Breaking Down the Bill
How Property Taxes Work
April 24, 2025
Property taxes have left many Wyoming homeowners scratching their heads. Are you puzzled by your recent property tax notification or curious about recent relief efforts?
Johnson County Assessor Steve Esponda walks us through the often misunderstood world of property taxes—shedding light on how values are determined, how to make sense of your property tax notice, and what new relief measures may apply to you.
Esponda explains how assessments are guided by state-set standards and the factors that really drive those mysterious numbers on your tax notice. He also tackles one of the most common questions from property owners: how tax relief works and what counts—your house, your land, or both?
Many Johnson County property owners have felt the squeeze for the past few years. But thanks to recent changes in state law; such as al ong-term homeowner reduction, 25% reduction in residential rates and caps limiting increases, many should are experiencing lower costs. Steve goes over the details of the various reductions and exemptions, who qualifies and how to claim it.
The money raised in property tax remains in the county in which it was levied, so will lower property taxes result in less county revenue to pay for many of the services that the community expects and relies upon? The answer is “it’s complicated”, and a shortfall in Johnson County might be offset by oil and gas revenue – but not in the City of Buffalo. Check out what Steve is expecting.
Whether you’re baffled by your latest tax notice or curious about why your neighbor’s smaller home might be valued higher than yours, cut through the confusion with this feature on local property tax.
To see the sample notice Steve Esponda describes:
Sample Notice
Exemptions Notice
Still got questions about your property tax notice? You have until May 23rd 2025 to appeal.
Contact:
County Assessor’s Office
76 n Main St
Buffalo WY 82834
307 684 7392
Mon- Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Find the answer to many frequent questions on the County Assessor’s website:
Click here
