Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director of Public Affairs
703-324-3187, TTY 711, Fax 703-324-2010
Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov
March 3, 2008
Fairfax County to Revisit Land/Building Allocations in Tax Assessments
Appeal Deadline Extended to April 18
Based on feedback from the public and elected officials, the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) has announced it will take a second look at the allocation of the assessed value between land and buildings for 2008 assessments.
Earlier this year, DTA made significant shifts in the allocation of those tax assessments. Although this did not affect the bottom-line assessment, more value was reflected on the land and less was reflected on the house. The total assessment is determined first; after the total is determined, the assessment is then subsequently allocated between land and building. Changing the allocation will not change the total assessment.
“The shift between the parts this year may have been too much, too quickly,” said DTA Director Kevin Greenlief. “Revised notices, as may be required, will be sent to property owners. Again, this is not expected to change the total assessment, but should in most cases address concerns about this year’s shift.”
This review is centered on improved single family (detached), residential property. Property owners do not need to file an appeal to challenge their land/building allocation. DTA will automatically conduct this review and will notify property owners directly of subsequent changes.
If residents believe their total property assessment is not in line with market data, they will still need to file an administrative appeal application with DTA. Given the changes in this year’s assessment notice, DTA is extending the appeal deadline by two weeks, to April 18. However, residents are encouraged to file administrative appeals as early as possible if the total assessed value is not in line with market value so staff can review and respond prior to the Board of Equalization application deadline of June 2.
For more information, call the DTA Real Estate Division at 703-222-8234, TTY 711, or e-mail the division.
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