Glossary

Appraised Value

A property's value as determined by the sale amounts of comparable properties. The current appraised value is usually the property's current market value.

Assessor's Parcel Number

The Assessor's identification number for a specific property. In some areas of the country, this number is used for tax assessment purposes. Also referred to as the account number, folio number, and UPC in different regions.

Cost per Square Foot

A property's cost per square foot normally determined by dividing the property's sale price by the square footage of the structure. However, this figure can be misleading. Cost per square foot does not take lot size into account and should only be used as a basis of comparison when looking at properties of similar lot size, characteristics, and date sold.

Transfer Date

The date on which the sale of the property is recorded.

DOR Code

For internal assessor use only. this does not correlate to zoning.

Tax Amount

The annual property tax as determined by the assessed value and tax rate.

Tax Code Area

An area within a county that is taxed at a particular rate, usually resulting from the number of public services in the area such as fire and police protection.

Title

All of the elements that constitute the legal right to own, possess, use control, enjoy and dispose of real estate.

Document Number

The number assigned to a recorded document by the County Auditor's Office.

Easement

A limited right in a piece of land owned by another. This entitles the holder of the right to some use of the land. For instance, if Barney owns a property that is completely surrounded by Fred's property, Barney can get an easement to build a driveway from his property to the main road.

Improvements

Any structures that are built on a piece of land. For instance, a house built on a vacant lot is considered an improvement. Anything of value other than land, i.e. value of utility hookups, asphalt, buildings, and underground irrigation.

Land Value

The actual value of the land on which a property sits. This does not include improvement values.

Legal Description

The description of the property as documented by the County Auditor. Usually identifies the physical location in terms of tract and lot.

Senior Exemption

This exemption provides the homeowner with a tax reduction on their annual property taxes.