A new state law gives county assessors authority to shift some of their official activity into the digital age. The legislation will allow property assessments and notices from a county assessor’s office to be sent via e-mail or text message. “Provided that the recipient authorizes that the notices be sent from the assessor’s office via electronic communications.” That’s Representative Greg Heartsill, a Republican from Columbia. County assessors have been sending paper notices via the mail of property tax assessments for homes, apartments and farms as well as commercial and industrial property. Assessors may continue to do use the U.S. Postal Service, but now have the option of shifting to deliver those documents electronically — IF the property owner prefers that method. Representative Amy Nielsen (NEEL-sun), a Democrat, is the former mayor of North Liberty.

“This is a really good, thought-out bill,” Nielsen said during House debate. “It will save our counties some money,” Nielsen said. County assessors determine the value of property every two years. County assessors do NOT collect property taxes, however. County treasurers do. According to the American Bankers Association, 40 percent of Americans manage their bank accounts electronically.

(Radio Iowa)