The Alaska Association of Assessing Officers (AAAO) is a professional organization that is affiliated with the International Association of Assessing Officers. Membership is open to all State of Alaska public officials who are engaged in the administration of property assessments, including assessors, employees of assessors’ offices, and board of assessment appeals members. The AAAO provides numerous resources and networking opportunities to its members, including educational seminars, professional development courses, and the chance to participate in conferences and workshops. Subscribing membership is open to individuals or companies interested in property assessment or a related field. These members often benefit from the association’s extensive library of research materials, legislative updates, and the ability to engage with a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to excellence in the field of property assessment. The association’s commitment to maintaining high standards and up-to-date knowledge in the industry ensures that all members can enhance their skills and stay informed about the latest trends and changes in property assessment practices.
“Promote justice and equity in the distribution of the tax burden. The Alaska Association of Assessing Officers’ mission is to: Improve standards of the assessment practice; Elevate the standards of personnel requirements of assessing officers by promoting and promulgating continuing education in the assessment field; Enlighten assessing officers, other governmental officials and the taxpaying public on the true nature and importance of the work performed by assessment professionals; Cooperate with other public and private agencies interested in improving tax administration.”
-AAAO Mission Statement
Dedicated to Education
Educating the Public: AAAO is committed to furthering members’ education as well as the public. To bridge the gap between local government, policy and the homeowners. So, how are properties valued? The assessor’s office first reviews all the property to be assessed in your community and then values it. In reviewing your individual property, the assessor collects data about its characteristics, such as the amount of land you own, the location of your property, the number and size of improvements on your land, the physical characteristics of the improvements, including number and type of rooms, the quality of construction of improvements.
The appraised value of property varies as the market for real estate fluctuates. Ultimately, the appraised value of your property is a function of transactions of real estate in the local market.
Tax rate is determined during the budget process of the local taxing authority. In Alaska, this will be your borough and/or city. Each year your community will set a budget that details the expenditures they will make and the sources of revenue that will be collected and used to fund that budget.
Exemption and deferment programs are also administered through your local boroughs.
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