What is the Assessor? A frequent question.
What is an Assessor?
Over the past few weeks as I have started my campaigning for the Shasta County Assessors position, I have been asked the question: “What is an Assessor?” So, here is the answer:
What is an Assessor?
A County Assessor is the one all-county elected official that establishes the assessed value of all property in Shasta County by appraising that property under applicable State laws. This assessed value is then placed on a list with all other properties in Shasta County and this list is called the “Assessment Roll”. The Assessor also approves and applies all exemptions, which are added to the Assessment Roll.
What are the primary responsibilities of the Assessor?
1. To locate and inventory all taxable property in the County and identify ownership;
2. To establish a taxable value for all property subject to property taxation
3. To enroll the property to the Assessment Roll showing the assessed value;
4. To apply all legal exemptions.
5. In summary, the primary responsibility is to annually determine the proper taxable value for each property so that the owner is assured of paying the correct amount of property tax for the support of local government.
Why does the Assessor do this?
1. State law mandates that all property is subject to taxation unless otherwise exempted.
2. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property. Property tax bills will show land and improvements values on the land.
3. Improvements include all assessable buildings and structures on the land.
4. These property taxes then support necessary services provided to the residents of Shasta County, such as the Sheriff and Law Enforcement, fire protection, education, parks and recreation, and other vital services.
5. In general, properties that are owned and used by educational, charitable, religious or government organization may be exempt from certain property taxes.
How does Proposition 13 apply to the above?
1. Created in 1978, which substantially reduced property tax rates.
2. The Proposition established that the maximum levy the government can apply cannot exceed 1% of a property’s assessed value. Increases in assessed value are limited to 2% annually.
3. A reappraisal can be caused by four events: a change in ownership; completed new construction; new construction partially completed, and a decline in value, as in market value decline, which is presently the case.
Can any of the above be changed?
“Yes, by a vote of the people to amend the state constitution.”
And, all of the registered voters in Shasta County, if they choose, can Vote for Ron Largent for County Assessor…it is your way to become involved for a “New Look in Government in Shasta County”.
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