Surplus land = carries premium value; can be divided & developed; should carry same value per square foot as neighboring parcel highest values.  (Example:  You own multiple lots but your house, garage and septic don’t use all the lots.  There are lots that could be sold separately without interfering in the support of the home.)

I’ve done the math and it’s worked out quite well when the first lot (typical size for that subdivision) is assessed at the full value per square foot and the remaining square feet are assessed at half of that value.  This method doesn’t create an over assessment situation.

All the dry parcels were valued, based on true market vacant land sales, but each PIN was assessed as a separate buildable lot.  So, if you fall into the above category, here’s what I’d like to suggest:

Stop in the office and we can help you with this form.  However, PINs can only be combined if the parcels are in the same PIN section and if the property is deeded (letter for letter) to the same owner.  Compare the tax bills for the parcels side by side and see if the ownership information reads letter for letter.  If you purchased the parcels at different times and one parcel owner is named “Sue” and the other “Susan” you can’t combine those parcels together. 

If the property is in a trust you must bring a copy of the trust document with you to prove you have an ownership interest in the property.

PIN combination will truly show that you don’t intend to sell off one of the lots separately as well as making it much easier for us to manage and keep accurate.  This will also eliminate you from receiving multiple tax bills.  Another benefit is that if you are receiving the senior assessment freeze on one of the parcels, combining them will allow you to receive the exemption on all the parcels once they are one PIN.

As other areas in the township are reviewed this can be implemented at that time.  But for now, I’ll just stick to these two recently revalued areas.

*Waterfront is still more valuable when you have more land.

Senior Assessment Freeze – 2009

Yellow Senior Assessment Freeze forms were mailed from the county to anyone already receiving the exemption. The form must be completed using 2008 income information, signed, notarized and submitted to the county by July 1, 2009. Since the exemption is based on income which could vary from year to year, it must be applied for each year to remain in place.

If this is the first year you qualify we will have blank forms in the township office after Easter for your use.*

Whether you are a first time applicant or an annual renewal we can provide help if you wan. Just bring your 2008 income information into our office (including Social Security statements) and we’ll get the form completed and notarize your signature. We can make a copy for your files and mail the original to the county.

We make house calls if someone can’t get into the office because the person is housebound. Call the office at 815-385-0175 to set up an appointment.

*Brief description of eligibility:

• Property must be owner-occupied as the primary residence
• At least one owner of record must be 65 years of age or older
• The property must be owner-occupied by the applicant for at least two (2) January firsts; that is January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2009
• Total gross household income (that is everyone that lives in the house) cannot exceed $55,000 including Social Security and Medicare