Welcome August, and hello to TRIM (truth in millage) season!! I like to think of TRIM season as the end of a sports season like the Super Bowl, World Series, Masters, NCAA football National Championship game, etc. You practice hard for a long time to prepare you for your “Super Bowl”. That is what it's like here at the Property Appraiser’s office. Major League Baseball player Albert Pujols once said, “It’s not how you start the season, it’s how you finish.” We work hard all tax year long preparing for the TRIM notices to be mailed out to every property owner. What some might not understand is how much time and effort goes into preparing for these notices to be mailed out. Much like a athletic team does to prepare for their playoff season.  Every department in our amazing organization has a hand in preparing for the TRIM notice being sent. We wouldn’t be able to complete this daunting task without each of them. 

Every Citrus County property owner will be mailed their TRIM notice on August 19th. As an additional benefit, all of the TRIM notices will be available online that same day at our website citruspa.org. One thing to remember is the TRIM notice is not a bill, but rather an estimate of your taxes. Your property tax bill will be mailed to you by the Citrus County Tax Collector at the beginning of November.

We have many new residents that have recently moved into Citrus County, Florida.  We even have some first-time home buyers.  Individuals in these two categories might not know what a TRIM notice even is.  So, what is a Trim notice you may ask? A TRIM notice lets you know the previous and current taxable, market, & assessed values of your property. All value information is per sale(s) or change(s) prior to January 1, 2022.
 

If you feel that your property value is not accurate or you are missing an exemption that you applied for, we ask that you contact our office prior to the deadline date notated on the notice. This year's final deadline is September 13, 2022. We strive to ensure your property is appraised accurately, and all exemptions or portability are entered correctly. 

If we are unable to come to terms on your value, you are entitled to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The purpose of the VAB is to hear and review appeals regarding your property value assessments, denied exemptions & classifications. The VAB is administered by the Citrus County Clerk of Court & Comptroller’s Office, which is independent of the Property Appraiser’s Office.  The Board is made up of five individuals: two from the county’s board of commissioners, one from the county’s school board, and two citizen members.  They approve and use special magistrates experienced in property appraisal techniques or legal matters who conduct hearings and recommend decisions to the VAB for final approval.  Special Magistrates will review property valuation, denials of portability, deferrals, and change of ownership or control determinations.  All final rulings are determined by the VAB.

Even though the TRIM notice is not a bill, we always encourage you to review the notice for accuracy. If you feel that something is missing, or have questions about your values we are always available to help you make sense of the information reflected on the notice. Please feel free to call our office at 352-341-6600 or contact your assigned certified appraiser whose number is listed above the exemptions box on the TRIM notice. We are always available to help you make sense of this notice and property appraisals, exemptions, and assessment caps.  

The Citrus County Property Appraiser's Office is committed to helping you understand the valuation process and will take whatever time is needed to explain our procedure.  We promise to treat you with respect and understanding, and to deliver the outstanding customer service you deserve and expect from our organization.