Equalization
Definition and meaning of Equalization in real estate.
Equalization is the administrative process where a county or state tax authority adjusts assessed property values within a jurisdiction to ensure they reflect a uniform percentage of market value. This process ensures that property tax burdens are distributed fairly among all taxpayers in different municipalities.
In more detail
Property assessment practices can vary between local towns and districts, which sometimes leads to unfair tax distributions. To correct this, an equalization board calculates an equalization factor or multiplier for each town, multiplying local assessments by this factor to bring them to the legally required level.
For example, if a town has been assessing properties below market value, its assessments will be adjusted upward by the equalization factor. This adjustment is crucial for allocating countywide or state funding, such as school district budgets, that relies on property tax revenues.
Key facts
| Category | Legal, Titles & Closing |
|---|---|
| Typical timing | Annually or during mass reassessment cycles |
| Primary tool used | Equalization factor or multiplier |
| Governing body | State or county board of equalization |
A county tax agency applies an equalization factor to all homes in a specific township because a recent audit showed the local assessor was valuing homes at only 80 percent of their actual market value.
Frequently asked questions
Does equalization change my property tax rate?
No, equalization adjusts the assessed value of the property, not the tax rate itself, although a higher assessment can lead to a higher tax bill.
Can I appeal an equalization adjustment?
Homeowners cannot usually appeal the equalization factor itself, but they can appeal their individual property assessment if they believe it exceeds fair market value.