County tax appraisers estimate property values for tax purposes. Certification requirements vary by location, but generally involve taking specified assessment courses and an exam. On-the-job training and a strong knowledge of real estate and tax codes are beneficial. Strong math, research, analysis, writing, communication, and computer skills are required. Continuing education is typically required to maintain the position.
County tax appraisers estimate property values for their counties for tax purposes. Evaluators are generally elected or appointed government officials. Certification requirements for becoming a county tax appraiser can vary by location; therefore, consult your local or regional government for more details. In the United States, boards of appraisers in individual states determine certification requirements for property tax appraisers, and some states leave this to city and local governments. Generally, achieving certification involves taking specified assessment courses, followed by an exam.
Many states also require tax assessors to have undergone a specific number of hours of on-the-job training before granting them certification. People who go to work as appraisers often start their careers in firms willing to provide this training. Larger county governments sometimes contract reappraisals of previously appraised properties to reappraisal companies. These companies work under the supervision of county appraisers’ offices. You can sometimes get the work experience you need for certification by working at a reassessment company.
Background that will help you become a county tax appraiser include a strong knowledge of real estate as well as laws and tax codes in your county. A four-year degree is not necessarily required, but having an educational background in finance, business, economics or a related field can be beneficial. Including courses in tax law, real estate law, business law, and related areas in a degree program will be helpful. Joining a professional organization for tax assessors can be helpful in gaining knowledge about the field and providing possible contacts. One such organization is the International Association of Assessing Officers.
Traits that will help you become a county tax appraiser include strong math and numbers skills. Evaluators do a lot of research and write a lot of reports, so strong research, analysis, and writing skills are required. Good communication skills for working with people, including the general public, are important. An attention to detail will help ensure you don’t miss a thing when preparing reviews and will help your work meet potential contributor challenges. It is helpful to have computer skills to conduct online searches for information and to use word processing, spreadsheet, and other programs in this role.
After becoming a county tax appraiser, continuing education is typically required to maintain the position. The number of hours of continuing education required varies from location to location. Some jurisdictions do not have this requirement.
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