Appraiser

County Appraiser

County Appraiser

Contact Us

Location: County Courthouse
Hours: Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm

The County Appraiser's Office is responsible for the appraisal of all real estate and personal property in Douglas County.

What Does the County Appraiser Do?

The County Appraiser:

  • Focuses on fairness and equity
  • Determines property values, not tax rates
  • Uses statistical tests to ensure a high level of accuracy
     

The County Appraiser:

  • Does not set tax rates
  • Does not collect taxes
  • Is not focused on tax dollars

Find information about a property, including valuation, maps, and taxes.

Go to Property Search

Read how real property is valued each year.

Go to Valuation Info

Learn how to appeal your real property value.

Go to Appeals

Find information on Personal Property valuation, forms, and appeals process.

Go to Personal Property

Read information about recent factors in property valuation.

Go to Newsletters

Apply for a property tax exemption.

Go to Exemptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are property taxes prorated between buyer and seller?
Property is not prorated on the tax roll when acquired and is not prorated off the tax roll when disposed of (K.S.A. 79-309). However, private contracts between buyers and sellers will often prorate the property tax. The only exceptions to this are… Read More
Can I send my Exemption Application directly to the Board?
No. You must submit the Exemption Application through the Appraiser’s Office for it to be processed correctly.
Do I need to pay my property taxes while I am awaiting the Board’s decision regarding exemption?
Your property tax obligations are put “on hold” as soon as the Appraiser’s Office receives your Exemption Application.  If the Board determines that the property does not qualify as tax exempt, you will immediately be responsible for any unpaid… Read More
Does the Board send a copy of their exemption decision?
A copy of the Board’s decision will be sent both to you and to the Appraiser’s Office so that we can adjust our records for the property accordingly.
Does the county appraiser visit my home?
State law requires the county appraiser to view and inspect all property in the county once every six years. Appraisal staff will also make visits to property when it sells, when a building permit is filed, and when parcel boundaries change. 
How are motor vehicles appraised?
Motor vehicles are appraised in the following ways:Motorcycles, automobiles and light trucks that are tagged to operate at 20,000 pounds or less on public roads are appraised for tax purposes using a formula set forth in laws. The motor vehicles… Read More
Brad Eldridge

Brad has 25 years of experience as a real estate appraiser, including 14 years overseeing commercial real estate values for Douglas County. He also writes and teaches classes for aspiring county appraisers who are seeking to meet their requirements and certifications.

Brad received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Baker University in 1998 and has completed more than 70 appraisal courses. He is a certified general appraiser for the State of Kansas, and he has a MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute.  Additionally, he holds the Certified Assessment Evaluator designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers, where he serves as a senior national instructor.

Brad's goals as County Appraiser include public engagement, integration of technology and effective leadership.

Douglas County Courthouse

1100 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
United States

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County Courthouse