A buyer takes a $250,000 mortgage in Florida. What is the intangible tax?
Audio Lesson
Duration: 2:53
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
$250
A is incorrect because it represents half the correct amount, likely resulting from using a tax rate of 1 mill instead of the required 2 mills for Florida intangible tax.
$500
$750
C is incorrect as it represents three times the correct amount, possibly from misreading the tax rate as 3 mills instead of 2 mills.
$1,000
D is incorrect as it represents four times the correct amount, likely from using 4 mills instead of the required 2 mills for Florida intangible tax.
Why is this correct?
B is correct because Florida law imposes an intangible tax of 2 mills ($0.002 per dollar) on mortgage debt. For a $250,000 mortgage, the calculation is $250,000 × 0.002 = $500, which matches option B.
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
Intangible tax is a crucial concept in Florida real estate transactions because it represents a significant closing cost that affects both buyers and sellers. This question tests your ability to calculate a specific Florida tax that applies to mortgage debt. The core concept is straightforward: Florida imposes a tax on mortgages based on the amount borrowed. The calculation requires multiplying the mortgage amount by the tax rate of 0.002 (equivalent to 2 mills). In this case, $250,000 × 0.002 = $500. What makes this question challenging is the need to know Florida's specific tax rate and recognize that 'mills' refers to thousandths of a dollar. This question connects to broader real estate knowledge by reinforcing that closing costs vary by state and must be accurately calculated to properly advise clients on transaction expenses.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
Intangible tax is a Florida-specific tax levied on certain financial instruments, including mortgages. Established in Florida law, this tax applies to new mortgages or assumptions of mortgage debt. The tax rate is currently set at 2 mills per dollar of mortgage debt (0.2 cents per dollar). This revenue goes to the state's general revenue fund. Unlike many other states, Florida does not impose a traditional mortgage recording tax, making intangible tax a significant closing cost consideration in Florida real estate transactions.
Two mills in Florida's sun, makes intangible tax fun - just move the decimal point three places to the right, then multiply by two with all your might!
Remember that Florida's intangible tax rate is 2 mills. To apply it, move the decimal point three places to the left (e.g., 2 becomes 0.002), then multiply by the mortgage amount.
For Florida intangible tax questions, remember the rate is always 2 mills. Convert mills to decimal by moving the decimal point three places left (2 mills = 0.002), then multiply by the mortgage amount.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
As a Florida real estate agent, you're helping first-time homebuyers purchase a $350,000 property with $100,000 down and a $250,000 mortgage. During closing disclosure preparation, you need to estimate their intangible tax. You calculate $250,000 × 0.002 = $500 and explain this is a state-mandated closing cost. When buyers question why they're paying this tax, you explain it's a Florida-specific tax on mortgage debt and differs from recording taxes in other states, helping them understand this unique aspect of Florida real estate transactions.
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