The property tax is the primary source of revenue for local government, public schools and other taxing entities that serve and protect our communities. This method of allocating the tax burden is based on the value of taxable property. “Property tax” provides the most stable, predictable source of revenue for local government, since it is not as subject to the fluctuations of the economy as are sales and income taxes. It is the Assessor’s duty to assess the value of properties within the county uniformly and to the specifications of Idaho law so that all properties are taxed in a fair and equitable manner.
Current Services
Idaho law requires that all property within the County be assessed annually at market value for assessment purposes. In addition, an appraiser will physically inspect and re-appraise each property at least once every five years. The Assessor’s office analyzes trends in sale prices, construction costs, rent, and other pertinent data to arrive at the correct valuation. The Assessor’s valuations must be certified by the State Tax Commission and appraisers must follow a continuing education program to maintain certification.
The Assessor’s Office is also required to keep track of property ownership changes, to maintain maps of parcel boundaries, and to plat parcels as they are split from larger parcels.
The office must keep descriptions of building and property characteristic files current.
The Assessor’s office also keeps track of property tax exemptions and Property Tax Relief applications.
Another function under the direction of the Assessor is the Department of Motor Vehicles. This department reviews and processes titles, registrations, and issues license plates for automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, mobile homes, motorcycles, boats and other special use vehicles. The DMV will also issue Invasive Species stickers for non-licensed boats.
