St. Louis taxes (California, Oran, Rea: for sale, real estate, houses)

[Marion Meeker]

Hi,
it is very likely we will be moving to STL this summer. Coming from Orange County, CA, with its horrendous tax loads and living costs, I am very interested of the taxes imposed on STL residents.
In particular sales tax, income tax, and this is an interesting one : "real property tax" (what in the world is that and how is it assessed?), tax on homes, etc.
When I did my research I found contradicting results, and it almost seems you have more taxes than here in SoCal.
I really enjoy reading all the interesting information on what areas to look for homes in and what areas have great schools. It helps me a great deal on where to look for a home. I hope you can help with this question too.
Thanks,
Marion

[STLCardsBlues1989]

I think taxes in St. Louis are less than in California, and property is quite a bit cheaper than a lot of urban California areas. Cost of living is also relatively low.

But I don't live in St. Louis, so I can't give you any numbers on taxes.

Real Property (as I was told in a business class last year) is land and buildings and fixtures on it. I think it's anything permanently attached to the land (as in not easily removed). Houses aren't always permanent, but you can't remove them easily.

I'm not sure exactly what the tax is about, though.

Welcome to St. Louis!

Greater St. Louis Taxes At a Glance This site looks official. Hopefully it is accurate and helpful.

General Tax Information has some people to call about taxes, but I've never dealt with them, so I can't tell you if they're easy to work with.

About Your Property Tax Bill: How Your Tax Is Calculated st. louis property taxes explained.

Assessor's office: Property Assessment

1. Real Property - includes land, improvements to the land and all rights inherent in ownership. When you receive an assessment notice or tax bill for your house, business property, etc., you will notice that land and improvements are listed separately. Improvements consist of any buildings located on that land (e.g. your house). This has nothing to do with improvements (e.g. rehabilitation, renovation or repairs) you have or have not made to your property.
2. Personal Property - any property that is not real property, that is, not permanently affixed to part of real estate. Personal property includes cars, boats and farm equipment, and business assets.
3. Intangible Property (e.g. copyrights and patents) - is not taxable in Missouri.

No. Some personal property is exempt, including household goods, inventories for sale, wearing apparel and items of personal use and adornment. For most people, a car is the only taxable item of personal property in Missouri. Exempt real estate includes property owned by governments, and property used as non-profit cemeteries, exclusively for religious worship, for schools and colleges, and for purely charitable purposes. However, exemption is not automatic, and it is the responsibility of the property owner to show the property should be exempt from ad valorem taxes.

About Your Property Tax Bill: Where the Money Goes Where property taxes go.

Gasoline Tax Gasoline tax
Sales Tax Sales tax
Earnings Tax Earnings tax

Hope that helps.

[st. louie louie]

I believe the sales tax is 7.616% It may be a touch higher in certain cities.

[WhyteWing]

Hi, Marion! I am a former SoCal resident (though not a property owner when I was there - just a hopeful researcher...), so let me share the following:

Property costs (investments) are remarkably stable here, and the property taxes compare well against the crazy fluctuation from area to area in SoCal. Cost per sq. ft. and cost of living are LOVELY compared to your current stomping ground. If you plan to improve a property, though, make sure you educate yourself in terms of the issues specific to the building styles and structures in the area before you begin - it's a whole different kettle of fish from Wcoast concerns.

Sales tax is comparable, though city taxes (added to each purchase) vary from area to area - this is something to keep an eye on because St. Louis is Such a drivable region that you can move seamlessly from one tax zone to another.

The "real property tax" was a new one for me, too. They wanted to know about the cars we owned. Because we moved here after the tax date for 2007, we were not charged for this year, so I don't know how steep that will be... My impression is that it is not a big deal. Certainly, registration costs were lower.

Good Luck, welcome to the neighborhood, and have fun,
WW