band (see below) for each property is published in a “Council Tax List”.

5. Tax rate(s) set by? a) Business Rates – tax rate set by Scottish gov-

ernment.b) Council Tax – there is no set tax rate for council

tax; the amount of tax is determined by which of 8 value “bands” the property falls into (see below). The amount of tax is set for each band by each separate local authority.

6. Current tax rate? a) Business Rates – Standard rate in the pound

is 46.2p – Property with a rateable value over £35,000 pay a supplement of 0.9p. In addition large retail properties with a rateable value on or over £300,000 which sells both alcohol and tobacco pay a health supplement of 13p. There is a Small Business Bonus Scheme which give varying rates of relief for small businesses. Other forms of relief and exemptions are also available some of which are referred to at 14(a)

b) Council Tax – as stated in Q5 above, there is no set tax rate for council tax; the amount of tax is determined by which of 8 value “bands” the property falls into and the amount of tax set for each band by local authority. Legislation

controls the proportion of tax payable between the different bands. See table below:

Valuation Band Range of ValuesA Up to and including £27,000B £27,001 - £35,000C £35,001 - £45,000D £45,001 - £56,000E £56,001 - £80,000F £80,001 - £106,000G £106,001 - £212,000H More than £212,000

7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? a) Business Rates – tax rate revised annually; any

increase generally limited to change in infla-tion (RPI).

b) Council Tax – tax payable for all bands (based on the tax for a Band D Property) are revised annually.

8. Tax collected by? a) Business Rates – local authority but 50% of the

tax is retained and 50% is paid into a central “pool” for redistribution back to local authori-ties.

b) Council Tax – local authority.

9. Assessor responsible for assessments? a) Business Rates – valuation assessments are

provided by each of 14 separately appointed local Assessors.

b) Council Tax – property bands are provided by each of 14 separately appointed local Assessors.

10. Basis of valuation?a) Business Rates – rateable value is an estimate

of the open market annual rental value of the property based on a number of statutory valua-tion assumptions, e.g. that the property is avail-able to let, is agreed between a willing landlord and tenant on an FRI basis.

b) Council Tax – the value banding is based on the open market sale price of the property based on a number of statutory assumptions, e.g. that the property is freehold, is in reasonable condition, the valuation reflects existing use, etc.

11. Frequency of general revaluations? a) Business Rates – every 5 years. But subject to

the occasional delay, e.g. 2015 - 2017b) Council Tax – no general revaluation since the

council tax system was introduced in 1993.12. Date of last general revaluation?

a) Business Rates – 2010.

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b) Council Tax – no general revaluation since the council tax system was introduced in 1993.

13. Valuation date used for current assessment period? a) Business Rates – April 2008b) Council Tax – April 1991

14. Main exemptions/reliefs? a) Business Rates – agricultural land and build-

ings are exempt along with fish farms, public parks, highways, etc. There are also a number of reliefs available for different types of prop-erty including those occupied by charities, rural shops, etc; local authorities can grant discre-tionary relief in some cases. There is a lower tax rate for small businesses.

b) Council Tax – exempt dwellings include huts, sheds, bothies, self-catering but those subjects are entered in the Valuation Roll. Relief is given for those undergoing major repair works to make them habitable, buildings unoccupied for up to 6 months, those occupied by full time students, etc.

The Council Tax bill assumes that there are two adults living in a dwelling. If only one adult lives there (as their main home), the bill is re-duced by one quarter (25%).

There is also council tax benefit available for people on low incomes.

15. Initial appeal process? a) Business Rates – taxpayers may apply to the lo-

cal authority if they consider they are entitled to an exemption or relief. Taxpayers may appeal to the Assessor if they wish to challenge the valuation of a property or they consider there has been a “material change of circumstances” that has reduced the value of the property. Strict time limits apply.

b) Council Tax – taxpayers may appeal to the lo-cal authority if they consider they are entitled to an exemption or relief. Taxpayers may make a proposal to the Assessor if they wish to chal-lenge the banding of a new property or they consider there has been a material reduction in the value of the property due to changes to the property or its locality. Strict time limits apply.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?a) Business Rates – yes; the local Valuation Ap-

peal Panel for the vast majority of appeals and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland for complex appeals (further appeals lie to the Lands Valu-ation Appeal Court).

b) Council Tax – yes; the local Valuation Appeal Panel (further appeal to the Court of Session is only allowed on a point of law).

17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? a) Business Rates - 3½% of all tax revenue paid

from/in to Scotland. Only business rates and council tax is devolved to the Scottish govern-ment. Just under 50% of devolved tax is col-lected from NDR.

b) Council Tax - 3½% of all tax revenue paid from/in to Scotland. Only business rates and council tax is devolved to the Scottish govern-ment. Just under 50% of devolved tax is col-lected from Council Tax

18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?a) Business Rates – there are significant changes

recently introduced to allow local government to retain a larger proportion of the tax they col-lect. Up until very recently, all the tax collected was paid into a central pool operated by the Scottish government and redistributed to local authorities by means of a formula which is in-tended to reflect local needs and resources. This has very recently been changed so that local au-thorities will retain 50% of the tax they collect with the remaining tax collected being redis-tributed through a complex system of “tariffs” and “top ups”, “claw back” and “levy”. However, this should not affect taxpayers directly as this change will not impact on the amount of tax they pay.

b) Council Tax – no significant changes. How-ever, council tax is an unpopular property tax and attracts considerable adverse media cover-age and is very sensitive politically.

Wales1. Title of Property Tax System? There are two property tax systems in Wales :National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR). This applies to just over 100,000 non-domestic properties.Council Tax. This applies to circa 1.38 million domestic (i.e. residential) properties.2. Type of property taxed along with brief description?NNDR – real property, but also some rights over property (e.g. advertising rights)Council Tax – real property3. Person tax legally imposed on? NNDR - the occupier; but the tax is paid by the owner of the property when it is empty.Council Tax – the resident; the majority of properties in Wales are owner occupied, but where a property is rented, then the tenant would be liable. When a property is empty the owner would be liable, but may get a discount. Discounts are decided by local government.

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4. Unit of assessment? NNDR – the unit of occupation (called a hereditament) is the normal unit of assessment. The valuation assessment is called the rateable value, and these are published in a rating list. The rateable value is an annual rental value taken at the level of value prevailing for the purposes of the current 2010 List as at the antecedent valuation date of 1 April 2008.Council Tax – the unit of occupation (called a hereditament) is the normal unit of assessment. The valuation band (see be-low) for each property is published in a valuation list. This band is based on the capital value of the hereditament as at 1 April 20035. Tax rate(s) set by? NNDR – a national non-domestic multiplier is set by the Welsh Assembly Government.Council Tax – Local government set a rate for a Band D property, and then legislation sets out what is paid for each council tax band based on this level.

Band A Under £44,000 Charged at 6/9ths of Band D

Band B £44,001 to £65,000 Charged at 7/9ths of Band D

Band C £65,001 to £91,000 Charged at 8/9ths of Band D

Band D £91,001 to £123,000Band E £123,001 to £162,000 Charged at 11/9ths of

Band DBand F £162,001 to £223,000 Charged at 13/9ths of

Band DBand G £223,001 to £324,000 Charged at 15/9ths of

Band DBand H £324,001 to £424,000 Charged at 18/9ths of

Band DBand I £424,001 and above Charged at 21/9ths of

Band D

6. Current tax rate? NNDR - This is set at the time of revaluation and then ad-justed each year to reflect inflation (based on the Retail Price Index) until the next revaluation. For the tax year 2013/14 the rate is 46.4p (i.e. for every pound of rateable value 46.4p is paid in tax). There is no separate multiplier for small busi-nesses in Wales.Council Tax – as stated in (5) above each local authority sets its own rate for a Band D property and then, the amounts payable for each of the other bands is in proportion to that, as set by legislation. 7. Frequency of adjustment of tax rate(s)? NNDR – annual revision linked to the rate of inflation Council Tax – annual revision

8. Tax collected by? NNDR – local government (apart from rates on central list properties – i.e. properties occupied by “designated persons” as defined in legislation that are used for operational pur-poses, e.g. statutory water providers – this is collected by cen-tral government). The amounts collected are placed in a central pool which is then redistributed to local government based on the number of people living in that specific area.Council Tax – local government9. Assessor responsible for assessments? NNDR – valuation assessments are provided by the Valu-ation Office Agency (VOA) an executive agency of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which is inde-pendent from the local government Billing Authorities that collect (and indirectly benefit from) the tax.Council Tax – property bandings are provided by the Valua-tion Office Agency (VOA) an executive agency of Her Maj-esty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), who are independent from the local government Billing Authorities that collect and benefit from the tax.10. Basis of valuation?NNDR – the rateable value is an estimate of the open mar-ket rental value of the property, based on a number of statu-tory valuation assumptions e.g. that the property is vacant and to let, and in reasonable condition, etc., as at a set date.Council Tax – as stated above the valuation band is based in the open market capital value of the property, based on a number of statutory valuation assumptions, e.g. the property is held freehold (except for flats which are assumed to be held on a 99 year ground lease), and is in reasonable condi-tion, etc. as at a set date. 11. Frequency of general revaluations? NNDR – since the Local Government Finance Act 1988 five yearly revaluations were set in legislation (i.e. 1990 and five yearly thereafter) – however, following the deferment of the revaluation in England (via the Government’s Growth and Infrastructure Bill) by two years (next revaluation now scheduled for 2017) the Welsh Government has also de-ferred its revaluation.Council Tax – not set in legislation, the original council tax valuation list came into force on 1 April 1993, and there has been one revaluation in Wales since that time.12. Date of last general revaluation? NNDR – 1 April 2010Council Tax – 1 April 200513. Valuation date used for current assessment period? NNDR – 1 April 2008Council Tax – 1 April 2003

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14. Main exemptions/reliefs? NNDR Exemptions – include agricultural land and associ-ated buildings, fish farms, places of religious worship, public parks, highways, certain properties used for people who are disabled. These properties would not appear in the rating list.NNDR Reliefs – include properties occupied by charities or non-profit making organisations, small business rate relief, a short period of relief for empty properties (first three or six months depending on the type of property). There is no transitional relief in Wales between each revaluation.Council Tax “exemptions – all hereditaments appear in the council tax valuation list, however a local authority can grant “exemptions” from payment for things such as:

• the property being unoccupied and it needs or is having major repairs or structural alterations (12 months max),

• a charity owns the property and nobody lives there (6 months max),

• there is no furniture in the property and nobody lives there (6 months max),

• the property is only occupied by people who are aged under 18 years,

• nobody is living in the property because the person who usually lives there is in custody,

• nobody is living in the property because the person who usually lives there is living in a residential care home, nursing home or hospital,

• nobody is living in the property and the person who paid the Council Tax has died and probate hasn’t been granted,

• nobody can live in the property by law, because of the condition of the property or it is being bought by the authorities (compulsory purchase),

• the property is part of another property and a depen-dent relative lives in it, for example, a ‘granny flat’,

• nobody is living in the property because the per-son who usually lives there is living with, and being cared for by, another person,

• nobody is living in the property because the person who usually lives there has moved out to care for another person.

Council Tax reliefs – the local government grant a single per-son allowances, where there is only one person living at the property who would normally be liable for council tax (25%), additionally people on low incomes can apply for council tax benefit, which is means tested.15. Initial appeal process? NNDR – taxpayers may apply to the local government if they consider themselves eligible for relief, and can make a proposal to the VOA if they consider their rateable value too high or that they should be exempt.

Proposals can be made at any time up to the date the next list is compiled, this is extended for proposals made against an alteration to the rating list which can be made at any time up to the date the next list is compiled or within 6 months of the alteration if this is later, and where a proposal is made as a result of a decision by a tribunal needs to be made no later than 6 months after the compilation of the next list. Grounds of making a proposal can be made because the tax-payer feels the rateable value (or other part of the entry in the rating list, such as effective date) is incorrect as appearing in the compiled list, or as a result of an alteration to the rat-ing list, or as a result of a material change of circumstances either to the property itself or to its locality (as defined by legislation). Only one proposal is allowed per circumstance per taxpayer i.e. a new occupier would have a right to make a proposal even if the previous occupier had also made a pro-posal on the same grounds.Council Tax – taxpayers may apply to the local government if they consider themselves eligible for “exemption” or relief, and can make a proposal to the VOA if they consider their band is too high There was a fixed period of time for appeals when the 2005 valuation list came into force, this expired on 30 September 2006, and since that date there are only lim-ited circumstances in which an appeal can be made:

Grounds for making an appeal Time limitations

1The property was allocated an incorrect band when the valuation list was compiled

Appeal must be made by 30 September 2006

2 Increase to size of property May appeal at any time

3

‘Material Reduction’ – part of the property has been demolished (unless the demolition is the first stage of building work)

May appeal at any time

4 A property comes into existence or ceases to exist

May appeal at any time

5

If there is an increase / decrease in the part of the property used for domestic purposes within a composite property. A composite property is a property with both business and domestic uses.

May appeal at any time

6

Addition of entry to the valuation list – if the property has been added to the valuation list.

May appeal at any time

7Deletion of entry from the valuation list - if the property is no longer liable for council tax.

May appeal at any time

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The council tax banding appears to be incorrect following a valuation tribunal decision.

May appeal within six months from date of decision.

9 The council tax band for a property has been altered.

May appeal within six months from date of alteration.

10 A person becomes a taxpayer for a property.

May appeal within six months of becoming the taxpayer.

16. Independent body to determine unresolved appeals?NNDR – yes; Valuation Tribunal for Wales (with further ap-peals to the Lands Chamber of the Upper Tribunal, and then only on a point of law to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court)Council Tax – yes; Valuation Tribunal for Wales (VTW) with further appeal to the High Court only on a point of law.17. Property tax revenue vs. other revenue? The Welsh Government receives its budget from the UK Government. The Welsh budget is set through UK Gov-ernment spending reviews, which set the budget for UK Government departments and devolved administrations. Adjustments to the Welsh budget are determined through the Barnett Formula and applied to the Welsh baseline bud-get. The Formula reflects changes that the UK Government makes and applies them to comparable budgets in Wales. The resources for Wales are provided to the Wales Office fol-lowing a vote by the UK Parliament. The Secretary of State for Wales retains funding for the Wales Office’s operations and the balance is transferred to Wales. Funding is allocated to the Welsh Government, Assembly Commission, the Wales Audit Office and the Public Services Ombudsman by the National Assembly for Wales.Within the funding voted to it by the UK Parliament, the Welsh Government has total discretion over where it spends its money. A Draft Budget for the following financial year is proposed by the Welsh Government each autumn. Assembly Committees and other interested parties then scrutinise and comment on the Government’s spending proposals, before they are finalised, and approved by the National Assembly for Wales. Budget plans may be changed through a Supple-mentary Budget motion approved by the National Assembly for Wales.While some of the money is spent directly by the Welsh Gov-ernment in accordance with Ministerial priorities, a significant proportion is allocated to the public bodies which it sponsors and funds, for example Local Government, the NHS in Wales and Welsh Government Sponsored Public Bodies.For 2012-13 the total Wales Delegated Budget was £15,050,186,000, of which £5,104,513,000 (33.92%) was al-located to local government and communities.

The contribution made to this budget from NNDR and Council Tax was as follows:NNDR – local government in Wales collected in respect of 2012-13 bills, £ 887,520,000 out of £ 917,737,000 collect-able (in 2012-13, billing authorities in Wales collected 96.7% of NNDR billed)Council Tax - local government in Wales collected in re-spect of 2012-13 bills, excluding council tax benefit, £1,130,000,000 out of £1,168,000,000million collectable (in 2012-13, billing authorities in Wales collected 96.7% of council tax billed)This is a total of £2,017,520,000, which represents 39.52% of the funding for local government and 13.41 % of the total Wales delegated budget (the rest of the budget is received from UK taxes such as income tax, corporation tax, etc. that are administered by HMRC for the whole of the UK.)18. Any significant recent changes and important issues?The Welsh Government believes that the funding arrange-ments for Wales are in need of reform, and have engaged in a series of discussions with the UK Government on the case for:

• reform of Welsh devolved funding, and; • access to borrowing powers to finance capital in-

vestment.NNDR - The Welsh Government commissioned a task and finish group, headed by Professor Brian Morgan to examine whether the Business Rates regime can be used as a lever for economic growth in Wales. The Business Rates Review, published in June 2012, found that there was a need to consider issues relating to the de-volution of business rates and the local retention of business rates as part of the whole funding system for Wales. In response to the Business Rates Review, the Minister announced:£20million funding - from January 2013 - for Business Rate incentives in all seven Enterprise Zones focussed on new start-ups or SMEs that are expanding and increasing their permanent workforce. The Welsh Government is matching the UK Government consequential with £10 million. £1.5 million annual funding - from January 2013 - for Renewable Energy Producers to support expansion of the sector and Wales’ renewable energy capacity; Jointly with the Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, a £200,000 fund to encourage the development of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Wales over the next three years; The Welsh Government is to press the UK Government to continue the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme and pro-pose innovative changes to the Empty Property Rates re-gime, based on the recommendations of the report; The Minister for Environment and Sustainable Develop-ment has written to the UK Government to propose im-

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proving relief available for businesses that invest in renew-able energy; The Welsh Government will work with local authorities in Wales and encourage them to use their powers of discretion-ary rate relief; Revamped Welsh Government websites will improve the ac-cessibility of information on key business rates issues.Council Tax – There are no significant changes envisaged for the Council Tax except in respect of the “exemptions” and reliefs.The UK Government is implementing a wide ranging and significant programme of reform of the welfare system. As part of this, the Council Tax Benefit system was brought to an end on 1 April 2013 and funding transferred to Wales so that a new arrangement could be put in place to provide support with council tax bills. The funding transfer included a cut of 10 per cent based on the UK Government’s estimate of expenditure 2013-14 budget.

On 19 December 2012, the Welsh Government passed regu-lations that would implement new arrangements to support those who will pay council tax in 2013-14. The Regulations (Council Tax Reduction Schemes and Prescribed Require-ments (Wales) Regulations 2012 and Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Default Scheme) (Wales) Regulations 2012) set out that the maximum level of support that eligible claimants could receive would be 90 per cent. This reflected the short-fall in the transfer of funding from the UK Government.However, the Welsh Government became increasingly con-cerned about the practical impact of the reduction in support for claimants. Against this background, the Welsh Government decided to increase the maximum level of support from 90 per cent to 100 per cent for 2013-14.

The Council On State Taxation (COST) is the premier state tax organization representing multi-jurisdictional taxpayers in the United States. COST is a nonprofit trade organization consisting of over 600 multi-state corporations. COST’s mission is to preserve and promote equitable and nondiscriminatory state and local taxation of multi-jurisdictional businesses.

122 C Street, NW, Suite 330Washington, DC 20001Phone: (202) 484-5222Fax: (202) 484-5229www.cost.org

The International Property Tax Institute (IPTI) is widely recognized as the world’s leading international organization specializing in property tax policy and practice. IPTI is a nonprofit organization with members around the world. IPTI’s mission is to provide impartial, objective expert advice in the area of property tax systems and promote the concept that these systems should be fair and equitable and meet the needs of all stakeholders; i.e., governments, taxpayers, practitioners and academics.

4950 Yonge Street, Suite 2308Toronto, Ontario, Canada M2N 6K1Phone: (416) 228-8874Fax: (416) 6445152www.ipti.org

© 2014 COST/IPTI

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