Which assessment practice is likely to lead to greater transparency in property taxation?

Implementing clear standards and guidelines for assessments promotes transparency in property taxation because it establishes a consistent and objective framework for how assessments are conducted. This uniform approach helps taxpayers understand how their property values are determined, fostering trust in the assessment process. When clear criteria and methodologies are provided, property owners can evaluate and question their assessments with a solid foundation, allowing for informed participation in the process.

In contrast, subjective valuations based on personal opinions lack consistency and could lead to perceptions of bias or unfairness, as they depend on individual assessors' perspectives. Limiting assessments to only high-value properties could create imbalances in taxation and obscure the true value of the overall property market. Additionally, assessing properties only upon request may neglect ongoing changes in the property market, resulting in outdated assessments that do not reflect current values. These practices would not contribute to transparency and could hinder taxpayer confidence in the fairness of tax assessments.