Tax assessments draw fire from Bates County residents

“A very noticeable jump” in personal property tax assessments is how one resident put it “and I recommend you check yours so you don’t get a big surprise next year.”

With that, complaints include being taxed for vehicles previously owned and no longer in their possession, a result of the new owner not registering the vehicle.

 As the Missouri Department of Revenue still shows the previous owner, tax liability goes to them. The fix is to fill out and mail the tab at the bottom of the title, if available. Likewise, a signed bill of sale should work to get the item removed as well.

According to Assessor Carl Bettels, while Bates county has enjoyed lower tax assessments over the years, the state board of taxation is pushing to “get with the times” and bring assessments up.

Mid America Live will be meeting with Bettels in upcoming days to get the perspective from his office.