What is the purpose of a property tax assessment?

The purpose of a property tax assessment is to evaluate property market value. This assessment provides a fair market value of the property, which is used by local governments to determine the amount of property tax that an owner must pay.

By appraising the value of properties within a jurisdiction, the assessment process ensures that property taxes are levied based on actual property worth, thereby informing the budgeting and funding decisions of local governmental entities. This process is critical for maintaining equity in the tax system, ensuring that property owners contribute their fair share relative to the value of their properties.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of real estate and taxation that are not the focus of a property tax assessment. For example, reducing tax liabilities is typically a result of various exemptions or appeals rather than the assessment itself. Determining property ownership is distinctly handled through title searches and public records, while rental rates are influenced by market conditions and demand, rather than directly established through property tax assessments.