After an open house for a new construction home for sale, I received multiple inquiries regarding the estimated property tax for this property. I did some investigating and asking around, only to receive very little info on the subject, so I decided to look into this matter further in order to relay the most accurate information possible.
Prospective home buyers almost always have a specific budget in mind when shopping for a home, oftentimes this budget is based on calculating the monthly mortgage payment. The principal or original loan amount is fixed, and the interest rate is usually fixed as well. However, homeowners pay property taxes, a owner will need to determine the property’s estimated value and local mill rate to complete this data.
Estimates are pretty easy to obtain for existing builds, but new construction proves a little more difficult, as previous years tax info is based on a real estate without any “improvements” on the land, so we need to determine the updated value for this real estate.
Market Value vs Assessed Value
Most buyers probably have a good understanding of a home’s market value (amount a buyer will pay to purchase), but tax municipalities use a home’s assessed value, which is determined by the local assessor.
According to Realtor.com,
home owners can expect a “home’s assessed value
to amount to about 80% to 90% of its market value.”
Tax assessors can calculate a home’s current assessed value as often as once per year. They also may adjust information when a property is sold, bought, built, or renovated, by examining the permits and paperwork filed with the local municipality.
Use Comparables to Estimate Value
Looking at comparable homes is a good way to estimate a home’s value. If possible, locate a house built by the same builder. Then search for properties that seem comparable – same neighborhood, neighborhood/local amenities, property acreage, style, square footage, bedrooms, bath, property amenities, etc.
Mill Levy or Mill Tax Rate
When attempting to calculate a home’s estimated property tax, you’ll need to know the “mill levy” or assessment rate for real estate in the local area. The tax rate varies, based on the public amenities and revenue required by local government – public schools, police, full-time fire department, city parks, playgrounds, etc.
Your area’s property tax rate should be listed on your local tax assessor or municipality website, and it’s typically represented as a percentage.. To estimate property taxes, multiply the home’s assessed value by the mill levy.
Mill levy or millage tax, is the rate a property is taxed at. Millage is .001, or means for every $1,000 in value, an owner will pay $1 in taxes.
Property’s Assessed Value x Mill Rate = Annual Tax Amount
SmartAsset.com reports,
the average county tax rate for
Eau Claire County, Wisconsin is 1.810%.
There may also be additional taxes besides millage property taxes. Special assessments may be applied by the town, city, village and school district within the county.
It’s also important to note that property taxes can change over time, and the actual amount of property tax owed may vary from the estimate.
Additional Information
It is best to contact your local assessor for information about your property assessment. The assessor is familiar with your local area and has a copy of the property tax state laws. If there are any questions, contact the local state’s Department of Revenue Equalization Bureau.
DISCLAIMER: Information contained here is not to be considered tax or financial advice. For situation specific advice, please consult your accountant and/or attorney.