How to Find the Taxable Value of a Property

You can find the taxable value of a property by visiting the county property appraiser's or tax collector's website.

The taxable value of a property is the amount a property is taxed by local governments. The amount is determined by the county property appraiser or tax collector who uses state and local regulations, property values, and market tables to arrive at a rate on which to tax properties based on their value.

You can find the taxable value of a property by looking online at the county property appraiser's office or tax collector's office, looking at real estate that has recently sold with comparable floor plans and square footage and are in the same county, or by hiring a property appraiser.

Instructions

1. Go to your county tax collector's or property appraiser's website. Most property appraiser's or tax collectors websites will give you the formula to calculate the taxable value of the property and how to find amount in taxes is charged against a property--this includes homestead exemption, capped assessed value (if applicable), low income and/or low income senior exemption, and so on.

   For instance in Pinellas County Florida, the taxable value is determined by taking the market value of the property and subtracting all exemptions, which yields the taxable value. To find how much those taxes amount to, add all the millage rates together, multiply by 1,000 and divide taxable value by that number.

2. Look for comparable sales in your county. When a property is placed for sale all tax information must be disclosed. Look online for properties in your county that are comparable to yours. They should have the same square footage and contain the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You can also contact the listing agent of the property and ask them what the taxable value is of the property they are listing for sale.

3. Hire a home or property appraiser. An appraiser examines a home to determine its overall state of repair and location (if it is in a flood zone or near a fault line). Using specific information about the particular property, they compare and contrast that information with the current market and make a determination as to value. Because of their experience in property valuation, they are familiar with county millage rates and exemptions.

References

• Property assessment and taxable value
• "Challenge Your Taxes: Homeowner's Guide to Reducing Property Taxes"; James E. A. Lumley; 1998