Property Assessors Offices - Virginia Laws and Regulations

Learn about the laws and regulations governing Virginia assessors

Virginia 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 Virginia generally requires licensed appraisers for all appraisals. Virginia 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 Virginia property assessor laws in a variety of locations. Virginia property assessment sources may be classified according to the types of laws they cover and include the three following categories:

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

Examine the laws that control Virginia land assessment

The state government of Virginia will have specific laws for property tax assessors. Private organizations also provide summaries and general information on property tax assessor laws in Virginia.

Study the procedures for accessing Virginia property records in a particular jurisdiction

Local governments have specific procedures for property assessments and also may offer a Virginia property tax search. A complete list of Virginia property tax records may also be available.
City of Portsmouth provides an overview of its procedures for conducting a property assessment. The Assessor's Office for Hanover County offers a summary of the property assessment process in that county.

Review laws on property assessors in Virginia from law firms

Virginia lawyers who specialize in property law frequently offer summaries on property assessments and property taxes in Virginia. They also may write articles on specific issues regarding property taxes in Virginia.

• The quality of Virginia 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.

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