Quote:
Originally Posted by jhwest
We're looking at a house to buy that is less than a year old, so there are no current property tax records. I've looked up the value of the house according to Hays County assesments. I just don't get what the tax is! Is it determined by the county? Neighborhood? City? School district? Does everybody get a piece of the pie? And what is this MUD thing, and how do I know if I'm in one?
Is the tax based on what I pay for my house? Sorry to be dense, I just don't get it.
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Everybody gets a piece of the pie.. your total tax rate/bill will be based on all the jurisdictions you are in. You may have to look up another house in your neighborhood (or even street) to be sure which jurisdictions apply. They will be listed by their code on the appraisal roll search for a particular address. Then go here :
Hays County 2000 Tax Rates and Exemptions and add the rates together. They should end up anywhere from 2.25% - 3% total.
The tax is based on the market value of the house as determined by your (Hays) appraisal district. If you just bought the house, the value the following year should be no more than what you paid -- if it is, take your HUD statement to the appraisal office and they should adjust it down. If it's less than what you paid, just keep quiet
... it may make the big jump if the previous tax value was based on land and not the new house... but from that point on, they won't be able to raise it more than 10% a year provided you file for your homestead exemption.
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Property tax confusion
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