05-04-2020 Council Work Session Packet

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Anoka County City of Lino Lakes 4 Informal Appeal • Property owners are encouraged to call the appraiser or assessor whenever they have questions or concerns about their market value, classification of the property, or the assessment process. • Almost all questions can be answered during this informal appeal process. • When taxpayers call questioning their market value, every effort is made to make an appointment to inspect properties that were not previously inspected. • If the data on the property is correct, the appraiser can show the property owner other sales in the market that support the estimated market value. • If errors are found during the inspection, or other factors indicate a value reduction is warranted, the appraiser can easily make the changes at this time. Local Board of Appeal and Equalization • The Local Board of Appeal and Equalization is typically made up of city council members or township board members. In certain cases, a special board is appointed and is typically consists of real estate professionals. • The Board meets during late April and early May. • Taxpayers can make their appeal in person or by letter. • If an interior inspection is denied no adjustment can be made to value per MN Statute. • The assessor is present to answer any questions and present evidence supporting their value. County Board of Appeal and Equalization • In order to appeal to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization, a property owner must first appeal to the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. • The County Board of Appeal and Equalization follows the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization in the assessment appeals process. • Again, if an interior inspection is denied no adjustment can be made to value per MN Statute. • Their role is to ensure equalization among individual assessment districts and classes of property. • Decisions of the County Board of Appeal and Equalization can be appealed to the Minnesota Tax Court. Minnesota Tax Court The Tax Court has statewide jurisdiction. Except for an appeal to the Supreme Court, the Tax Court shall be the sole, exclusive and final authority for the hearing and determination of all questions of law and fact arising under the tax laws of the state. There are two divisions of tax court: the small claims division and the regular division. The Small Claims Division of the Tax Court only hears appeals involving one of the following situations: • The assessor’s estimated market value of the property is <$300,000 • The entire parcel is classified as a residential homestead and the parcel contains no more than one dwelling unit. • The entire property is classified as an agricultural homestead. • Appeals involving the denial of a current year application for homestead classification of the property. The proceedings of the small claims division are less formal and property owners often represent themselves. There is no official record of the proceedings. Decisions made by the small claims division are final and cannot be appealed further. Small claims decisions do not set precedent.