To the Editor:

The Virginia General Assembly confirmed my piece of legislation, Senate Bill 872, by vote. It will now be sent to the Governor’s Desk for approval. Senate Bill 872 was designed to cut the red tape involving the appeals process for personal property assessments.

Currently in Virginia, a property owner must provide the comparable data to challenge an increase in assessment with the locality. A property owner, with the exception of those that are in the real estate industry, are not necessarily equipped to gather comparable data to appeal their assessments to a Board of Equalization. I liken the current law to playing cards when the house always is designed to win.

This piece of legislation flips the model to require the locality to provide the reasoning for an increase in assessment to the taxpayer.

The last hurdle for Senate Bill 872 is the signature of Governor McAuliffe, so I would encourage you to reach out if you are in support of this bill. Defending and protecting the rights of the taxpayer is important and Senate Bill 872 is a step in the right direction.

Sen. John A. Cosgrove
14th Senate District
District14@Senate.Virginia.gov
804-698-7514