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Precision in Property Taxation: The Power of 360° Street-Level Imagery

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In the ever-evolving landscape of property assessment, government tax assessors increasingly turn to cutting-edge technology to identify undervalued properties and ensure fair taxation. One such technological marvel that has proven invaluable is up-to-date street-level imagery.

NCTech’s Perspective:

Our customers tell us integrating up-to-date street-level imagery into property assessment practices results in a significant improvement in the accuracy of valuations. This aligns with our professional philosophy – at NCTech, we advocate for the power of technology in transforming traditional processes. The benefits of this technology in promoting fairness and accuracy in property taxation cannot be overstated. In practical terms, street-level imagery empowers assessors to make more informed decisions, ultimately enhancing the credibility and reliability of the tax system. NCTech leading such innovations is not just beneficial; it’s essential for progressive and equitable governance.

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NCTech Offices
NCTech Offices

The Benefits of Tech in Property Taxation

1. See a Whole New Perspective: 

A New Point of View in Property Assessment

Street-level imagery gives tax assessors a dynamic and detailed view of properties, allowing them to see a whole new point of view and understand a property’s condition and potential without the need for a curbside inspection. This type of imagery captures real-time snapshots of neighborhoods, streets, and individual properties, accurately representing their current state.

2. Pinpointing Changes and Developments: 

Capturing the Dynamic Property Landscape

Properties are not static entities; they evolve, change, and develop over time. Up-to-date street-level imagery allows tax assessors to pinpoint changes and developments in a given area. From new constructions and renovations to infrastructure improvements, assessors can stay informed about the dynamic nature of the property landscape.


Embracing technology in property assessment is not just about efficiency; it’s about fairness and accuracy,” according to Dr. Neil Tocher, Chief Technology Officer NCTech. “Street-level imagery is a powerful tool in achieving these goals.

Tax assessors can spot discrepancies in property assessments.
Tax assessors can spot discrepancies in property assessments.

3. Detecting Undervalued Properties: 

Unveiling Hidden Value

One significant advantage of utilizing the latest street-level imagery is the ability to identify property values more effectively. Tax assessors can spot discrepancies in property assessments by comparing current imagery with historical data. This helps uncover properties that may have been undervalued due to incomplete records, changes in their condition, or modifications to the surrounding neighborhood.

4. Enhancing Accuracy and Fairness: 

Balancing the Scales of Taxation

Inaccurate property assessments can lead to unfair taxation, placing an unnecessary burden on some property owners while potentially depriving the county of much-needed revenue. Up-to-date street-level imagery enhances the accuracy of property assessments, ensuring that each property is evaluated fairly based on its current condition and market value.

5. Streamlining Assessment Processes: 

Efficiency Through Technology

Traditionally, property assessments relied on physical inspections and paperwork, consuming valuable time and resources. Street-level imagery streamlines this process, allowing tax assessors to remotely evaluate properties efficiently. This saves time (therefore identifying valuation changes sooner) and money and enables assessors to cover a larger area, ensuring a more comprehensive and equitable assessment.

6. IAAO Compliant:

NCTech Imagery conforms to IAAO Standards for Mass Appraisal

The world’s premier trade association for tax assessment professionals, IAAO (International Association of Assing Officers) publishes a Standard on Mass Appraisal of Real Property. Section 3.3.5 of IAAO standards states, “Current high-resolution street-view images (at a sub-inch pixel resolution that enables quality grade and physical condition to be verified).” NCTech surpasses these stipulated requirements. 

Technology enables tax assessors to make well-informed decisions.
Technology enables tax assessors to make well-informed decisions.

Conclusion:

The adoption of up-to-date street-level imagery in property assessments marks a significant stride towards more accurate, fair, and efficient taxation systems. By providing detailed, continually updated views of properties, this technology enables tax assessors to make well-informed decisions, ensuring that property values align with current market conditions and fostering a more equitable taxation system.


Actions Today:

  1. Explore Cutting-Edge Imagery Solutions: Investigate the most cost-effective and latest street-level imagery and its applications in property assessment.
  2. Assess Property Value Discrepancies: Utilize current street-level imagery to identify and address undervalued properties without the need for a site visit.
  3. Advocate for Technological Integration: Encourage the adoption of advanced imaging technologies within the systems local government taxation departments use today.
  4. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of new developments and best practices in property valuation and taxation.
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