Tax rolls: Why they matter in real estate

by Jan Kennemer 03/26/2023

A tax roll, sometimes called an assessment roll, is a record of all the properties subject to taxes in a given area. These lists include detailed information about properties and associated taxes, including land and vehicles in some states. To better understand the relationship between tax rolls and real estate, here's the basic info to know:

What information is included in a tax roll?

A real estate property tax roll is a record of all properties subject to taxes in a particular jurisdiction. The rolls can be broken down by city, county, state and national levels for tracking and data-management purposes. Each property on a tax roll has important details, including:

  • owner
  • location
  • property classification
  • value
  • valuation date
  • appraiser
  • taxable status
  • tax owed

Why property tax rolls matter

Property tax rolls are important in real estate for a few reasons. One reason is they provide reliable documentation about a specific property's assessed value and how it might have changed over time. They can also show records of prior tax issues like liens or delinquency potential homeowners might want to be aware of.

Tax rolls can also help both borrowers and lenders confirm the assessed value of a property for determining loan approval and interest rates. Having a standardized source of official facts about specific properties can help in all steps of important financial decisions.

About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.