Frequently Asked Questions

appraiser | 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 for motor vehicles and when taxable property becomes exempt or exempt property becomes taxable. Read Full Answer
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. Read Full Answer
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 taxes.  No interest or penalties will be assessed for the period in which the Board considers your application.  Read Full Answer
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. Read Full Answer
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.  Read Full Answer
How are motor vehicles appraised?
Motor vehicles are appraised in the following ways: Read Full Answer
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, as well as plumbing and heating Read Full Answer
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 appropriate. If a neighbor has a similar house which recently sold, the sale price may also indicate how accurate your value is. In addition, real estate professionals can provide information about market conditions in your area.  Read Full Answer
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 may request that they rehear or reconsider its decision if requested within 15 days from the date of the Board’s decision. Read Full Answer
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, multiply the "assessed value" by your "mill levy" and divide by 1,000 to estimate the amount of property taxes you may owe. Contact your county clerk to find out what your mill levy is. Read Full Answer
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: Read Full Answer
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: Read Full Answer
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: Read Full Answer
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. Read Full Answer
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.  Read Full Answer