Property taxes are taxes that you pay based on the value of the land you purchase. While the federal government doesn’t collect any of this money, it’s the state, county, and other local governments that you pay. These revenues are often used to support local schools, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and more.
While the amount of property taxes you pay vary depending on the state and county that you own land, the general process is often the same. That’s why Land Resellers would like to provide you with the following guide to understanding property taxes when you purchase land.
Property Tax Basics
The basis of property taxes is pretty simple. Your state or local county determines the value of your land, and you pay taxes based on that value. However, this basis can be a little more complicated in certain areas because every local government has its own rules. Below are some general basics you can expect when you purchase vacant land.
The Value Of Your Land
When it comes to factoring in potential property taxes, it’s important to determine the value of your land. This starts with an assessor/appraiser determining the market value of a specific property. A local assessor often handles all of the properties in their county, depending on the location.
Land appraisals may happen every 1-3 years or even less frequently. To determine the value of your land, an assessor will consider the value of other properties that were sold recently nearby. However, it’s important to note that most local governments don’t tax you on the full market value of your land. Instead, they will apply an assessment ratio that is the percentage of the market value of your land that is actually subject to tax. Depending on where you live, you can expect to pay between 20-70% in taxes based on your land’s market value. Assessment ratios can also vary depending on the type of land you have.
For example, let’s say the market value of a parcel of land you bought is priced at $50,000, and the local government uses an assessment ratio of 60%. You land’s assessed value would be $50,000 x 60% = $30,000. The property taxes you pay would only apply to that $30,000.
Property Tax Rates
Once a local appraiser has the assessed value of your land, they can apply the property tax rates, which are often factored annually. Property tax rates are often expressed in millage rates, meaning you will pay a certain amount of tax based on every $1,000 of your land’s value. For example, let’s say your local millage rate is 6.5, and your land’s assessed value is $50,000. The millage rate means you will pay $0.0065 in tax for every $1000 in land value. In this case, your tax bill would be $350 because $50,000 x $0.0065 = $325.
Property Tax Payments
Depending on the location of the land you own, you will have to pay property taxes either quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. You may also be able to make payments directly to the tax agency of your state. However, tax payments may go through an escrow account if you purchase land through a mortgage loan. You may also be able to make property tax payments online, much like you do with public utility bills. However, you may be charged a fee using a credit or debit card.
Property Tax Deductions
Many states allow certain homestead, low-income, senior, veteran, or disabled landowners to deduct some or all of their property taxes. Other exemptions can include those filing for bankruptcy or recently widowed. Other states, however, may lower the amount of taxes you pay through certain tax credits, which won’t allow you to deduct property taxes on your tax return.
Federal Deductions
Property taxes are not paid to the federal government. This means there aren’t many federal tax deductions you can claim. One exception, however, is the SALT (state and local tax) deduction, which allows you to lower your taxable income based on the amount paid in income taxes, property taxes, and sales tax. However, there is a $10,000 cap on this type of SALT deduction.
The Takeaway
Purchasing land isn’t always a simple process. That’s why it’s important to do your research and take the time to factor in how much property tax you can expect to pay on a specific property. If you complete all of the necessary homework and make it to the closing table, you’ll be able to purchase the land for the home or investment you’ve always wanted.
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