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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county appraiser visit my home?
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 approximate base wholesale price (...
How are recreational vehicles (RVs ) taxed?
To fall under the tax definition of an RV the vehicle must be:
• On a chassis and designed as living quarters for recreational, camping, vacation or travel use
• Not more than 8.5 feet by 45 feet
• An electrical system which operates above 12 volts...
How can I determine if the appraisal of my home is accurate?
The Appraiser's Office can provide you with a Property Record Card, which describes the information we have about your property, for instance square footage, room count, outbuildings, etc. Reviewing this information and alerting us to any inaccuracies allows us to ensure your valuation is...
How do I appeal a penalty?
The State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) has the authority to abate any penalty and order the refund of the penalty. In order to appeal a penalty. To appeal, obtain the form from the Appraiser’s office and return it to the County, who will then send it to the Board for their review. Either party...
How do I calculate the property taxes on my property?
This is how you can calculate an estimation of the property taxes on your property:
- Looking at your notice of value, find the "appraised value" of your property. Multiply the appraised value by the "assessment percentage" for your property to get your "assessed value."
- Then,...
How does the county appraiser determine market value?
When valuing your home, the appraiser determines the age, quality, location, condition, style and size of your property. The appraiser then uses one or more of the following three methods for your property valuation:
- Sales Comparison Approach: Sales of similar properties are compared...
How is personal property classified and assessed in Kansas?
Article 11, Section 1 of The Kansas Constitution provides that Personal property shall be classified into six subclasses and assessed uniformly by subclass at the following assessment percentages:
• Mobile Homes – 11.5%: Mobile homes used for residential purposes
•...
How is real property classified and assessed in Kansas?
Article 11, Section 1 of The Kansas Constitution provides that real property shall be classified into seven subclasses and assessed uniformly by subclass at the following assessment percentages:
- Residential – 11.5%: Real property used for residential purposes including...
How long will it take to receive an exemption decision from the Board?
The Board’s decision for an exemption application may take several months. We are not informed of the status of your application; you will need to contact the Board directly for this information.
I already have a sales tax exemption certificate. Doesn’t this mean I’m automatically eligible for a property tax exemption?
No. Eligibility for a property tax exemption follows a different set of requirements than sales tax exemptions.
I purchased a tax-exempt property, and it is going to continue to be used for tax-exempt purposes. Doesn’t the property stay tax exempt?
Once a property is sold, its previous tax exemption is no longer valid. A new application for exemption must be submitted to the Board. This applies even if a property is sold from one entity to another entity that is related to the first.
If I bought my house last year, shouldn't the value be the same as what I paid for it a year ago?
One sale by itself does not determine market value. A single sale may not represent the open market. The price you paid for your house is verified by the county appraiser and then considered along with sales of similar properties. The appraiser uses this information to appraise your property.
What can I do if I do not believe the value of my property is correct?
There are three opportunities to appeal the value of your property:
- The Notice of Value for your property is mailed approximately March 1st of each year. Fill out the form on the back within 30 days of the mail date.
- If you miss this appeal period, you may fill out a...
What does the county appraiser do?
By law, the county appraiser is responsible for listing and valuing property in a uniform and equal manner. The appraiser determines the appropriate value of a property.
What if I already paid the property taxes for a year when there should have been an exemption on the property?
If the Board determines that an exemption should be retroactive to a previous date (for instance the property was purchased or began to be used for an exempt purpose, but the application was not filed until the current tax year), the Treasurer’s Office will process a refund for taxes already...
What if I don’t agree with the Board’s decision regarding the property’s exempt status?
You may file with the Board a Motion for Reconsideration with any additional information and the Board of Tax Appeals. Instructions are included with the decision you receive from the Board.
What is personal property?
According to Kansas law, personal property is every tangible thing that is not part of real property.
What is property appraised at?
Residential, commercial, and other real property categories are appraised at "market value" as of the first day of January each year. Market value is the amount of money a well-informed buyer would pay and a well-informed seller would accept for property in an open and competitive market. Land...
What is real property?
According to Kansas law, real property is land and all buildings upon it unless excepted by law.
What is the mill levy and how is the mill levy set?
The mill levy is the tax rate that is applied to the assessed value. In general terms, the mill levy is determined by dividing the dollars needed for local services by the assessed property value in the service area. An additional amount is then added for public schools. After the local...
What kind of watercraft is exempt from taxes?
Any watercraft is exempt if one or more of the following apply:
• If the watercraft was exempt or could be exempt as commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (subclass 5) because it was acquired after June 30, 2006.
• The purchase price of the watercraft was...
What real property is taxable?
By law, all property in this state, real and personal, not expressly exempt therefrom, is subject to taxation.
When will I be notified of the value of my property?
Notices of value are sent to the owner, as recorded in the Register of Deeds office, by March 1 for real property.
Who must sign the rendition?
Every person, association, company or corporation required to list property must personally sign the rendition. If a rendition is completed by a tax preparer, they must also sign the rendition.