The 2020 Notices of Valuation were mailed February 22, 2019 to all property owners, according to Graham County Assessor Darlene Alder. The notices reflect the full cash and limited property values the Assessor’s Office has placed on each parcel for the September 2020 Tax Bill.
The valuations on the 2020 Notice of Valuation are based on market and sales information available prior to June 30, 2019.
In 2012, voters passed Proposition 117, which affected the way property taxes were to be assessed beginning 2015 and in future years. In an effort to avoid dramatic valuation swings, Proposition 117 limits the increase of the Limited Property Valuation (LPV) to 5%. The Limited Valuation will be the sole value used to calculate both primary and secondary property taxes.
What this means to property owners, is that no matter how high the Full Cash Value (market value) of a property increases as a result of changes to market conditions, the LPV will be limited to a five percent increase per year, unless there has been a change to the property. This does not limit the tax dollars to a 5% increase; the actual levy amount (tax dollars) are determined by the various jurisdictions property tax budget.
By State statute, the County Assessor mails the valuation notices to the last known address. (Property owners are responsible for notifying the Assessor’s Office of any changes in their mailing address.) Darlene encourages anyone who has not received his or her notice by the first of March to contact the Assessor’s Office.
Darlene encourages property owners to assist in keeping their property accurately described on the Assessor’s roll. When property owners have a valuation concern, they are invited to contact the Assessor’s office. The Notice of Valuation indicates the 2019 and 2020 valuations for comparison purposes. If property owners feel there is an error in the 2020 valuation, they may appeal it through the Assessor’s Office, at no cost. A property owner may appeal the full cash value or the classification of their property, but cannot appeal the tax amount. The Petitions for Review of Valuation (appeal forms) are available on the Assessor’s web page at www.graham.az.gov/163/Assessor or you may pick up the Appeal forms in person at the Graham County Assessor’s Office 921 Thatcher Blvd. Safford, AZ from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday. The forms may also be mailed to the property owner upon request. Statute requires the property owner to include substantial evidence justifying the appeal at the time of filing the Petition for Review. Petitions for Review must be filed no later than sixty (60) days after the postmark of the Notice of Valuation card. (The actual deadline is shown on the Notice of Valuation). The deadline to appeal the 2020 Notices of Valuation is April 23, 2019.
Darlene welcomes the public to call the office at (928) 428-2828, or visit, for further information or to discuss individual properties.
Darlene is available to meet with any group to give an overview of the valuation process. She may be reached at (928) 428-2828 or email Darlene.