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Property Assessors Offices - Missouri Laws and Regulations

Learn about the laws and regulations governing Missouri county assessors
By Emmet McMahan Missouri property assessors offices laws and regulations deal with the property taxes that derive from the estimated value of real property. Property assessors in the United States routinely assess property according to the fair market standard, although there are other standards, such as the distressed value and the foreclosure value. All federally regulated institutions must perform property appraisals with a licensed appraiser and Missouri generally requires licensed appraisers for all appraisals. Missouri property laws also specify the conditions under which a property owner may qualify for a homestead exemption or other property tax exemption.
 

You can find Missouri property assessment laws in a variety of locations. These sources may be classified according to the types of laws they cover and include the three following categories:

1. The Missouri state government. These sources provide laws and other information on Missouri assessors that apply to the entire state.
2. County and municipal governments in Missouri. Each jurisdiction has its own procedures for implementing laws on property assessments.
3. Law firms that practice property law. Law firms in Missouri frequently offer information for resolving disputes on property taxes.
   

Examine the laws that control Missouri home assessments

The state government of Missouri will have specific laws for property tax assessors. Private organizations also provide summaries and general information on property tax assessor laws in Missouri.
Try: Chapter 53 of the Missouri Revised Statutes published by the Missouri General Assembly describes the legal duties of county assessors in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides an overview of the property tax credits that Missouri law allows.

Study the procedures for accessing Missouri property assessments in a particular jurisdiction

Local governments have specific procedures for property assessments and also may offer a Missouri property tax search. A complete list of Missouri property tax records may also be available.
Try: The Boone County Assessor's Office offers an overview of the Homestead Preservation Act, which provides property tax relief for senior citizens in Missouri. The Camden County Assessor summarizes the duties of the assessor as required by Missouri law.

Review laws on Missouri property assessment from law firms

Missouri lawyers who specialize in property law frequently offer summaries on property assessments and property taxes in Missouri. They also may write articles on specific issues regarding property taxes in Missouri.
Try: The Law Office of Todd Miller provides a detailed description of property assessment law in Missouri. The Law Office of Cathy Steele has a summary of property assessment laws in Missouri.

• The quality of Missouri property assessment is controlled by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). It was developed in the 1980s in response to the savings and loan crisis that was occurring in the United States at that time. The Appraiser Foundation (TAF) is the current administrator of the USPAP.