Assessor's Notice
Real and Personal *Change of Value* notices mailed June 1st and 2nd
Many taxpayers in Whitman County have received notice of a change of value in assessments and have reached out to the Assessor’s office for more information.
The assessed value increase is due to the increase in the market. Washington State requires assessed values to be at 100% of market value. The Assessor’s office measures the appraisal level of an area and market type (land, commercial, home, etc.) by comparing the appraised value to the sales prices. We then use this calculation to give a market adjustment.
We are on an annual revaluation cycle which means all properties are reviewed and potentially adjusted each year. We also physically inspect each area every six years. The south half of Pullman, as well as other areas of the county, is our current physical inspection area. Development costs have increased in the last few years and sales, or the market, are high. Assessment is a direct result of market transactions that have taken place and, as mentioned earlier, is required to be 100% of market value.
The percentage of value change in assessment does not necessarily mean a like percentage of tax increase. An increase in assessed value means we shouldn’t have to collect as much per $1,000 of assessments to get the money the taxing districts need for their budget (the levies). Taxing districts are limited to a 1% increase on their regular levy requests. Excess levies are voter-approved.
Please reach out to our office with any additional questions or concerns you may have. It is beneficial to everyone if we can resolve any issues prior to the appeal process. The appeal window is 30 days from the date of the notice.
Wraylee Flodin, Assessor
P: 509-397-6220
E: assessors@whitmancounty.net
Now offering GIS for Whitman County! See link on the left hand side <-----
The primary responsibility of the county assessor is to determine the value of all taxable real and personal property in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county to determine the tax liabilities of the taxpayers in the various taxing districts in an equitable manner. The county assessor is responsible for the calculation of property tax levies necessary to raise revenues for government services and administers a variety of tax exemptions, including the exemption and deferral programs for low-income senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Several record-keeping and administrative functions are necessary to appraise property, determine property valuations, and calculate tax levies by legal requirements. The county assessor generally maintains the tax assessor's parcel maps and legal descriptions of tax parcels as well as other records relating to property valuation.
Requirements for accurate and timely property value determinations and valuations consistent with applicable land development plans and regulations have made the county assessor's responsibilities increasingly complex (see RCW 36.70B.230, 84.40.030, and 84.41.030). A taxpayer who disagrees with the county assessor's value determinations has a right to appeal the decision to the county board of equalization, which is the county board of property tax appeals.