Fact Finders: What Missouri property owners need to know about assessor visits

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Multiple viewers have asked whether county property tax assessors can legally enter private property to take pictures. It’s a question that has gained attention as Missouri assessors conduct extensive fieldwork during this odd-numbered year.

The answer is yes, according to Missouri state law and Greene County Assessor Brent Johnson. State statute 137.130 grants assessor employees “lawful right to enter into any lands” for property assessment purposes.

In Greene County, field data collectors and appraisers are easily identifiable by their yellow vests and vehicles clearly marked with their names. These workers are tasked with reassessing every property every two years, which includes more than 128,000 locations in Greene County alone.

Homeowners retain indoor privacy rights.

While assessors can access outdoor areas of private property, homeowners maintain strict privacy protections for the interior of their homes. Johnson emphasized that legitimate assessor employees will never request unscheduled indoor access.

“If anyone ever comes out and says they’re from the assessor’s office, they want to come inside without an appointment that you’ve already prearranged, do not let them go inside because we’re not allowed to do that,” Johnson said. “That’s some sort of scam.”

Respectful approach to property access

Despite having the legal authority to enter private lands, Johnson said his staff prioritizes the comfort of property owners and will leave if asked to do so.

“We’re out in the field or our staff’s out in the field, and we’re asked to leave, we’re going to leave,” Johnson said. “We don’t want you to feel uncomfortable as a property owner, and you know, my staff is just as uncomfortable as you.”

When assessors are turned away, they typically leave a door hanger and follow up with a letter explaining their purpose. They may also resort to aerial photography to complete their assessments.

However, Johnson warned that incomplete access could affect property valuations.

“We don’t want to be unfair, but not having the most up-to-date information, it’s very difficult for us to make those adjustments that are necessary for their property,” he said.

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