Making the Most of Property Assessors Offices - Missouri

Save on taxes with Missouri county assessors
By Emmet McMahan Making the most of property assessors offices - Missouri will require the office to assess the market value of a property. This value is then multiplied by the tax rate to determine the actual tax that the owner must pay on the property each year. Property tax rates may be set by organizations such as cities, counties or school districts.

Property assessors offices use factors like location and size to make Missouri property assessments. This assessment is usually accurate and requires a property value appeal only on rare occasions. There are three things you need to do when evaluating the property value as determined by the assessor’s office:

1. Obtain the information the assessor uses to make the Missouri property valuation. You should already know the size and location of the property, but the assessor also will be able to provide the value of other properties in your area.
2. Get a professional appraisal so you may compare it to the property value by the Missouri assessor.
3. Appeal the assessor’s valuation of your property if needed. Missouri assessors have a specific procedure for accomplishing this.

Learn more about the laws regarding Missouri property tax records

Each state has laws that provide guidelines on the way that property values are be assessed. There may also be laws that specify what property tax information is publicly available.
Try:  The Missouri State Tax Commission provides a summary of property tax laws in Missouri. The Missouri State Assessors Association provides extensive information on Missouri property taxes.

Find out how professional appraisers determine a Missouri property value

Appraisers may use different methods to estimate the value of your property. You will want to ensure the professional appraiser considers the same factors as the property assessor.
Try:  Bader & Associates provides an overview of its appraisal process and answers specific questions on property appraisals. The MAC Appraisal Company serves mid-Missouri and offers a FAQ on property appraisals.

Learn how your county performs a Missouri property assessment

Many counties have online resources available to help you with your property tax assessment. You should be able to locate this information on your county's website, in addition to other information regarding property taxes.
Try:  The Boone County Tax Assessor offers a discussion on property assessments and reassessments in Boone County. The Buchanan County Assessors Office provides an overview of the property assessment process and the procedure for appealing an assessment.

• Check with your Missouri assessors to see if you qualify for any exemptions on your property assessment. Exemptions may be recognized for disabled veterans, senior citizens or non-profit organizations. File any appeals to your current tax assessment before the tax deadline. It will be more difficult to obtain a favorable ruling on an appeal after the deadline.