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1. What does the City Assessor do?

Estimate Values

State law specifically requires that assessors view each parcel of real estate to appraise its market value. Property values change continuously with changing economic conditions. In addition to market changes, numerous physical changes affect the value of the land and building. All factors are considered in estimating the value of property. This requires physical inspection of all property subject to assessment.

Classify Property

The Assessor also determines the classification or use of each parcel. For instance, the property may be residential homestead (owner-occupied), residential non-homestead, agricultural, or commercial. Each classification is taxed at a different percentage of market value. These percentages are set by the State Legislature.

2. What is "Market Value?"

Minnesota Statue 272.03 defines "market value" as the usual selling price...at the time of assessment. It is the price that could be obtained at a private sale or an auction sale, if the assessor determines that the price from an auction sale represents an arms-length transaction. The price obtained at a forced sale shall not be considered. In other words: Market value is the price that would prevail under competitive, open-market conditions.

3. How does the Assessor determine the market value?

State law requires that the value and classification of real estate be established as of January 2nd each year. The Assessor’s Office works throughout the year to estimate the market value of each property for the following January 2nd.

1. View Property: Approximately every fifth year, an appraiser from the City will view the property. In addition, all new construction, alterations or improvements will be viewed in the current year.
2. Gather Information: The Appraiser gathers information on all characteristics of the property that affect market value, such as size, age, quality, basement finish, and extra features, such as fireplaces, walkouts, extra baths, etc.
3. Compute Value: The property characteristics are entered into the City’s computer system. Information on actual sales is updated to reflect market trends, and the Assessor calculates a property’s value using a computer assisted mass appraisal system. The market value estimated by the Assessor should be at, or very close to, the amount the property would sell for if placed on the open market. The City of Anoka consistently meets these standards.
4. Notification: Valuation notices are sent with the property tax statements around the middle of March each year. The assessment on January 2 forms the basis for the following year’s tax. That is, the value and classification on January 2, 2021, is used to calculate the tax payable in 2022.

4. Who are these appraisers and what are their credentials?

Appraisers employed by the City of Anoka are professionals, who meet stringent training and experience requirements set by the State Board of Assessors. The State Board of Assessors governs and administers licensure of appraisers.

5. What if you have questions or think your property is valued or classified incorrectly?

Upon receiving your value notice, there are several ways to appeal. Follow these steps:

• Talk to Your Assessor
  • Call the number listed on the notice
  • Discuss your concerns
  • Review sales information
• Appeal to the Board of Appeal and Equalization
  • Meets in April or May
  • Appeal in person, by letter, or by fax
• Appeal to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization
  • You must appeal to your local board first
  • Meets in June
  • Will need to make an appointment
  • Call the number listed on your valuation notice
• Appeal to the Minnesota Tax Court
  • Appeal on or before April 30 of the year following the assessment
  • Call the number listed on your valuation notice