Assessing Info 2018 April 5

Big box stores say Kansas property taxes should be based on vacant building value >
A roiling debate over how to assess big box stores — their worth when occupied,
or their value as vacant properties — could upend property tax systems across Kansas. At the heart is the “dark store theory,” as critics call the strategy. It contends property valuations should look at what an empty store could fetch
on the open market. Read More

Property tax debate remains unsettled with deadline looming >

An eleventh hour showdown looms at the Capitol in Lincoln, as lawmakers try to revive the property tax debate. The governor’s bill faces an uphill battle, so the focus shifts back proposals that deal with the school funding part of the issue. York Superintendent Mike Lucas is watching the decade closely.
Read More

How Amazon wins if internet sales tax goes into effect >

In April, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case that could affect the future of online commerce, specifically small online sellers and those who purchase their products online. In South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., the court will determine whether state government officials may collect an Internet sales tax on purchases coming from a seller that is not physically present in a consumer's state. Read More

IAAO NEWS

+ 2018 IAAO Election Information >

Information for members interested in running for the IAAO Executive board has been posted. Information must be submitted by July 1 for the elections, which will take place in November. Read More

+ 2018 Annual Conference Registration Now Open >

The 84th Annual International Conference on Assessment Administration will be held September 23–26, 2018 in Minneapolis. Registration is now open. Read More

+ Prep & Trial Seminar Set for June 7-8 at UNC >

The 2018 IAAO Preparation and Trial of the Property Tax Appeal Seminar will be held at the University of North Carolina - School of Government on June 7-8. The two-day training for attorneys, assessors, and appraisal personnel who want to be better prepared for appeals. The topics will focus on trial ethics, the use of technology at trial, analyzing appraisal reports, review appraisers and rebuttal witnesses, and trial mechanics. Besides the mock trial, attendees will also hear experts speak, participate in deliberations, and hear panel discussions from various viewpoints. Read More

+ Submit 2018 IAAO Award Nominations by May 1 >

Nominations must be submitted via e-mail to awards@iaao.org by May 1, 2018. A completed nomination form (available at www.iaao.org/awards) and all supporting documentation must be included in the e-mail. Read More

+ FREE April Webinar on how to use The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) >

The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing survey that provides vital information on a yearly basis about our nation and its people. Discover the detailed social, economic, housing, and demographic statistics that the ACS provides for every community every year. Register for the Webinar

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

+ Governor signs onetime property tax cut into law >

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday signed a $391 million bill providing onetime property tax reductions into law. Read More

+ Wisconsin State Legislature End-of-Session Summary >

Like we have seen over the past eight years with Republicans controlling almost the entirety of state government, this session of the legislature ended with a GOP focused on a toxic and dysfunctional agenda of special interest giveaways, corporate pandering, environmental destruction and blocking firearm reform. It is the same agenda they have pursued since grabbing power and which has consistently resulted in cuts to education that are never restored, the fastest-shrinking middle class in the nation and reckless environmental deregulation. Read More

+ Legislators ponder next steps on bills that failed to pass this session >
GOP state Rep. John Spiros has tried in back-to-back sessions to push legislation that would crack down on sanctuary cities. After it didn't get a committee vote in his house and never made it in the Senate, he's not sure he's going to try a third time.

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