EDITOR:
As I am looking at my real estate and personal property tax statements, I was also thinking about my experience with the real estate assessment process. I was over-assessed as having a finished basement with no proof from the assessors office, like a building permit, etc. I had to prove that I did not have a finished basement with a home search. The home search is against the Fourth Amendment and you can refuse but then you will be assessed at the highest rate.
The error was an over-assessment of $10,000. Less than five percent of taxpayers appeal and the appeal process is designed to intimidate rather than be fair.
Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer has hopefully stopped this routine process with legislation that puts the burden of proof on the assessor’s office rather than the taxpayer. This over-assessment strategy has taken place for many years, with many homeowners unaware that they have been over-assessed. An audit needs to be done to correct this and return the money to the taxpayers.
To request an audit of the Platte County Assessor’s office, please contact:
Toll-free: 800-347-8597
Email: moaudit@auditor.mo.gov
State Auditor’s Office
301 West High Street, Room 880
P.O. Box 869
Jefferson City, MO 65102
–Dr. Tim Altenburg DDS
Platte County