Historical March 1989 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Early April is the projected date for the City to mail out its 1989 general reassessment notices and for property owners to get a first look at their estimated 1989 real estate property taxes. Paul Berra, St. Louis City Assessor, said notices will be mailed to all 135,000 properties in the City. Reassessment is done every two years in Missouri.
It is done so that every property owner bears a fair share of the tax burden.
The notices will list the assessed value as of January 1, 1988 (last year’s), the appraised value as of January 1, 1989 (the new value), and the assessed value as of January 1, 1989 (19% of the appraised value for residential property and 32% for commercial).
The notice will also list what the 1988 taxes were and what the estimated 1989 taxes will be.
The 1989 taxes are an estimate only, and will not be set until September. Any voter approved levy increases between now and September could change the tax rate. Homeowners should look at the appraised value of their property, said Stan Miller, Manager of Real Property Appraisal.
This figure should be the fair market value of your home.
The assessor calculates it from sales of comparable homes and the specific condition of your home.
If you do not agree with the appraised value, you have the right to appeal the new valuation. But, Berra warns, if property owners don’t follow the process, they can lose their right to appeal.
The first step is to arrange an informal hearing with the assessor’s office. You must make an appointment for this hearing within 15 days of receipt of your assessment notice.
The phone number is 622-4185.
It is staffed between 8:00 AM and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Informal meetings must be completed by May 1.
The informal hearings will be held in Room 120, City Hall, with one of the City appraisers during normal business hours. Miller said property owners should bring specific information to the hearing that backs up their complaint. Helpful items include a recent fee appraisal or, if you purchased your home recently, the sales contract.
If you believe officials overlooked a major flaw in the property, such as poor interior condition, bring photos of the flaw. You should check to see if the city believes you have a finished attic, or basement, when you don’t.
The appraiser will have the value of three comparable properties that were used to set your value. You may investigate other sales prices by reviewing the certificates of value which are required to be filed on any property sold.
The certificates are filed by sale date and kept with the real estate records in Room 114 at City Hall.
The appraiser will not make an adjustment during the informal meeting, but will inspect and revalue the property and then contact the taxpayer by phone.
If you are satisfied with the new value, the appraiser will send a new assessment notice.
If you are not happy, the next step is to file an appeal with the Board of Equalization.
The appraiser will send you the forms.
If you do not have an informal hearing, you may still file an appeal with the St. Louis City Board of Equalization, but must request the forms in person or by mail. BOE appeals must be postmarked by midnight, May 8th.
A hearing will then be scheduled at which time you must present your documentation of your home’s value. Berra and Miller urge taxpayers with appraisal questions to set up an informal hearing.
These meetings will save time and money for you, the City and the State of Missouri.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, March 1989.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1989_03.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
