So I have this property in Arizona that my Uncle purchased for me and my father (picture a man, sitting in an easy chair, late at night – LATE at night – channel surfing, when an infomercial catches his eye: “buy property and leave something for your loved ones” – and he does)
I received the annual property tax statement and notice that my former name is still on the title/tax statement. I write a check, I copy my court documents and I send it off. Then I think maybe I should ask if I did this correctly:
I call the Apache County Treasurer today to ask how to update their records to reflect my name change. The operator answers, listens to my need and transfers my call to the Assessors Office (#1).
I explain what I need to do, and that I sent my documents along with my payment, and he says, “You need to record this change with the County Recorder. Let me transfer you.” (#2)
The County Recorder is a lovely woman who tells me (once I explain what I need to do, AND , and that I sent my documents along with my payment) that I can change my name on the property tax document with the Assessor’s office – for tax purposes – OR I can contact the title company to officially change my name on the DEED in the event that I want to sell this property, or will it to someone. I say, “let’s start with tax purposes,” and she transfers me BACK to the Assessor’s office. (#3)
I repeat what the County Recorder told me to the Assessor guy. He tells me I need to record my name change with the County Recorder and they will send the update to the Assessor’s office. I sigh. I smile. He transfers me BACK to the County Recorder’s office. (#4)
I repeat what the Assessor guy told me. The County Recorder listens, she sighs, and she says, “Let me transfer you to the County Treasurer’s office.” (#5)
I explain all this again, including that I’ve mailed my court documents. She listens, she puts me on hold so she can contact the County Recorder for clarification. When she returns to the line she tells me I need to send in the court documents, which she will use to update the record, and then send the documents to the County Recorder’s office for recording, and then the County Recorder will send the document to the Assessor’s office. I say – I sent the court documents with the tax payment. She says, “Then I’ll see them first.” And we’re done.
Sigh. Smile. All is right with the world. Until next year, when I get this property tax statement again.