Benton County Property Taxes Lowered for Some

Benton County has lowered values on some residential real estate by more than $2.5 million dollars. That means about 38,000 people will see their tax bills lowered for 2009. Note that 2008 taxes, which must be paid in full by October 10, 2009 will not be affected.

The move was a result of a report by an independent appraiser that Benton County had hired due to the public outcry on reassessments. The adjustments were limited to residences in towns and cities, not business or commercial properties or rural residences, since the majority of devaluations were residential properties located in cities, according to the report.

The county is under no obligation to send notices of the adjustments to owners via U.S. Mail. To find out if your property is affected, you need to go online http://www.co.benton.ar.us/BentonCountyNews.aspx?id=22 and fill out a short form.

If you wish to appeal the assessment on your home, you need to contact the Benton County Assessor at 479-271-1000 between July 20 and August 17 to make an appointment with the board of equalization.

Washington County property owners take heart. The county assessor is seeking permission to begin a similar process. If she receives the go-ahead, it’s possible homeowners and landlords may see tax relief next year.

You can call the Washington County Assessor’s Office now at 479-444-1500 if you wish to appeal the appraised value on your property.

For more information:

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/07/08/news/070909bzequalization.txt