Pay attention! This is crucial and can affect your property taxes for years to come! There is no question that property values are down from 30 to 50 percent in Central Oregon depending on whether you own undeveloped land, a residence or commercial property. It is time, if you are eligible, to reset that marker of property value because from then on you can only have an increase in your assessment of 3% per year. This year and next are crucial in perhaps decreasing your tax bill.
Property tax bills have just arrived in your mailbox for your Central Oregon property. READ THEM! And I would suggest even taking the time to go to the assessor's office to have them explain it to you. First look at the RMV, or Real Market Value. Then look at the AV, the Assessed Value. If the RMV is less than the AV as of Jan 1 of 2010 (these calculations are lagging by almost a year), you may have an appeal.
Properties that may particularly be eligible are newer construction, property valued at $500,000 or more, large sites and vacant buildings and unique properties that are a challenge to appraise.
Check for errors! Do your homework! And the appeal MUST, MUST, MUST be filed before January 1, 2011.
Feel free to contact me to get a copy of the form for appeals or get that from the assessor's office. And good luck!