Who is responsible for valuing properties for tax purposes?

The assessor is the official responsible for valuing properties for tax purposes. This role requires a thorough understanding of property valuation methods and local market conditions, as assessors must determine the fair market value of various real properties to ensure equitable property taxation. Assessors rely on data collection, analysis, and established guidelines to correctly assess property values.

While state-certified appraisers might conduct appraisals, their primary focus is often in private transactions and for specific purposes, such as loans or court cases, rather than for taxation purposes. Real estate agents primarily deal with buying and selling properties and are not involved in the assessment process. Property managers oversee the daily operations of rental properties and do not typically engage in property valuation for tax assessments. Hence, the role of the assessor is decisive in the valuation process directly related to property taxes.