The terms “real estate tax” and “property tax” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Real estate tax is a type of property tax, but property tax can also refer to taxes on other types of possessions, as well as real property.

What is Real Estate Tax?

Real estate tax is a tax levied on the assessed value of real property, which is land and anything permanently attached to it, such as buildings, houses, and other structures. Real estate taxes are typically collected by local governments and used to fund essential services such as schools, roads, and public safety.

What is Property Tax?

Property tax is a general term for any tax levied on property, both real and personal. Personal property is any movable property that is not permanently attached to land, such as cars, boats, and machinery. Property taxes can be assessed at the state, local, or federal level.

Are Real Estate Tax and Property Tax the Same?

For the most part, real estate tax and property tax are the same thing. However, there is a subtle difference between the two.

Real estate tax is a tax levied on the assessed value of real property, which is land and anything permanently attached to it, such as buildings, houses, and other structures. Real estate taxes are typically collected by local governments and used to fund essential services such as schools, roads, and public safety.

Property tax is a general term for any tax levied on property, both real and personal. Personal property is any movable property that is not permanently attached to land, such as cars, boats, and machinery. Property taxes can be assessed at the state, local, or federal level.

How Are Real Estate Taxes Calculated?

Real estate taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of your property by the mill levy rate. The assessed value is the estimated market value of your property, as determined by your local tax assessor. The mill levy rate is set by your local government and is expressed in mills per dollar. One mill is equal to one-tenth of one cent.

For example, if your property has an assessed value of $200,000 and the mill levy rate is 50 mills, your real estate tax would be $10,000.

Here is a formula for calculating real estate taxes:

Real estate tax = assessed value * mill levy rate

You can find your property’s assessed value and mill levy rate on your property tax bill.

How to Pay Real Estate Tax

There are a few different ways to pay real estate tax. The most common ways are:

  • By mail: Write a check or money order payable to your local tax collector and mail it in the envelope that was included with your tax bill. Be sure to include your tax bill stub with your payment.
  • In person: Go to your local tax assessor’s office or tax collector’s office and bring your tax bill with you. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card.
  • Online: Go to your local tax collector’s website and follow the instructions to pay online. You can pay with a credit card or debit card.

Some tax collectors also offer other payment options, such as:

  • Phone payments: Call your local tax collector’s office to make a payment over the phone. You may need to provide your credit card or debit card information.
  • Automatic payments: Set up automatic payments from your bank account to your local tax collector’s office. This will ensure that your taxes are paid on time each year.

How to Reduce Your Real Estate Tax Bill

  • File a property tax appeal. If you believe that your property is assessed at too high of a value, you can file an appeal with your local tax assessor. You can find information on how to file an appeal on your county’s website or by contacting your tax assessor’s office.
  • Take advantage of tax exemptions and deductions. There are a number of tax exemptions and deductions available to homeowners, such as the homestead exemption and the senior citizen exemption. You can find information on which exemptions and deductions you may be eligible for on your county’s website or by contacting your tax assessor’s office.
  • Make improvements to your property. If you make energy-efficient improvements to your property, you may be eligible for a tax credit. You can find information on energy-efficient tax credits on the Energy Star website.
  • Shop around for home insurance. Home insurance rates can vary significantly from company to company. Be sure to shop around and compare rates before you renew your policy.
  • Bundle your home insurance with other policies. Many insurance companies offer discounts to customers who bundle their home insurance with other policies, such as car insurance or life insurance.
  • Pay your property taxes on time. If you pay your property taxes late, you may be charged a penalty. Be sure to pay your property taxes on time or before the due date to avoid paying a penalty.

Conclusion

The terms “real estate tax” and “property tax” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Real estate tax is a type of property tax that only applies to real property, while property tax can apply to both real and personal property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a tax on real estate or personal property called?

A tax on real estate or personal property is called a property tax.

What is a synonym for property tax?

Some synonyms for property tax include:

  • Ad valorem tax
  • Real estate tax
  • Personal property tax
  • Millage tax
  • Mill rate
  • Assessment tax

What are two types of property that can be taxed?

The two types of property that can be taxed are real property and personal property.

What are the two types of property?

The two types of property are real property and personal property.

What are the 4 types of personal property?

The four types of personal property are:

  • Tangible personal property: This is property that has a physical form, such as furniture, cars, and jewelry.
  • Intangible personal property: This is property that does not have a physical form, such as stocks, bonds, and patents.
  • Chattels real: These are interests in real property that are less than freehold, such as leases and mortgages.
  • Fixtures: These are items that are attached to real property in such a way that they become part of the property itself.

What is the main difference between real property and personal property?

The main difference between real property and personal property is that real property is land and any permanent structures on it, while personal property is anything else that can be owned.

What are 5 examples of personal property?

Five examples of personal property are:

  • Furniture
  • Cars
  • Jewelry
  • Stocks
  • Bonds

What is the meaning of estate property?

Estate property is all of the property that a person owns at the time of their death. This can include real property, personal property, and cash.

Why is it called real estate?

Real estate is called real estate because it is considered to be real property, which is land and any permanent structures on it.

What is the difference between house and estate?

A house is a single-family dwelling, while an estate can include multiple dwellings, as well as land, other buildings, and other assets.

Does estate mean land?

An estate can include land, but it does not have to. An estate can also include other assets, such as buildings, businesses, and investments.

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Last Update: October 26, 2023