Property tax guides
Short, original explanations of how property tax works — so the numbers on this site make sense for your situation.
How property tax is calculated
The assessed value, assessment ratio and millage (mill rate) that turn a home value into an annual bill, and why two homes worth the same can be taxed differently.
Effective rate vs. mill rate: what the percentage means
Why a 1.2% effective rate and a posted millage are not the same number, and how to move between them.
Assessed value vs. market value
How assessors arrive at the number your tax is based on, how often it changes, and what caps and ratios do.
Homestead and other property-tax exemptions
Common exemptions that lower the taxable value of a primary home — homestead, senior, veteran and disability — and how they typically work.
How to appeal a property assessment
The usual steps, deadlines and evidence for challenging an assessed value you believe is too high.
Due dates, escrow and what happens if you fall behind
When property taxes are typically due, how mortgage escrow handles them, and the consequences of delinquency.
Property tax across the states: the big picture
Why effective property-tax rates vary so much from state to state, and what drives a high or low rate.
Ways to lower your property tax
Legitimate levers that reduce a property-tax bill: exemptions, an assessment appeal, and relief programs.