What are property taxes based on?

Property taxes are fundamentally based on the assessed value of real estate properties. The assessed value is a determined value assigned to a property by a governmental authority, usually for the purpose of taxation. This valuation process takes into account various factors, including market trends, property condition, and comparable sales, to arrive at a fair estimate of what the property is worth.

When determining property tax rates, local governments apply a tax rate to the assessed value, which creates the tax liability for the property owner. This ensures that property taxes reflect the actual market value of the property in question.

In contrast, while the size of the property lot may influence the assessed value, it alone does not determine the property taxes. The location can affect the assessed value, as properties in different areas might have different market rates, but it is not a direct basis for calculating taxes. The age of the property might also play a role in its condition or market value, but similarly, it is not a primary factor in tax assessment. Therefore, the assessed value is the key criterion for determining property taxes.