What is a PVA?
The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) is a state office with county jurisdiction. The PVA is a locally elected official who has the responsibility to appraise and assess at the fair market value all property that lies within the county. Fair Market Value is defined as the price a property will bring in a voluntary sale between a willing seller and a willing buyer.
All property, unless specifically exempt by the Kentucky Constitution, is taxable. The Constitution expressly prohibits exemption of any property or persons except those allowed by the Constitution itself. Exemptions are granted to federal, state, county, and city owned properties, educational and religious properties, properties owned by public charitable organizations, and to property owners who meet the requirements for homestead and disability exemptions. Formal application must be made with the PVA office before any exemption can be granted. The PVA office must use all legal means at their disposal to arrive at a fair market value assessment. These methods include, but are not limited to, sales and cost data, physical inspection, financial data and audits.
The Kentucky Constitution requires equality and uniformity through cash value assessments. Kentucky statutes further require the PVA to assess property on an annual (January 1) basis to maintain fair cash value assessments for both old and new property. The PVA must also perform a physical examination of all parcels in the county at lease once every four years.
The PVA office does not set property tax rates nor does it collect property taxes.
The Do’s and Don’ts and PVA’s role in preparing a Property Tax Bill:
DO: Identify Property Owners
The PVA office is responsible for keeping a record of ownership for every parcel of real estate in Boone County. Individual property is identified by the proper name, address and map number, which appears on your tax bill.
DO: Assess Property
The PVA is required by law to assess property at fair cash value. The Constitution states that all property be assessed at “100% Fair Market Value” unless specifically exempted. The determined amount for each parcel appears on your tax bill under the heading of “Assessed Value”.
DON’T: Apply Taxes
Tax Bills in Boone County are comprised of several taxing districts. Each jurisdiction has a board that has the responsibility of generating tax dollar revenue to provide citizens with services that the respective districts administer. Each board calculates the district’s tax rate based on the assessments in the district.
DON’T: Print the Tax Bills
The County Clerk is in charge of keeping accurate record of all tax rates. Once the tax rates are reported to the County Clerk’s office, the tax bills are ordered to be printed.
DON’T: Mail the Tax Bills
Tax Bills are mailed by the Boone County Sheriff’s office.
DON’T: Collect Property Taxes
Property tax bills are collected by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.