Real estate taxes are a form of property tax paid on land and buildings. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "real," is pronounced as /riːl/, with a long "ee" sound and an emphasis on the "r." The second word, "estate," is pronounced as /ɪˈsteɪt/, with the emphasis on the first syllable and a short "i" sound. The final word, "taxes," is pronounced as /ˈtæksɪz/, with a short "a" sound, an emphasis on the second syllable, and a plural "s" sound at the end.
Real estate taxes refer to the levies imposed by governments on property owners based on the assessed value of their real property. These taxes are typically collected by local or state authorities and are used to support various public services and amenities such as schools, infrastructure development, police and fire departments, healthcare facilities, and other municipal services. Real estate taxes are a primary source of revenue for local governments and are assessed annually or semi-annually.
The amount of real estate taxes owed by property owners is determined by multiplying the assessed value of the property by the tax rate set by the governing authority. The assessed value is typically based on the market value of the property, which is determined by professional assessors or through valuation methods established by law. Property owners are usually required to pay their real estate taxes on a regular basis, often in installments, and failure to do so can result in penalties, interest charges, or even the risk of losing the property through foreclosure.
Real estate taxes vary from one jurisdiction to another and may be subject to exemptions or deductions based on factors such as the property's use (residential, commercial, industrial), the owner's age or disability status, or the property's historical or cultural significance. Property owners are typically notified about the assessed value and tax due through a tax bill or assessment notice sent by the local tax authority.