Training Equips Tax Officials with Technology Skills
A class held the week of October 4, 2010, brought together officials from 10 counties to learn how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology can be used as a tool in maintaining the accuracy of tax assessment records.
In addition to becoming skilled in GIS, the training updates the participants on the latest technologies relevant to their jobs and helps them fulfill continuing education requirements for certification by the Georgia Department of Revenue, according to Jimmy Nolan, Vinson Institute information technology expert and coordinator of the training.
The class is a mix of lecture and hands-on learning, Nolan emphasizes. “Students are given real data and perform processes that help them find everything from data entry errors to complex problems related to outdated or improper procedures. They also evaluate the accuracy of the assessed values that are currently in place to determine whether updates are needed. These processes include locating structures that were built without proper permits, checking for proper coding on land records relating to the tables that determine value, and comparing values of similar properties to ensure that taxpayers are being treated fairly.”
Check here to find out more about how information technology training provided by the Vinson Institute can help local tax officials and others become better prepared to handle their increasingly complex jobs.
