Appraisal district to mail property value review notices May 21

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Local property owners will be receiving mailed notices from the Cherokee Central Appraisal District in upcoming days, with information on how to review the value of their property.

“The deadline for most will be June 20, and we ask that you come see us or call us, and allow our staff to handle inquiries. We recommend that people come in before filing a protest,” said Chief Appraiser Jan Lowry, adding that most cases usually can be resolved during the informal visits.

Property owners can contact appraisal staff during regular business hours. Should a case need more in-depth handling – even to the point of going before the district’s Appraisal Review Board – appraisers will meet in-person with them Tuesday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Lowry said.

The in-person meetings are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, with property owners invited to bring supporting documentation, which assists with their claim while providing appraisers material to include in records of the review.

Such information includes:

• Blueprints

• Printed photos of the property to reflect what is being reviewed

• A current estimate of repairs

• Closing statement

• Fee appraisal

• Income/expense information

• Vacancy/collection information

• Depreciation schedule

• Balance sheet

Property owners interested in filing a protest are asked to contact the appraisal district as soon as they receive their letter of notice to ensure they meet the June 20 review deadline. Lowry said property owners also have the option to leave information at the office for an appraiser to review.

The Cherokee Central Appraisal District office is located at 107 E. 6th St. in downtown Rusk. Reach them by phone, 903-683-2296.

Did you know?

According to an insert included in the review mail-out, Cherokee Central Appraisal District notes that “Recent legislative changes have expanded the options to receive your ARB hearing information to first class mail, email, or certified mail. Be sure to supply your email address in Section 1 of the protest form for this option. The Cherokee Central Appraisal Review Board has determined that the property owner is responsible for the cost of certified mailing. Your payment by money order or cashier’s check of $8.50 per notice, payable to Cherokee Central Appraisal District, must be sent with the protest form. Otherwise, delivery of notice will be via first class mail.”