INTERNET GLOSSARY TERMS:
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GENERAL TERMS

Addition – any structural improvement physically attached to the base dwelling.

Base Dwelling – the main living area of a house, having common story height and basement.

CAMA – Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal

Cost Approach – an accepted valuation approach, estimating replacement cost of a structure with similar utility less measured depreciation from all sources.

Current Tax Year – term representing the time frame encompassing the previous calendar year. Taxes are based upon the value as of January 1st of the previous year. The tax cycle includes 3 general periods: First Half billing/collection, Second Half billing/collection, and an interim period between tax years.

Location – the address of a property’s actual location.

Outbuilding – any structure on a given lot that is not physically attached to the base dwelling.

Parcel – a lot and all improvements on it.

Sketch – an outline drawing of a structure on a parcel, showing shape and dimensions. Typically, only the dwelling itself is actually ‘sketched’. Outbuildings are normally depicted only by a small black oval which is labeled numerically. The legend will indicate which structure this number represents. Additional information on a specific improvement can usually be found on the improvement screen.

Please note that some parcels may have a manufactured home on them. Depending upon the unique circumstances of each parcel, this structure may or may not be sketched; and may or may not be valued. Appraisal records are primarily kept for taxing purposes and manufactured homes can be taxed several different ways – “As Real Property”, “Like Real Property”, or “Under Depreciation”. Hence, their individual taxing method may affect the manner in which they are kept for appraisal purposes.

GENERAL INFO SCREEN - PROPERTY INFORMATION SECTION

Use Code – indicates how the property is used for taxing purposes. For example, use codes in the 100’s specify agricultural use and use codes in the 500’s specify residential use. The specific description is listed on the Summary screen to the right of the use code.

Neighborhood – a code that allows similar properties to be grouped together for appraisal purposes.

Acres – the number of acres contained within the parcel for the current tax year. Note that in any given calendar year, taxes are calculated, billed, and received for the previous calendar year. Splits, combinations, transfers, and annexations can affect the actual acreage on any parcel from year to year.

Finished Square Footage – includes the finished area for all floors of the main dwelling, including the attic and the basement. It also includes the area designated as a recroom.

2.5% Reduction – if Yes, indicates the taxpayer has applied for and is receiving a 2 ½ % reduction in their taxes. In order to qualify, the taxpayer must both own and occupy the residence.

Other Assessments – If Yes, indicates this parcel is subject to special assessments.

Mkt Land Value – the market value of the land for the current tax year.

CAUV Value – if this parcel is affected by CAUV reduction, the taxable value of the land used in tax calculation. For more information about CAUV, refer to the Frequently Asked Question section under On-Line Help, or contact the Auditor’s office.

Mkt Improvement Value – the market value of all improvements, including dwellings, on this parcel for the current tax year.

Total Value – the total market value of land and improvements for the current tax year.

Annual Taxes – the net taxes billed on this parcel for the current tax year. This amount does not take into consideration any payments. They are indicated on a separate line.

Recent Sale – displays information related to the last time the parcel was sold, split, combined, or annexed. Note only sales that have been entered into the county’s computer system will be able to be displayed. Older transactions may not have been saved electronically.

GENERAL INFO SCREEN - DWELLING INFORMATION SECTION

Basement Garage – if a basement garage is on the dwelling, and affects the value for taxing purposes, the associated area of the garage will be shown here.

Finished Square Footage – includes the area for all floors and the area of a finished attic. It does not include the area of a finished basement.

GENERAL INFO SCREEN - LAND TERMS

Value – reflects the market value of the individual land type on this parcel.

GENERAL INFO SCREEN - IMPROVEMENTS SECTION

Measurement – usually this refers to square footage. However, in the case of some improvements, this may not be true. For example, usually silos are not priced based upon square footage, but instead on height and diameter.

Addition vs. Improvement – Additions are considered a part of the dwelling and therefore do not have their values broken out. In order to determine the value of a dwelling, take the Mkt Improvement Value and subtract out the values of the improvements. The resulting number represents the value of the dwelling and its additions.

HISTORY SCREEN

The values are listed in the order they were entered with the year representing the tax year the value took effect for. The top line is the most current and the values represent market value. If there is more than one line listed for any particular tax year, the first line listed for the given year is the one taxes were based upon.

TAX SCREEN

Taxable Value – These values represent 35% of the market value and are the amounts that millages are applied against in order to calculate taxes. They represent the value for the current tax year.

Special Assessment Detail Lines – as the tax year progresses, the detail lines will change to reflect the charges due as of the beginning of the current period. Payments made in the current period will also be reflected. Note that if a delinquent charge was due at the time of First Half billing, and was paid in the First Half, and the tax year is now in Second Half collection, the delinquent charge will no longer be reflected in the detail area. If however, a portion or all of the delinquency is still due, that portion will be shown.

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