Polk County property owners wanting to contest their property’s assessed value have until Monday, Sept. 13, to file a petition with the county’s Value Adjustment Board (VAB).
The Polk County Property Appraiser notified taxpayers of their property's assessed and market values in the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices that were mailed on Aug. 17. The notices are also available online at www.polkpa.org.
Taxpayers have three options to file VAB petitions:
All VAB petitions - whether submitted in person, online or by mail - must be received before 5 p.m. on Sept. 13 and must include a nonrefundable $15 filing fee.
The VAB, which consists of two county commissioners, one school board member and two citizen members, approves and hires special magistrates to settle any disputes between the property owner and Property Appraiser. It is an independent entity that is not affiliated with the Property Appraiser or Tax Collector.
“It’s important that property owners understand they have the option to contest their property values, exemption status or classification each year,” Clerk Butterfield said. “Property owners can rest assured that they have the opportunity to petition the independent VAB for an impartial outcome. I strongly encourage petitioners to take advantage of our online submission capability. The online service makes it easy and convenient to file a petition and get updates throughout the process.”
Property owners who want to contest their assessed value, exemption status or classification may want to contact the Property Appraiser’s office prior to filing a petition. Often times, the issue can be resolved without having to file a petition.
As Clerk to the VAB, the Clerk & Comptroller receives and processes petitions, schedules and coordinates hearings, records the hearings, and more. For more information, visit www.polkcountyclerk.net/196/Value-Adjustment-Board or contact the VAB at 863-534-6502.