Property taxes are a major source of funding for local services. They help pay for public schools, community health services, fire and police protection, streets, roads, flood control projects, and many other services. The property tax is an ad valorem tax. Ad valorem is a latin phrase which means according to value. The tax is based on the value of the property.
All property is taxable unless state or federal law exempts all or part of the value.
Total exemptions may be granted for public properties or those owned by qualifying organizations such as churches, schools, or charitable organizations. Homestead, over sixty-five , and disabled veterans exemptions are examples of partial exemptions, which reduce the taxable value on qualifying property. What a property is used for on January 1, market conditions at the time, and who owns the property on that date, determine whether the property is taxed, it's value, and who is responsible for paying the tax. A tax lien attaches to property on January 1 to secure payment of taxes for the year. The information contained in this website is intended as a brief overview of general administrative guidelines.