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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-2004 Statement InsertDeschutes County 2003-2004 TAX YEAR We have implemented a new software pro- gram that will be more reliable and cost effec- tive in the years to come; however, we have had to make some adjustments regarding the format. Please note the following changes: (1) Located in the upper right hand corner of your statement, you will see the “Account No.” . This six-digit code was previously referred to as “Serial No.”. (2) Bond tax amounts for the Bend/La Pine Schools and Sisters Schools are now shown as one total on your statements. Also, the Department of Forestry Fire Pa- trol assessments have been combined into one total. A complete detailed listing of tax rate infor- mation for all tax districts within Deschutes County can be obtained at the Assessor’s Of- fice, or you can visit our website at: www.deschutes.org/assessor (click on Tax & Assessment Summary) Veterans who are 40% or more disabled and surviving spouses of honorably discharged veterans who have not remarried, may be entitled to a reduction in their property taxes. Please contact the Assessor’s Office for more information at 541-388-6508. ADDRESS CORRECTIONS If your correct mailing address is different than the address used on your tax statement, please note the change on the return address portion of your payment (blue) envelope, or notify the tax office in writing. The City of Redmond reduced its levy by $0.10. The 2002-03 levy of $6.1643 per thousand of assessed value has been reduced to $6.0643 for the 2003-04 tax year. Sunriver Service District levied a tax rate of $2.89, of their $3.45 permanent rate (down from last year’s $2.98 levy). The new voter approved 911 local option at $0.09 per thousand of assessed value will appear on all County statements. Certain properties, including the Mt. High subdivision and a sec- tion of the Cooley Road area, were annexed into the Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District. Property owners affected by the annexation will see the district’s tax on their statement this year. The La Pine RFPD local option rate of $0.6400, and the Black Butte RFPD local option of $170,000, have been renewed by vot- ers and continue to be levied on properties within those districts. The La Pine RFPD Bond was retired. If your property is located in the Lazy River or Howell Hilltop Special Road District, you will notice a $3.2147 and $1.3225 de- crease in those respective district tax rates. The Crook Deschutes ESD has changed its name to High De- sert ESD. VETERANS ‘ EXEMPTIONS TAX AND ASSESSMENT INFORMATION November 17 Due Date! Full payments made by November 17 will receive a 3% discount; two-thirds payments will receive a 2% discount. A minimum one- third payment must be made by November 17 to avoid interest charges. According to State law, the interest rate on delinquent taxes is 1.33% per month, accruing on the 16th of each month. For those making less than full payments, the second payment will be due February 17, 2004 and the final payment will be due May 17, 2004. Please refer to your statement for payment options. The tax offi- fice will mail reminder notices to taxpayers owing taxes on these dates. We DO NOT Accept Debit or Credit Cards. Please note that, for a variety of legal reasons, the State of Oregon does not permit us to accept debit or credit cards in payment of property taxes. Changes in Tax Rates for Tax Year 2003-04 NEW TAX STATEMENT FORMAT We hope this flyer will help you better understand the information included in your tax statement. We would appreciate any suggestions you may have for improving our communications regarding property tax issues, terminology and the property tax assessment and collection process. In Oregon, property taxes are collected by the County and distributed to each taxing district (schools, cities, county agencies, fire districts, road districts, etc.). The amount of property tax that you pay is based on two things: 1) the assessed value of your property and 2) the tax rates and bond debt services amount your taxing districts levy. Generally, the increase in your assessed value is limited by Measure 50 to 3% unless there have been changes made to your property such as new construction or a partition. The Assessor compares the Real Market Value (how much your property is worth, as determined by the Assessor, as of January 1 each year) to the Maximum Assessed Value (the 1995 value reduced by ten percent, plus changes that were made to your property, increased by 3% each year after 1997). The lower of these two values is your Assessed Value. Taxes may increase by more than 3% due to voter-approved ballot measures. In addition, taxes may also increase or decrease due to other changes, such as the amount a district needs to pay for voter-approved bonded debt, or property annexations. For valuation questions, exemption and deferral information, please contact the Assessor’s Office: 541-388-6508 For tax payment and collection issues, please contact the Tax Office: 541-388-6540 If you will be 62 or older by April 15, 2004, you may be eligible to participate in the State of Oregon Senior Deferral Program for the Tax year 2004-2005 (next year). There is an income limitation to qualify and applications must be delivered to the Assessor’s Office by April 15, 2004. If you are receiving Federal Social Security disability and are under age 62, you may qualify for the Disabled Citizen deferral program. There is an income limitation to qualify and applications must be delivered to the Assessor’s Office by April 15, 2004, for the 2004-05 tax year (next year). Under these programs the State of Oregon pays the taxes for you and charges simple interest, at 6%. These amounts are deferred and payable upon any change in property ownership. Appealing Your Value Senior and Disabled Citizen Programs HOW TAXES ARE CALCULATED You may appeal your value for the 2003-04 tax year with the Board of Property Tax Appeals. Your petition must be postmarked or delivered to the County Clerk located at 1340 NW Wall Street, by December 31, 2003. YOUR PROPERTY TAX STATEMENT The property tax statement enclosed is your value notice and property tax bill. It shows taxes imposed for the current tax year, July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. In addition, the bill may include other taxes, fees, charges or assessments depending on the districts providing services to your property. Three Ways of Paying Your Taxes 1. Tax payments must be delivered or postmarked on or before November 17, 2003. The U.S. Postal Service post- mark is the date the payment will be considered received, as mandated by State statute. Some postal facilities forward their mail to a larger Postal Center for postmarking. This may delay the actual date your payment is postmarked and jeopardize a significant discount on your taxes. Please take appropriate steps to insure your payment is postmarked on or before November 17, 2003. 2. If you live within Deschutes County, your tax bill will be accompanied by an insert that lists banks within Deschutes County where you may pay your taxes through November 17, 2003. 3. You may also pay your taxes at the Deschutes County Tax Office, 1340 NW Wall Street in Bend. Our office is at the north end of the Deschutes Services Building. There is an after-hours drop box located next to the entrance of the Tax Office. Internet Access!! Your property and tax information can be obtained at: www.deschutes.org Select Property Records, then select DIAL.