What is the function of the Assessor?

The Assessor and his/her deputies are directed by West Virginia Constitution, Article X, Section I, to determine the value of all real and personal property at fair market value for each tax year. The specific duties of the Assessor are to discover, list and value all Real and Personal property located within the boundaries of the county on an annual basis. All valuations must occur on a fiscal year basis commencing on the first day of July.

The Assessor does not set your property tax. Your tax bill is determined by multiplying a tax rate (levy rate) by your assessed value (60% of market value). The assessor determines your assessed value. The legislature, board of education, the county commission, and the municipalities determine the levy rates. Levy rate information may be obtained in the Assessor’s office.

The Assessor’s office provides certified values to each levying body. Once this is completed, the levying bodies (county school board, county commission, etc.) approve their levy rates.  Levy rates may rise or fall depending on the amount of funding that each levying body requires.

What is Fair Market Value?

Fair Market Value is the price of property that would be agreed upon between a willing and informed buyer and informed seller under usual and ordinary circumstances. It is the highest price a property would bring if it were exposed for sale on the open market for a reasonable period of time.

What is property Assessed?

All properties are assessed as of July 1st of each year.

How are taxes determined?

Market Value X 60% (.60) = Assessed Value Assessed Value X Levy Rate = Taxes

What is Real Property and how is it assessed?

Real Property is land and structures affixed to the land. Real property is assessed annually at 60% of its market value as determined by WV State Code.

What are the different tax classes?

Class II – All property owned, used and occupied by the owner exclusively for residential purposes; All farms, including land used for horticulture and grazing, occupied and cultivated by their owners or bona fide tenants

How and where do I pay my taxes?

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Tax Office is located at 214 W. Main Street, Room 110 in the Courthouse Annex. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please direct all phone inquiries to 304-265-5766 and send faxes to 304-265-6074. The mailing address is: Taylor County Sheriff, P.O. Box 189, Grafton, WV 26354.

Property taxes are issued once a year on July 15th. Current year taxes cannot be paid prior to July 15th. Taxes may be paid for the full year or in halves. If the full year or first half is paid on or before Sept. 1, a 2 ½ % discount is given. If the 2nd half is paid on or before Mar.1, a 2 ½ % discount is given. First half taxes begin accruing interest at the rate of 9% per annum if not paid on or before Oct. 1. The second half taxes begin accruing interest at the rate of 9% per annum if not paid on or before April 1.

Payments may be received in the forms of cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, or credit card. All credit card transactions are subject to a 2.95% transaction fee or a minimum of $2.00. Payments may be made in person, by mail or over the phone. All tax payments received through the mail must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope for return receipts. All phone transactions require a credit processing and previous mentioned fees apply.

What is Homestead Exemption?

§11-6B-3. An exemption from ad valorem property taxes shall be allowed for the first twenty thousand dollars of assessed value of a homestead that is used and occupied by the owner thereof exclusively for residential purposes, when such owner is sixty-five years of age or older or is certified as being permanently and totally disabled provided the owner has been or will be a resident of the state of West Virginia for the two consecutive calendar years preceding the tax year to which the homestead exemption relates: Provided, That an owner who receives a similar exemption for a homestead in another state is ineligible for the exemption provided by this section. The owner’s application for exemption shall be accompanied by a sworn affidavit stating that such owner is not receiving a similar exemption in another state: Provided, however, That when a resident of West Virginia establishes residency in another state or country and subsequently returns and reestablishes residency in West Virginia within a period of five years, such resident may be allowed a homestead exemption without satisfying the requirement of two years consecutive residency if such person was a resident of this state for two calendar years out of the ten calendar years immediately preceding the tax year for which the homestead exemption is sought. Proof of residency includes, but is not limited to, the owner’s voter’s registration card issued in this state or a motor vehicle registration card issued in this state. Additionally, when a person is a resident of this state at the time such person enters upon active duty in the military service of this country and throughout such service maintains this state as his or her state of residence, and upon retirement from the military service, or earlier separation due to a permanent and total physical or mental disability, such person returns to this state and purchases a homestead, such person is deemed to satisfy the residency test required by this section and shall be allowed a homestead exemption under this section if such person is otherwise eligible for a homestead exemption under this article; and the tax commissioner may specify, by regulation promulgated under chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, what constitutes acceptable proof of these facts. Only one exemption shall be allowed for each homestead used and occupied exclusively for residential purposes by the owner thereof, regardless of the number of qualified owners residing therein.

What is Timber Management and how do I apply?

Managed Timberland is a tax incentive program. The State of West Virginia recognizes the value of managing this resource. This tax incentive approach was enacted to encourage landowners to actively manage their forest land thereby increasing the amount and quality of the resource. The appraised value of Class II, III, and/or IV forested property is reduced under Managed Timberland. It is based on the ability of the land to produce future income according to its use and productive potential, market comparables and market analysis. The initial Contract is due before July 1 of any year. The annual Application for Certification as Managed Timberland must be submitted to the Division of Forestry between March 1 and September 1 of each year to remain in the program. For more info on this program call 304-558-2788 or write the WV Division of Forestry, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston, WV 25303-0184.