PROPERTY TAX TIPS

Property tax is a tax on real estate and sometimes other property which you own. Local governments typically assess property tax. The amount of property tax you owe is largely based on where the property is and how much it is worth.

CALCULATING YOUR PROPERTY TAX

Property tax is typically determined by multiplying the value of the property by a tax rate. Here’s how the value of your property and the tax rate might be determined.

THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY

• Assessors (sometimes called appraisers) who work for the local taxing authority track the value of every piece of land and real estate in a taxing district, such as a city or county. They maintain databases of local property values, often using sophisticated mapping software.
• Your home’s assessed value will likely be less than its market value. By how much will vary by location, but it’s common. (Think of it this way: The higher the value, the higher the tax.)
• While you own your home, the county can have many ways to detect changes in your home’s value, including inspections, permit applications from a remodeling project, reports from neighbors or regular updates.
• Cars, machinery and other property might be subject to personal property tax too.

THE TAX RATE

• Property tax rates are often based on the “millage rate,” where one mill is equal to one-thousandth of a dollar. Your property tax rate might not be expressed as a percentage, but rather as some number of mills.
• For example, if the local property tax rate on homes is 15 mills, homeowners pay $15 in tax for every $1,000 in assessed home value. Accordingly, a house with a $200,000 assessed value would be taxed $3,000.
• Some taxing authorities apply the property tax rate only to a portion of the home value rather than to the full home value. That can reduce the property tax bill.
• The local taxing authority, again likely your county but possibly your city or town instead, typically determines the tax rate.

WHAT PROPERTY TAX PAYS FOR

• Generally, property tax goes to the local government. They often fund school districts, police and fire departments, road construction and other local services.
• Failing to pay property tax can result in the taxing authority placing a tax lien on the property. A tax lien is a legal claim against property or financial assets you own or may have coming to you. It’s not a seizure of your assets, but it is a claim on them. If you sell the asset, the government could be entitled to some or all of the proceeds. Buyers and sellers often discover liens on properties by doing a title search.

HOW TO DISPUTE YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL

If you disagree with a property tax bill on your home, you can challenge the home’s assessed valuation. You’ll need to show that the assessed value doesn’t reflect your property’s true value.

• Gather comparable listings or ask a real estate agent to pull records of comparable sales for you.
• Call your assessor’s office to learn the dispute process. Aim to show that homes with similar tax values are better than yours. Start by discussing your findings by phone or in person.
• If you’re unsatisfied, you might be able to pursue the case with an independent tax appeals board.

HOW TO PAY PROPERTY TAX

Typically, there are two ways to pay property tax on a house:

1. Write a check once a year or once every six months when the bill comes from the taxing authority.
2. Set aside money each month in an escrow account when you pay the mortgage.

Don’t assume you’re paying property tax when you give money to the escrow company. Think of that as “saving up” for the property tax bill. The escrow company uses the money in your escrow account to pay your property tax when the bill arrives.

HOW TO DEDUCT PROPERTY TAX ON YOUR TAX RETURN

• Property tax can be tax-deductible; use Schedule A when you file your return to figure your deduction.
• You’ll need to itemize your taxes instead of taking the standard deduction if you want to deduct property tax. It’ll probably take more time to do your taxes if you itemize, but you could end up with a lower tax bill.
• Want to know more about deducting your property tax? This article tells you how it works.

Call Williams & Kunkel CPA today in Flower Mound at 972-446-1040 to have a chat and find out how you can grow your real estate business. 

In addition, you can connect with us to receive updates throughout the business week by following us on Twitter or LinkedIn or liking us on Facebook.

Source: Nerd Wallet