County Assessor Dave Divis has spoken at recent events to let Sweetwater County residents know more about how property taxes work.
Sweetwater County residents will soon be receiving their 2025 Notice of Value on their properties, and have a number of options available to apply for property tax relief.
Sweetwater County Assessor Dave Divis said that residents will be receiving their Notice of Value "within the next few days." The assessor asks residents to review the information. Anyone who disagrees with the value of their property has 30 days from the date mailed to discuss the value with the assessor and provide information to assist the assessor's office in valuing the property.
"The 2025 Notice of Value has a few changes because of recently passed legislation," Divis explained. "If applicable, the the exemption amounts, and tax reductions are listed at the bottom of the notice."
Residents may qualify for multiple exemptions, according to Divis. The 25% tax cut passed by the legislature through Senate File 0069 this year will be automatically applied to all homeowners. Other programs require applications.
Applications for the Property Tax Refund Program have been mailed by the Department of Revenue to taxpayers who applied last year, and are also available in the Assessor's Office and the Treasurer's Office in the Sweetwater County Courthouse. The refund program is currently open to applications.
At Governor Mark Governor's request, the Wyoming Legislature appropriated an additional $10.5 million to meet the state's commitment to homeowners in need this year, following expansion of the program in 2024.
"We know more than 4,600 additional families utilized this program last year, reflecting how important delivering relief to those most impacted by increased assessments has become," Governor Gordon said in a press release.
The property tax refund program assists eligible Wyoming homeowners who are struggling to pay their property taxes, the press release explained. In 2023, the program helped 13,485 Wyoming families, with more than $14,265,960 million in refunds distributed, with the average refund being approximately $1,058.23.
Homeowners can apply for a refund of up to one-half of the median residential property tax amount or 75% of their 2024 property tax bill, whichever is less. Homeowners must meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for the program.
All applications must be properly completed and filed with the Department of Revenue or the County Treasurer's office no later than June 2. Before applying for the refund, individuals must pay their 2024 taxes in full.
Other property tax relief measures put in place by the legislature are available to homeowners this year as well.
The assessor's office is currently accepting applications for the Long-Term Homeowners Exemption for individuals who are 65 years old and have paid property taxes in the State of Wyoming for 25 years. The property needs to be the primary residence, and the applicant must reside in the property for eight months of the year. Representatives from the assessor's office will be at the Rock Springs Young at Heart Senior Center during lunch on Friday, April 11 and at the Green River Golden Hour Senior Center during lunch on Thursday, April 24 to assist with and receive applications. The deadline for the applications is May 26. Applications can also be submitted at the assessor's office at the courthouse.
"We must verify the age of the applicant, so please bring an ID with a birthdate," Divis stressed.
Another property tax exemption is available for veterans. The Veteran's Exemption increased from $3,000 to $6,000 for tax year 2025, but the application process has not changed, Divis explained. Anyone who has been receiving the Veteran's Exemption but does not have an amount listed for it in the exemption portion of the Notice of Value should contact the assessor's office by May 26 the receive the exemption for the 2025 tax year.
"After looking over your Notice of Value, if you have any questions or concerns about the valuation of your property, please call the Assessor's Office," Divis said. "We enjoy taking the time to explain the valuation process to residents of our county."
The assessor's office can be reached at (307) 872-3700 for Green River or (307) 922-5200 for Rock Springs. Assessor Divis can also be reached through email at assessor@sweetwatercounty.gov.
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