Taxes

Property Tax Assessment Limits

Many states have laws to limit how much property taxes can increase each year, regardless of market value fluctuations.

Understanding Property Tax Assessment Limits

These limits, often implemented through ballot measures or legislation, protect homeowners from drastic tax increases due to rapidly rising property values. The limits can be expressed as a percentage cap on either the assessed value or the taxes themselves. It's important to understand that these limits do not prevent taxes from increasing due to new construction or changes in ownership, which often trigger reassessment.

Real-World Example

California's Proposition 13 limits annual increases in the assessed value of real property to 2% per year, unless there is a change in ownership or new construction. Similarly, Oregon's Measure 50 limits annual assessed value increases to 3%, regardless of market changes.

Exam Tips

Pay attention to the specific percentage limits and any triggering events (e.g., change of ownership, new construction) that can override the limits. Remember that these laws are state-specific.

Related Terms

Assessed ValueMarket ValueProposition 13Measure 50Tax Levy

Practice Questions

Related Concepts

Various programs and exemptions exist to reduce the property tax burden for specific groups, such as seniors, homesteaders, or veterans.

A transfer tax is a tax imposed on the transfer of ownership of real estate.

Homestead portability allows homeowners to transfer a portion of their accumulated homestead tax savings to a new homestead in the same state.

Depreciation is an accounting method of allocating the cost of an asset over its useful life, allowing investors to deduct a portion of the asset's cost each year.

Master This Concept

Practice with real exam questions and track your progress.

Start Free Trial