Preble County, Ohio, recently completed its 2023 property reappraisal, a process impacting property taxes payable in 2024. Over 24,500 parcels were reassessed, as mandated by Ohio law (ORC 5713.01(B)). This comprehensive reevaluation, overseen by County Auditor Lavon Wright, aims to ensure that property values accurately reflect current market conditions, promoting fair and equitable taxation across the county. This guide provides Preble County residents with essential information about the reappraisal, its implications, and the role of the County Auditor.
The Preble County Auditor’s Role: More Than Just Taxes
The Preble County Auditor, Lavon Wright, plays a vital role in ensuring the county’s financial stability and transparency. Her core responsibilities extend beyond property valuation and tax collection, encompassing crucial functions that maintain accountability and provide important services to residents. These key responsibilities include:
Fiscal Management: As the Chief Fiscal Officer, Lavon Wright oversees county finances, ensuring accurate financial reporting for all county agencies and elected officials.
Property Valuation: The Auditor’s office appraises and assesses all properties in Preble County, adhering to state guidelines for fair and uniform valuation. This includes the recent county-wide reappraisal, which involved the reassessment of over 24,500 parcels.
Tax Collection: Based on assessed property values and local tax rates, the Auditor calculates and oversees the collection of property taxes.
Additional Services: The Auditor’s office is responsible for managing dog licenses, overseeing the Board of Revision (which handles property valuation disputes), and administering the CAUV program, which offers tax relief to qualifying agricultural landowners.
Navigating the Reappraisal: What It Means for You
The 2023 reappraisal, a two-year process mandated by state law, establishes new property values effective for the 2023 tax year, payable in 2024. While the reappraisal itself doesn’t directly set tax rates, it forms the basis upon which property taxes are calculated. Your property’s new assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rates, will determine your tax bill in 2024. It’s important to note that property values may have shifted due to market fluctuations, potentially affecting individual tax burdens.
Understanding Property Tax Calculations
Property tax calculation is based on a simple formula: Assessed Value * Tax Rate = Property Tax. The assessed value is typically 35% of the property’s market value. Tax rates are set by local governing bodies (cities, townships, villages, and school districts) and vary across Preble County depending on local levies and funding needs. Preble County also provides a 2.5% supplemental rollback to homeowners occupying their property.
Appealing Your Assessment
If you disagree with your property’s new assessed value, you have options! Preble County offers a formal appeal process through the Board of Revision. This independent panel reviews valuation disputes and aims to ensure fair assessments. You can contact the Auditor’s office for information on how to file an appeal and necessary documentation. This might include a recent independent appraisal of your property, comparable sales data for similar properties in your area, and any other relevant information supporting your case.
CAUV: Tax Relief for Agricultural Land
The Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) program offers substantial tax savings to eligible agricultural landowners. Instead of being assessed based on market value, farmland enrolled in CAUV is assessed based on its agricultural productivity. This can significantly reduce property taxes, especially for land with high development potential. Contact the Auditor’s office for more details on CAUV eligibility and the application process.
Accessing Auditor Services and Information
The Preble County Auditor’s office strives to provide accessible and convenient services to residents. Here’s how you can connect:
Website:www.preblecountyauditor.org provides a wealth of information, including property searches, tax payment details, CAUV applications, and more.
In Person: Visit the office at 101 E Main St Ste 202, Eaton, OH 45320.
Phone: (937) 456-8148
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Additional County Resources
Preble County Treasurer: For questions about tax payments and related information, contact the Treasurer’s office at 937-456-8140 or visit their office located at the same address as the Auditor.
Looking Ahead: Ongoing Research and Future Impacts
While this guide provides a current overview, ongoing research suggests that property tax systems are constantly evolving. Experts are studying the impacts of reassessments on different property types and demographics, exploring methods to refine valuations, and addressing potential biases within existing systems. The way we understand property taxes and the Auditor’s role is likely to change as new data and research emerge. Staying informed about these developments will help you navigate future changes and ensure you’re receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information.
FAQ: Common Questions About Preble County Property Taxes
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Preble County property taxes:
Q: How often does Preble County conduct property reappraisals? A: Reappraisals are mandated by state law and occur every six years with a triennial update.
Q: What is the CAUV program? A: CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value) offers tax relief for qualifying farmland by assessing properties based on their agricultural value, not market value.
Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal through the Preble County Board of Revision. Contact the Auditor’s office for details on the process.
Q: Where can I find my property’s assessed value? A: You can find this information on the Preble County Auditor’s website or by contacting their office directly.
Q: When are dog licenses due? A: 2023 licenses go on sale December 1, 2022, and should be renewed by January 31, 2023. The cost is $14.00.
Q: What is the conveyance fee? A: The Preble County Commissioners have imposed a $2.00 per parcel conveyance fee for property transfers.
This comprehensive guide provides you with the knowledge to navigate the Preble County property tax system effectively. Remember to stay updated by checking the Auditor’s website and attending local community meetings to gain further insights.
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