Each year, local governments raise funds by collecting taxes on the real and
tangible property located in each government's jurisdiction. These taxes,
known as ad valorem or property taxes, are calculated by multiplying the millage
rate times the value of the taxable property owned by the taxpayer. Millage rates
are set by local taxing authorities. The value at which your property is assessed
is determined by the Property Appraiser, the elected official responsible for
assessing the value of all real property and tangible property in Orange County.
The Property Appraiser is required by law to assess property at just value as
of January 1st of the current year. The just value of property is generally defined
as market value or the value that a willing buyer, who is not obliged to buy,
would pay a willing seller, who is not obliged to sell.
If you believe that the
millage rates are excessive,
you may voice your concerns at
a public hearing scheduled for that purpose. If you believe that
the Property
Appraiser has assessed your property
at a value greater than just
value, you may schedule a meeting with the Property Appraiser's staff,
petition the assessment to the
Value Adjustment Board, and/or
institute legal action in Circuit
Court. The following information
is designed to provide a brief overview of
the procedures available for
appealing the assessed value of property.
The following documents
(Adobe
Acrobat Required) provide more
detailed information about Orange County's VAB program and answer
Frequently Asked Questions.
VAB Frequently Asked Questions
