Town of Elba - Real Property Tax Exemptions (2018M-261)

Issued Date
March 15, 2019

[read complete report - pdf]

Audit Objective

Determine whether select real property tax exemptions are properly supported by adequate documentation.

Key Findings

We reviewed 91 agricultural, veteran and senior citizen exemptions totaling $6 million, on properties with a total assessed value of $15.5 million. The Assessor:

  • Granted or subsequently maintained 81 exemptions totaling $5.7 million that were not supported by adequate documentation.
  • Did not periodically monitor exemptions or obtain annual renewal documentation as required, to ensure the exemptions remained in compliance with State or local laws.

Key Recommendations

  • Ensure all applicants provide adequate supporting documentation before granting exemptions and then retain this documentation.
  • Periodically monitor exemptions and ensure annual renewal documentation is provided and retained.

Town officials agreed with our recommendations and indicated they planned to initiate corrective action.