Understanding Property Taxes and How They Affect You

For new and future homeowners, property taxes can feel like one of the more confusing parts of owning a home.

You might know they’re due every year and that they’re based on what your home is “worth”—but how exactly are they calculated, and what do they pay for? Understanding property taxes is key to managing your home’s long-term costs and planning your budget effectively. Here’s what every homeowner should know.

What are property taxes?

These bills are paid by homeowners based on the value of their property, both the land and any buildings on it. They are collected by local governments, usually counties or municipalities, and they’re a major source of funding for public services. In other words, your property taxes help keep your community running. They fund things like:

• Public schools

• Roads and infrastructure maintenance

• Emergency services (police, fire, and EMS)

• Parks, libraries, and community programs

The exact percentage you pay depends on where you live, since tax rates vary by city, county, and state.

How property taxes are calculated

Your property tax bill comes from a simple formula: Assessed Value × Local Tax Rate = Property Tax.

Here’s what each part means:

• Assessed value: This is the dollar value your local tax assessor assigns to your home. It’s often a percentage of your home’s market value.

• Tax rate: Sometimes called a mill rate, this is set by your local government. It determines how much you pay per $1,000 of assessed value.

For example, if your home’s assessed value is $300,000 and your local tax rate is 1.5 percent, you’ll owe $4,500 in property taxes for the year.

How assessments work

Your local assessor periodically reviews property values, often every one to three years, to make sure that they reflect current conditions. They may look at your home’s size, location, improvements, and nearby sales to determine your assessed value.

If property values in your neighborhood rise, your assessment (and taxes) might increase too. The same goes in reverse—if values drop or your home’s condition changes, your taxes could decrease. You’ll usually receive a property assessment notice before taxes are due, outlining your assessed value and estimated bill.

What if your assessed value seems too high?

If you think your assessment doesn’t reflect your home’s true value, you have the right to appeal. Many homeowners do this if they believe their property taxes are higher than they should be. Here’s how:

1. Review your assessment notice for errors—like incorrect square footage or property details.

2. Compare similar homes in your area to see if your value seems out of line.

3. File an appeal with your local assessor’s office before the stated deadline.

If your appeal is successful, your assessed value (and your future tax bills) may be adjusted.

How property taxes affect your mortgage

If you have a mortgage, property taxes are often collected as part of your monthly mortgage payment. Your lender holds these funds in an escrow account and pays your property taxes on your behalf when they’re due. This helps ensure that you don’t fall behind, but it also means your monthly payment can fluctuate. If your taxes increase, your mortgage payment may rise to cover the difference. And if you own your home outright, you’ll pay property taxes directly to your local tax authority, usually in one or two installments per year.

Planning for property taxes as a homeowner

Property taxes are an ongoing expense that every homeowner should factor into their budget. When you’re buying a home, look beyond the mortgage payment and include property taxes (and homeowners insurance) in your monthly affordability calculations. It’s also wise to set aside a little extra each month for future increases, especially if your area is growing or home values are climbing.

Property taxes may not be the most exciting part of homeownership, but they’re one of the most important. They support essential services that make your neighborhood a great place to live, and understanding how they’re calculated helps you plan for them with confidence.

By keeping an eye on your assessed value, reviewing your tax statements, and knowing your rights to appeal, you can stay informed and avoid surprises. Whether you’re buying your first home or have owned for years, coming to understand property taxes with the help of a financial professional or real estate agent can pay off in superior peace of mind.