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Why
do the previous owners' names appear on my tax
ticket even though my deed has been recorded?
The
Code of Virginia states that the Commissioner
of Revenue will determine the owner of record
as of January 1 of each taxable year.
If a deed is recorded after January 1,
the owner of record will not change until the
following tax year.
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Are
mobile homes considered real estate or personal
property?
Mobile
homes are determined to be real estate or personal
property on a case by case basis.
For more information, please call the
Commissioner of the Revenue's office.
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Do I have to pay taxes after I reach the
age of 65?
Currently,
Wise County has a tax relief program (See information on Real
Estate Tax Exemptions) that will deduct up to one hundred ($150)
from your real estate taxes if you are over
the age of 65 or totally and permanently disabled
and meet the income guidelines.
Currently, there is no tax relief program available for personal
property, except the TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED
VETERANS.
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Will
taxes that are exempted through the elderly/disabled
program have to be paid back?
No.
This is a tax relief program for elderly and disabled citizens.
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How often do we have to have a real estate reassessment?
Reassessments
are determined by the population of the locality. Generally, for Wise County, reassessments have been performed
every 6 years.
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Why
did the value of my real estate property increase
during the reassessment when there were no improvements
in the past 6 years?
Based
on sales studies, most real estate property
values increase with the 6 year period.
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How can a higher assessment be placed on
property that sold for less?
Assessments
are based upon a sales study conducted during
the most recent reassessment.
Even though the market may change, the
assessment remains the same until the next reassessment
if there are no changes in acreage, zoning or
new construction.
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Why
can't we use the appraisal of a private appraisal
company when requested by the taxpayer?
The
Attorney General's office opinioned that
values adopted by the Board of Assessors who
oversees the reassessment cannot be changed
until the next reassessment without changes
being made in the size of the property, new
construction, rezoning or demolition.
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How
are the assessments on each parcel determined?
Every
6 years, a general reassessment is conducted
in accordance with Section 58.1-3252 of the
Code of Virginia.
An appraisal firm is contracted to reappraise
every parcel at its fair market value, which
is based upon a sales study completed by the
appraisal company.
These assessments are effective for 6
years unless a change is made such as boundary
adjustments, division of property, changes in
zoning, court orders, new construction, and
demolition.
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Why
do we have to have reassessments?
Reassessments
are conducted to equalize the values of real
estate property throughout the county.
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Can I get a copy of the assessed value of
my property?
Yes.
Real estate values are public record.
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What
is the process for challenging an assessment
made during reassessment?
When
the reassessing of each parcel has been completed,
the Board of Assessors holds hearings.
At the completion of their hearings,
a Board of Equalization is established to review
any complaints.
Once the Board of Equalization has completed
it's duties, the only option is to petition
the Circuit Court in accordance with Section
58.1-3984 of the
Code of Virginia.
The Wise County court system does not have any forms or written
guidelines for this process.
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How
can I get the tax map# and the tax ID # of my
real estate property?
This
information is available on our website at http://egov.mixnet.com/wise/search.asp
or on the land books located in the Commissioner's
office as well as the
Circuit Court Clerk's office.
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How long do we have to appeal a tax assessment?
There
is a three year statute of limitations on making
a tax adjustment.
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