The state board of equalization shall equalize the valuation and assessment of property throughout the state, and has power to equalize the assessment , classification, and exemption status of property in this state between assessment districts of the same county, and between the different counties of the state. It shall: 1. Equalize the assessment of real property by adding to the aggregate value thereof in any assessment district in a county and in every county in the state in which the board may believe the valuation too low, such percentage rate as will raise the same to its proper value as provided by law, and by deducting from the aggregate assessed value thereof, in any assessment district in a county and every county in the state in which the board may believe the value too high, such percentage as will reduce the same to its proper value as provided by law. City lots must be equalized in the manner provided for equalizing other real property. 2. In making such equalization, add to or deduct from the aggregate assessed valuation of lands and city lots such percentage as may be deemed by the board to be equitable and just, but in all cases of addition to or deduction from the assessed valuation of any class of property in the several assessment districts in each county and in the several counties of the state, or throughout the state, the percentage rate of addition or deduction must be even and not fractional. 3. In equalizing individual assessments: a. If it believes an assessment to be too high, the board may reduce the assessment on any separate piece or parcel of real estate if the owner of the property has appealed such assessment to the board either by appearing personally or by a representative before the board or by mail or other communication to the board in which the property owner's reasons for asking for the reduction are made known to the board. (1) The board does not have authority to reduce an assessment until the owner of the property has established to the satisfaction of the board that the owner of the property had first appealed the assessment to the local equalization board of the taxing district in which the property was assessed and to the county board of equalization of the county in which the property was assessed. (2) The board does not have authority to reduce a new assessment provided for under section 57-14-08 until the owner of the property has established to the satisfaction of the board that the owner of the property had first appealed the assessment to the county board of equalization of the county in which the property was assessed. b. If it believes an assessment to be too low, the board may increase the assessment on any separate piece or parcel of real estate. The secretary of the board, by mail sent to the last -known address of the owner to whom the property was assessed, shall notify such person of the amount of increase made by the board in such assessment. c. The percentage of reduction or increase made by the board under this subsection in any assessment must be a whole -numbered amount and not a fractional amount. 4. Equalize the classification and taxable status of real property in any assessment district in a county and in every county in the state in which the board determines the classification or taxable status is incorrect or inequitable. The board may equalize property under this subsection if information is received indicating that property within the assessment district or county may be erroneously classified or the property's taxable status is incorrect. The board may also equalize property under this subsection if a property owner has properly appealed the property's classification or taxable status. In the case of an appeal, the owner of the property must establish to the satisfaction of the board that the owner of the property had first appealed the classification or taxable status determination to the local equalization board of the taxing district in which the property is situated and to the county board of equalization of the county in which the property is situated. 5. Provide for reviews of selected properties, parcels, or lots within each county by the tax commissioner, state supervisor of assessments, or their designee, to verify the accuracy of real property assessment listings, valuations, classifications, and eligibility for exemptions. The reviews must be examined by the state board of equalization at its annual meeting in August. The board may make necessary corrections in the property assessment listings, valuations, classifications, and eligibility for exemptions or direct the affected township, city, or county governing body to make the corrections ordered by the state board of equalization resulting from its examination of the reviews provided for in this section. 6. The board may prescribe rules and regulations necessary and advisable for the detailed administration of and compliance with this section. 7. If any county or county official fails to take action ordered by the state board of equalization under the authority granted to it in this chapter or chapter 57-02, the board may petition any judge of the district court to issue a restraining order, writ of mandamus, or other form of declaratory or injunctive relief requiring the county or county official to comply with the order of the board. The order or notice upon the petition shall be returnable not more than ten days after the filing of the petition. The petition must be heard and determined on the return day, or on such day thereafter as the court shall fix, having regard to the speediest possible determination of the case consistent with the rights of the parties. The county or county official must show cause why the county or county official should not comply with any directive or order of the board. The judgment must include costs in favor of the prevailing party. 8. The board may order a new assessment of any class of property, or of all the property, located within any political subdivision if, in its opinion, taxable property located within that subdivision has escaped assessment in whole or in part, has been assessed unfairly, or has not been assessed according to law. A new assessment ordered by the board must be made as provided in section 57-14-08. 9. A property owner may appeal the assessment, classification, and exempt status of the owner's property to the state board of equalization if the property owner was foreclosed from attending assessment proceedings because of the failure to substantially comply with the notice requirements in chapters 57-02 or 57-12, or because of an irregularity in the township, city, or county assessment proceedings.
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