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Your Guide for
Real and Personal Property
| Dear Property Owner,
I have prepared this document in
order to better inform Wood County residents on the
purpose and role of the Assessor’s
Office. Our mission is clear and concise: to place a fair
market value on real estate and personal property for both
residences and businesses. It is my hope that you will
come and visit us here at the Assessor’s Office.
If you have any questions please call the number on the Asessor's Main Page. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Steven A. Grimm, Assessor |
Real Property
Real property is defined as surface real estate, all buildings
permanently affixed, and most mineral interests. Deputy Assessors
are appointed by the Assessor and are granted the authority under
the Assessor to conduct appraisals (determination of value),
which are usually done by visual inspection. Real property must
be reappraised at least every
3 years. The deputies are responsible for both residential and commercial real
property. They use many factors to determine fair market value: comparable
sales, condition, desirability, and utility.
The West Virginia State Code directs all Assessors to value
property at market value (what the property will sell for on
the open market with a willing buyer and seller) and will allow
for only a 10% variation from the market value. The West Virginia
Department of Tax and Revenue audits all Assessors each year.
During the audit the state randomly selects parcels located throughout
each county and verifies if the property is being properly valued
at the Market Value.
After the property has been appraised with a fair
market value, then the assessed value is determined. The assessed
value is 60% of the appraised value (fair market value). For
example: if a house is appraised (valued) at $100,000, then the
assessed value would be $60,000. To determine your tax multiply
the assessed value by the levy rate. The assessed value and the levy rate
(tax rate) determine how much you pay in taxes.
Your Rights
If property owners disagree with the appraisal of their property
they should contact the Assessor’s Appraisal Office (424-1875).
If the property owner and the appraiser cannot come to agreement on value,
then the property owner has the right to ask for an appointment with the
County Commission. This process occurs in February and is conducted by
Board of Equalization and Review (County Commission). The board
will hear a case on behalf of the taxpayer and rule to either
agree with the Assessor’s
appraisal or lower the appraisal. Property owners should be well prepared
with documentation of comparable sales and photos that support their position.
Personal Property
Examples of tangible personal property are: cars, trucks, motorcycles,
boats, aircraft, machinery and equipment, utility trailers, furniture
and fixtures (when used for profit), farm machinery, and farm
animals, etc.
Mobile homes are considered personal property when the mobile
home owner does not own the land.
July 1 - October 1 is the Assessment period
set by the WV State Legislature. During the end of June the
Assessor’s Office mails individual and business
personal property forms with an instruction sheet and return envelope. If the
taxpayers do not receive this mailing they should call the Assessor’s
Office at 424-1875. The purpose of the assessment is to place value on personal
property so that the Sheriff’s Office can calculate the tax. It
is West Virginia State Law that taxpayers report personal property owned
on July 1.
Due to State Law, taxpayers must give their
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is the serial number
for your vehicle. It can be found in three areas: your vehicle
registration card, your certificate of insurance, and on the
driver’s
side dashboard of your vehicle. My staff and I stand ready to assist
you if you have any questions.
The Assessor
The primary role of the Assessor is to direct
and oversee the process of placing fair market value on Real
Property and Personal Property. The Assessor does not determine
the levy (tax rate) or collect any tax, with the exception of
the dog tax.
The levy rate (tax rate) in Wood County is determined by
the (1) Wood County Commission, the (2) Municipalities
(city governments), and the (3) Wood County Board of Education
(determined by the WV legislature). The Wood County Board
of Education may also create an excess levy. Your tax rate is the sum of
all individual levy rates.
Dog License
It is West Virginia State Law that dogs 6 months and older
must have a license.
The fee is set at $3.00 per dog outside city limits,
$6.00 per dog inside city limits, and $10.00 for a vicious dog
in addition to the regular tag. Annually starting July 1,
every dog in Wood County must be licensed. If the dog has
a current license, there is a 3 month grace period to allow
everyone enough time to purchase a license. Tags may be purchased
in the Assessor’s Office or
by filling out a dog license application and the tag will be mailed to the
owner after payment is received. Tags may also be purchased
at the Humane Society of Parkersburg. If the owner fails
or refuses to pay the tax, the maximum penalty is $100.00.
Classification of Property for Levy Purposes
For the purpose of levies, property shall be classified as
follows:
- Class I: All tangible personal property employed exclusively
in agriculture, including horticulture and grazing; All
products of agriculture (includ-
ing livestock) while owned by the producer.
- Class II: All property owned, used and occupied by the owner
exclusively for residential purposes; All farms, including
land used for horticulture and grazing, occupied and cultivated
by their owners or bona fide tenants.
- Class III: All real and personal property situated outside
of municipalities exclusive of Classes I and II. For example,
real property that is vacant or rented.
- Class IV: All real and personal property
situated inside of municipalities, exclusive of Classes I and
II. For example, real property that is vacant or rented.
Farm
Use Valuation
Land of 5 acres or more that is cultivated for agricultural
production or used for grazing purposes may qualify for
farm use valuation.
The farm use valuation gives the applicant a substantial
discount on the land itself. The home site and all other
buildings are excluded from the discount. The applicant
must show evidence that the farm produces a minimum of
$1,000 crop value. However, less than 5 acres may qualify
if sales are at least $500. This amount may be used for your own
consumption if you are able to show the potential for
resale. Farm use applications are mailed out during the
end of June and must be completed and returned to the
Assessor’s Office no later than September
1 of the calendar year. If you think you may qualify, then
I encourage you to call 424-1999.
Homestead Exemption
Persons who are 65 years of age or older, or permanently
and totally disabled, are entitled to an exemption from
property taxes on the first $20,000 of assessed value on
their owner occupied residence.
Persons requesting the Homestead exemption must
apply at the Assessor’s
Office between July 1 and December 1 if he/she will be 65
or older on July 1 of the following year. Applicants must occupy
their home for more than 6 consecutive months each year and
show proof of legal residency. If denied, he/she may appeal to
the County Commission within thirty (30) days.
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