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Assessor

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1. How is my property assessed?

An Appraiser is required to visit your property once every five years to assess your property’s value. However, according to Idaho law, your property must be assessed at market value each year. In the years between an appraiser’s visit, the Jerome County Assessor compares current sales of properties similar to yours to determine your home’s market value –- or how much a potential buyer might reasonably pay for your property if it was for sale. Some of the features that often influence what a buyer would pay for your home and land include: Age, Condition, Location, Quality & Size.

2. My taxes increased, who do I talk to?

If you have seen an increase on your tax bill you should first determine if you have an active homeowners exemption for the tax year. If you moved prior to the tax year, your homeowners exemption will be removed. You can refer to your assessment notice or contact the assessor's office to confirm. If you built a new structure the previous year, there will be additional taxable value.With assessment values overall the assessor's office is mandated by the state legislation to keep assessed values within 10% of market value. The market is always fluctuating; we do our best to keep our values as up to date as possible and must adjust accordingly. If your values have not changed and your your exemptions are current, please contact the treasurers office for changes with the levies.

3. What if I don't agree with my assessed value?

If you see a discrepancy with your assessed value do not hesitate to contact the assessor's office. Our appraisers strive to value property as accurately as possible. This is achieved by physical inspection of the property and market data analysis. You can help us attain the correct value by allowing us access to your full property and disclosing any sale information*.

_{*The value from a standard transfer of ownership is exempt from disclosure in the state of Idaho. Any value information disclosed are used for ratio studies and kept confidential.}

4. How do I get my property lines or survey?

If you have already checked with the recorder/auditor and no survey has been previously been recorded you may have to hire a surveyor to find or set new pins. Once you have completed the survey be sure to have it recorded so it will be available for the property for future use.

5. Where can I get new plates or renew my tags for a vehicle?

You can title your vehicle, mobile home, boat, or recreational vehicle at the Jerome County Department of Motor Vehicles located at 300 N Lincoln, Suite 209. Ph. 208-644-2730

6. Where can I obtain or renew my driver's license?

The Sheriffs Department issues and renews driver's licenses and identification cards. Their new location is 2151 South Tiger Drive, Ph. 208-595-3305.

7. Where can I record a deed or document?

The County Clerk's office is located in the Jerome County Courthouse on 300 N Lincoln Ave. Ph. 208-644-2714

8. What type of exemptions are available to homeowners?

If you own and occupy your home you are eligible for the Homeowners Exemption. Additionally, qualified homeowners may be eligible for the Property Tax Reduction program.

9. When should I apply for the Homeowners Exemption?

Typically after a deed has been recorded you should wait approximately 2-3 business days for the Assessor's Office to process the changes. You cannot apply for the exemption until after you occupy the home. You can call ahead of time to ensure the changes are in effect, 208-644-2740.

10. Who can I talk to regarding a lien against my property?

Contact the Jerome County Treasurer's Office at 208-644-2720. 

11. Who can I talk to about property auctions?

Contact the Jerome County Treasurer's Office at 208-644-2720.

12. Where can I get a new or renew a passport?

Passports are issued by the County Clerk located in the Jerome County Courthouse at 300 N Lincoln.

13. What is Market Value?

Market value is the value that property would sell for in the open market. It is the amount of U.S. dollars or equivalent for which a property would probably exchange hands between a willing seller and an informed buyer.

14. How often are property values adjusted?

The value of your property may change each year depending on real estate market changes. An appraiser from the county assessor’s office is required to visit your property at least once in each five-year period. During the other four years, the county assessor will use information from property sales and/or from the inspections of other properties to estimate the current market value for your property.

15. How can my property be assessed on improvements when I haven’t made any?

The term "improvements," as used in property assessment, does not refer just to remodeling, renovating or upgrading. "Improvements" are buildings (your house, garage, manufactured home, etc.), paving, or other structures that add value to land, regardless of when they were completed.

16. What makes property real or personal?

Real property consists of land and the improvements that are attached to it. Personal property normally is not attached to the land; it is generally mobile and does not last as long as real property. A copy machine is an example of personal property.

Personal property that is used by the owner in his private home is not subject to property tax. An example is household furnishings. If the same property is used in a business activity, whether in a private home or elsewhere, it is subject to personal property tax. Properly registered vehicles, including recreational vehicles, are not subject to property tax.

For more information on personal property, please refer to the Idaho State Tax Commission.

17. How do I know what value the assessor has estimated for my property?

The value for your property is shown on your assessment notice. The county assessor usually mails this notice to you by the first Monday in June. If you do not receive this notice, contact the county assessor.

18. Why do I pay higher taxes than my neighbor?

You may live in a different taxing district than your neighbor. There may be enough differences in size, quality, or condition of land and improvement that will result in value differences between the properties.

Also, your neighbor may be eligible for some form of property tax reduction for which you either did not qualify or did not apply.