Assessing Info 2018 March 1

Wisconsin lawmakers won’t consider dark store legislation >

Barring a special session called by Gov. Scott Walker, legislation aimed at closing a “dark store” loophole in the state tax law won't happen this year. Read More

Bill to make property taxes a charitable deduction passes in New Jersey Senate >

New Jersey lawmakers advanced a measure Monday to cushion the effect of the federal tax overhaul’s cap on state and local tax deductions…The new federal tax law that caps state and local tax deductions at $10,000 sent officials in high-tax states like New Jersey scrambling to blunt the potential impact on taxpayers. A similar measure has been approved by California’s state senate and New York is weighing the proposal. Read More

Assessors are ready for property tax increase questions in Washington >

This year is shaping up to be more difficult than recent years for the “bearer of bad news” job of county assessor. That’s because residents across the state are getting hit with an unusually large property tax increase, largely driven by a state property tax hike approved by the Legislature last year. County assessor offices far and wide say they are ready for questions as bills begin reaching property owners this week. Read More

IAAO NEWS

+ Int'l Research Symposium early rate ends March 2 >

Friday, March 2, is the last day to get the early bird rate for the 2018 International Research Symposium. Join IAAO, Thomson Reuters, Tyler Technologies and Esri in Prague for this unique opportunity to connect globally April 5-6 and hear case studies on how technology is changing property tax systems worldwide. Plan to also attend the forum on April 4 to see possibilities for big data and open data to improve valuations. Register now for the best price. Read More

+ Apply for TAF Board of Trustees by March 5 >

The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) is looking for candidates to serve on their Board of Trustees. IAAO is a founding sponsor of TAF and members are encouraged to get involved with TAF and serve the mass appraisal profession. If you are interested, apply for At-Large seats on TAF's Board by March 5. Read More

+ Take the GIS survey, get a free book from Esri >

In response to industry-wide interest in Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, IAAO is conducting a 20-question online survey asking about uses of GIS tools within valuation offices. The goal of the survey is to identify trends in order to provide you with better information and services. Compiled results will be shared with all IAAO members. Those who complete the survey will be given a link to a free book from Esri, our industry partner in this project. Take the Survey

+ Academic Partnership Program funds are available >

University students and faculty are encouraged to apply for IAAO’s Academic Partnership Program grant. This program provides financial support for research in areas related to property appraisal, assessment administration and property tax policy. It also brings together practitioners and scholars to further the mission of IAAO and inspire the exchange and development of innovative ideas within the profession. The deadline to apply is March 30. Read More

+ Call for Papers is open for the 2018 Legal Seminar >

Submit abstracts to potentially speak at the IAAO 39th Annual Legal Seminar being held Dec. 13-14 in Chicago. Topics of interest to attorneys and assessment professionals include public policy, ethics, unique valuation problems, technology issues, and effective representation. Submit papers by March 31. Read More

+ Stay up-to-date with NRAAO >

The latest newsletter from the Northeastern Regional Association of Assessing Officers (NRAAO), an IAAO Affiliate, is now available online. This issue focuses on their upcoming Annual Conference. If you are in one of the 18 U.S. states or Canadian provinces covered by NRAAO, check out the newsletter and get involved in this regional organization. Read More

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

+ Marriott loses valuation appeal, set to pay more than $2 million to Missouri county >

A Kansas City International Airport hotel lost a tax appeal and will have to pay $2.3 million in taxes after a hearing in front of the Missouri State Tax Commission. On Tuesday, Jan. 16, the state office decided in favor of the Platte County Assessor’s Office regarding the Marriott Hotel property at KCI, ending an appeal that has been ongoing since 2016. The hotel operated by Grady Hotel Investments presented true value money of $0. Read More

+ Mideast church leaders shut Church of Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to protest property taxes >

The church leaders were protesting the Jerusalem municipality's intention to impose property taxes on church property, such as hotels and convention centers, not used for worship purposes. The proposal to levy taxes on some properties would run contrary to the unofficial historical tax-exempt status the churches have enjoyed for centuries. Read More

+ Analysis compares commercial property assessments to sales prices in Chicago >

Crain's analysis found the assessor valued every property well below what it sold for in the past five years. By the assessor's estimates, the average building was worth about 46 percent of its sale price, according to the analysis. Read More

+ Future doubtful for property tax proposals in Nebraska legislature, now a citizen petition is underway >

The future of three major tax proposals appeared doubtful Tuesday, following discussions by the Legislature’s Revenue Committee. The proposals include Gov. Pete Ricketts’ income and property tax plan, as well as two bills that seek to provide tax savings for property tax payers. Read More