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Property Tax Calculator

Calculate your annual and monthly property tax based on assessed value, tax rate, and any homestead exemptions. See your effective tax rate and full breakdown.

$

The assessed value from your tax authority, not necessarily market value

%

Also called mill rate. Average US is ~1.1%

$

Exemption amount if applicable (optional)

Enter your assessed value and tax rate, then click Calculate to see your property tax.

How Property Taxes Work

Understanding Property Taxes

Property taxes are annual taxes levied by local governments (counties, cities, school districts) on real estate you own. They are one of the largest ongoing costs of homeownership and fund essential public services including schools, roads, emergency services, and local infrastructure.

Assessment vs. Market Value

Your property tax is based on the assessed value of your home, which may differ from its market value. Assessors determine this value using recent comparable sales, property characteristics, and sometimes physical inspections. Some states assess at full market value, while others use a fraction (e.g., 40% of market value). Assessment ratios and methods vary by jurisdiction.

The assessed value is typically updated every one to five years, depending on local rules. If you believe your assessment is too high, you have the right to appeal it within a specified window after receiving your assessment notice.

Mill Rates and Tax Rates

Property tax rates are often expressed as a mill rate, where one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. A mill rate of 20 mills means you pay $20 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is equivalent to a 2% tax rate. Your total property tax rate may be the sum of multiple levies from different taxing authorities (county, city, school district, special districts).

Exemptions and Deductions

Many jurisdictions offer property tax exemptions that reduce your taxable value. The most common is the homestead exemption for primary residences, which can save homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars annually. Other exemptions may exist for seniors, veterans, disabled persons, or agricultural property. Always check with your local assessor’s office to ensure you’re receiving all exemptions you qualify for.

Budgeting for Property Tax

When budgeting for homeownership, divide your annual property tax by 12 to understand the monthly cost. If you have a mortgage, your lender may collect property tax payments through an escrow account, adding a portion to each monthly mortgage payment.

Frequently asked questions

Property tax is calculated by multiplying the taxable value of your property by the local tax rate (sometimes called the mill rate). The taxable value is typically the assessed value minus any applicable exemptions, such as a homestead exemption. Tax rates vary widely by state, county, and municipality.

Property tax rates vary significantly across the US. States like New Jersey (~2.2%), Illinois (~2.1%), and New Hampshire (~2.0%) have the highest average rates. Hawaii (~0.3%), Alabama (~0.4%), and Louisiana (~0.5%) have the lowest. The national average is approximately 1.1% of assessed value.

To appeal your property tax assessment, first review your assessment notice for errors in square footage, lot size, or property details. Gather comparable sales data showing your home is overvalued. File a formal appeal with your local assessor’s office before the deadline (usually 30–90 days after the notice). You may need to attend a hearing to present your case.

A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, lowering your property tax bill. The amount varies by state and locality — some offer a fixed dollar reduction (e.g., $25,000 off assessed value), while others provide a percentage reduction. You typically must apply and prove the property is your primary residence to qualify.

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