The bill mandates that municipalities conduct a full property revaluation every ten years, along with regular assessments at full value every five years. Under the new regulations, municipalities are required to exclude costs associated with these revaluations from their property tax levy limits. This could potentially lead to more accurate property valuations, thereby helping to ensure fair taxation. Additionally, the bill simplifies the process for property owners to petition the Department of Revenue for assessment corrections, introducing deadlines for such petitions, which can aid in timely dispute resolution.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1228 introduces significant updates to property tax assessment practices within Wisconsin. The bill establishes new certification and training requirements for property tax assessors and assessment personnel, aiming to improve the quality and consistency of property assessments across municipalities. To become certified, trainees will now need to complete specified hours of education, with the requirements varying based on the level of the assessor. This effort is intended to enhance the professional standards of those involved in property taxation.
Contention
One notable aspect of AB1228 is its classification of recreational mobile homes as real property, which makes them subject to taxation—this marks a significant change from the previous classification. While this new classification may increase tax revenue, it raises concerns among mobile home owners who may be financially affected by increased taxes. Furthermore, the requirement for all members of local Boards of Review to undergo annual training increases the qualifications needed for those overseeing property assessments, which may be a topic of discussion among local government officials.