This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, May 24, 2013: St. Louis County residential property owners who have seen an increase in their 2013 property values should expect to receive notices in the mail within the week, says county Assessor Jake Zimmerman.
Nothing will be sent to owners of property that has seen no change, or a decline in value, the assessor’s office said in a statement issued Friday.
Notices will be sent out in June to owners of commercial properties that have experienced a property value increase.
All property owners can look up the value of their property online at the county’s real estate information web page: revenue.stlouisco.com/ias/.
Unless successfully challenged by the property owner, the property values set by the assessor’s office will remain in place for two years.
Property owners who have seen an increase in their values also will receive in the mail a “Projected Tax Liability Notice,” which will provide an estimate of their 2013 real property taxes.
All other property owners can obtain that information online in early or mid-June at the same web address: revenue.stlouisco.com/ias/.
The assessor’s office notes that “the 2013 tax rates listed in the Projected Tax Liability Notice are estimates and may be subject to change. Actual property tax bills will be mailed by the Collector of Revenue in early November 2013.”
“Residential property owners who disagree with the assessor’s preliminary estimate of the value of their property have the option to schedule an informal conference,” Zimmerman’s office said. “Informal conferences are a courtesy provided by the assessor, and are not mandated by law.”
Said Zimmerman in a statement: “Everyone deserves an opportunity to be heard. This gives us one more opportunity to speak individually with homeowners before the formal appeal process starts.”
Property owners contesting their property values should provide information, evidence or documentation. “Conferences will be scheduled by appointment only and can be requested by calling 314-615-4595 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,” the assessor’s office said.
The conferences will be held the following locations:
June 3 – June 7 in north St. Louis at 11130 Old St. Charles Road (in the Northwest Square Shopping Center immediately South of Northwest Plaza), Saint Ann.
June 10 – June 14 in south St. Louis County at 9059 Watson Road in Crestwood.
According to the assessor’s office, “property owners whose property was damaged during a natural disaster, such as tornado or flood,” should call 314-615-4230 and discuss the damage with an appraiser.
Residential property owners also can discuss their appeal free of charge with a property owner advocate. Advocates can be contacted by:
A) Sending an email to advocate@stlouisco.com;
B) Calling the advocate hotline at 314-615-4611;
C) Requesting a referral from appraisal staff.
