OPINION:
Real estate taxes should be levied based on the property rather than the assessed value. The latter is too subjective and open to fraud.
The basis should be what was paid for the property plus any additions and improvements. If the additions are done by a contractor, then the matter would be simple: Just keep proof of payment. If done in whole or in part by the owner, then he or she would need to keep records of materials and labor (for labor, this would be some kind of log). There should be guidelines for the value of labor hours.
This method of value assessment would mitigate the problem of people being forced to sell their homes simply because they can’t afford to pay both mortgage payments and taxes.
ROBERT HANAHAN
Arlington, Virginia
Please read our comment policy before commenting.