It is the property owner's legal responsibility to report to the Assessor changes or improvements to their real estate. 441.24(1) Code of Iowa provides:

If a person refuses to furnish the verified statements required in connection with the assessment of property by the assessor, or to list the corporation’s or person’s property, the department of revenue, or assessor, as the case may be, shall proceed to list and assess the property according to the best information obtainable, and shall add to the taxable valuation one hundred percent thereof, which valuation and penalty shall be separately shown, and shall constitute the assessment; and if the valuation of the property is changed by a board of review, or on appeal from a board of review, a like penalty shall be added to the valuation thus fixed.

There are many things you should report to your local assessor like:

• New buildings
• Buildings removed, torn down or damaged by fire or flood
• Remodeling (interior and exterior)
• Additions to house or buildings
• New furnace / central air
• Fireplaces
• Basement or attic finish
• Decks, patios and garages

If you are within the city limits of Ames, please call your local assessor's office at 515-239-5370 to report any changes to your property. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer