Guide to Property Assessors Offices - West Virginia

Property assessors' offices in West Virginia are an invaluable tool for investors
By Kelly Shetsky

West Virginia property assessments are handled by counties who bill and collect property taxes. Property owners pay their West Virginia property assessments to the sheriff in each of the 55 counties. The state constitution sets limits and each county and municipality imposes its own property tax rates.

There is a lot of information to aid your real estate investments at property appraiser offices in West Virginia, including records of property value, ownership changes for properties, property descriptions and up-to-date maps of property lines. Assessors also analyze the cost of building a new property, trends in property sales prices and the average expense for renting property. There are many ways that the information obtained through West Virginia property assessments is useful. Consider the following when dealing with assessors:

1. Research potential investment properties using information from property assessors' offices in West Virginia.

2. Compare WV assessor values with comparable properties to see if the assessment is fair.

3. Determine true market value.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know the ins and outs of how West Virginia property assessors operate Property assessors' offices in West Virginia assess property according to its use, location and value July 1st of each year. The WV assessor reappraises property every three years and adjustments are made as properties change value.

I recommend: Bankrate.com explains how property assessments are completed; just click on the "Property" tab for more information. State Tax Central links you to the West Virginia Department of Tax and Revenue.

Use online records and tools to obtain WV property assessments WV property assessments make it a whole lot easier to search through records because most post them in online databases. WV property records are public information and there are a number of free county databases, along with those you can subscribe to.

I recommend: Searchsystem.net allows you to get information from property assessors. It costs about $5 per month and is categorized by municipality. Skipease lists information about WV property assessments as well as links to property assessors' offices in West Virginia. LoopNet is a free WV property assessment search tool. Simply register by entering your contact information.

Determine your taxes based on similar WV property appraiser values If you're buying an investment property that's similar to several others in the same vicinity, it's safe to assume that the WV property appraiser will assess your property at an amount close to what the neighbors will pay. Unless there are vast discrepancies in the condition, age or size of the building or lot, your taxes will be comparable.

I recommend: Use Assessor Links USA to access property tax information by county. The Monongalia County Assessor's Office helps you estimate your property taxes. The Cabell County Assessor Geographic Information System and Hampshire County's website contain parcels and map information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

If you can't find online property tax records, the WV assessors office is available over the phone or in person. Contact them to set up an appointment.