Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 March 1919 — GET READY FOR THE ASSESSORS [ARTICLE]

GET READY FOR THE ASSESSORS

THEY’LL BE ON YOUR TRAIL BRIGHT AND EARLY MONDAY MORNING. -♦ ~ ~ County Assessor G. L. Thornton and his subordinates, the township assessors, gathered at the assessor’s office in the court house this Saturday afternoon to discuss the schedule they will follow in their drive on the taxpayers of the county starting Monday morning. There .is some doubt in the minds of the assessors as to what schedule will govern them in making assessments owing to the fact that the present legislature is seeking to make several changes in the assessment laws. The meeting was held eapecially to discuss the various phases of the tax laws that there may be a uniformity among the assessors in levying assessments. At the meeting the various assessors were given supplies and will be ready to start on their rounds bright and early Monday morning. So it’s up to you, Mr. Taxpayer, to be ready for these popular gentlemen when they call on you. County Assessor Thornton has received the following letter from the state board of tax commissioners, which will aid the assessors in the performance of their duties: “Within a few days you wilt be engaged -rnamost important duty, that of listing property for purposes of taxation. You have taken or will take an oath to list all property in accordance with the provisions of law. Kindly observe the following suggestions: “List all property, real and personal at its true cash value as the statute now requires. ‘flf the legislature shall fix a 50 per cent basis for property valuation assessors shall simply divide totals by two. The value of the whole must be ascertained before ani assessor can determine a part of same. “Value lands and improvements separately and carry total of same into column provided for that purpose. , . “Use the schedules of last year in determining the values of automobiles, household goods, farm implements, and machinery. These schedules are suggestive only and if the value of the property is known to be more or less than such a schedule would indicate, then list such property at its ‘true value,’ whatever the value may be. , , , “Use the blank forms that have been officially designated for this year. If there are any changes to be made assessors will be advised of same. Such changes, if any, will be very slight. “List all dogs with descriptions of same but without receipts until it is finally determined what the tax shall be. There will be a change from the present law. “Assessors are instructed to be exceedingly careful in filling out the personal property schedules for manufactures, public utilities, merchandise Stores, etc. . “After assessing corporations on. their tangible property, assessors shall leave with same blanks for corporate reports, which shall .be made m duplicate and filed later with county auditors,' who shall lay same before boards of review to be assessed for corporate excess. “Administer the oath to the personal property schedule to each taxpayer. There is a severe penalty for an assessor who fails to. administer such oath. » “County assessors should instruct township assessors and their deputies as to the local market value on March Ist of all articles that have such value. There shall be no agree- S pient among assessors on any prices less than the market price where such prices are known.”