Oklahoma Administrative Code
Title 710 - Oklahoma Tax Commission
Chapter 10 - AD Valorem
Subchapter 3 - Equalization Study
Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 710:10-3-1 - Purpose of the equalization study

(a) The equalization study set forth in this Subchapter is mandated by law pursuant to 68 O.S. § 2865(a) of the Ad Valorem Tax Code. The purpose of this study is to collect and analyze data for the purpose of formulating recommendations to be presented to the State Board of Equalization. The State Board of Equalization may use the recommendations of the Oklahoma Tax Commission for the equalization and adjustment of the valuation of the real property within and among the several counties pursuant to Article 10, Section 21 of the Oklahoma Constitution and 68 O.S. § 2865 of the Ad Valorem Tax Code. See also: Board of County Commissioners of Canadian County v. State Board of Equalization, 363 P.2d 242 (Okl. 1961); In Re McNeal's Appeal, 35 Okl. 17, 128 P. 285 (1912).

(b) The purpose of the equalization study among the counties is to ensure the legal level of assessment of each county is at the level ordered by the State Board of Equalization. Should the State Board of Equalization determine that new legal levels of assessments be mandated, the purpose of this study among the counties will be to ensure that each county maintains the constitutionally-mandated assessment level.

(c) The purpose of the equalization study within each county is to ensure that all classes of real property are valued uniformly and assessed at one ratio. Cantrell v. Sanders, 610 P.2d 227 (Okl. 1980).

(d) The purpose of the equalization study is also to notify the State Board of Equalization as to any inequities that exist within any class or classes of real property within a county or among the several counties. 68 O.S. § 2864.

(e) The purpose of such equalization study is to conduct a comprehensive review of the assessments in each county assessor's office. This equalization study shall be the basis for the Oklahoma Tax Commission findings and recommendations presented to the State Board of Equalization under its responsibilities defined by 68 O.S. § 2865.

(f) The provisions of this Subchapter are not to be construed to limit the constitutional and statutory authority of the State Board of Equalization to equalize within and among the counties, nor the statutory authority of the Oklahoma Tax Commission to make recommendations to the State Board of Equalization under the provisions of Section 2865, Title 68, Oklahoma Statutes.