Factors for Property Tax Changes

The Market Value of a Property May Change

Each parcel of property is physically inspected at least once every 5 years, but valued yearly.
Each year a sales ratio study is done to determine if the property is assessed similarly to like properties.
You may make additions or improvements to your property.

The Market Value of Other Properties in Your Taxing District May Change Shifting Taxes From One Property to Another

If the market value of other properties in your taxing district may change shifting taxes from one property to another. New construction broadens the tax base and inflation will make the tax base larger. In some areas, the value of certain types of property is going down.

The County Budget & Levy May Change

Each year, a county reviews the needs and wants of its citizens and how to meet those needs and wants. The county must review discretionary spending (decisions made locally) and non-discretionary spending (decisions based on federal, state and court mandates).

The City Budget & Levy May Change

Each year, a city reviews the needs and wants of its citizens and how to meet those needs.

The Township Budget & Levy May Change

Each year in March, towns set the levy and budget for the next year.

The School District's Budget & Levy May Change

The Legislature determines basic funding levels for K-12 education. School districts set levies for many purposes including transportation or community education. On average, about 85% of school funding is provided by the state.

A Special District's Budget & Levy May Change

Special districts include hospital districts, watershed districts, or drainage districts.

Voters May Have Approved a School, City, Town or County Referendum

Referendums may be held for construction projects, excess levies for schools and many other purposes. Referendum levies are usually spread on market value and not assessed value.

Federal or State Mandates May Have Changed

Both the state and federal governments require local governments to provide certain services and follow certain rules. Providing burial of the indigent is an example of a state mandate and collection of child support is an example of a federal mandate.

Aid From the State or Federal Government May Have Been Changed

Each year the legislature reviews and adjusts aid formulas.

Some examples of state aid to counties include:

Community Justice Aid (CJA)
Community Health Services (CHS)
Community Social Services Act (CSSA)
Homestead and Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA)
Local Public Health Act
Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE)

An example of federal aid includes grants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).

The State Legislature May Have Changed Class Rates

A change in class rates will require a change in the tax rate to raise the same amount of money.

In 2001, the legislature made significant changes in class rates as part of a major property tax reform bill, the effects of which will not be felt for a number of years.

Special Assessments May Have Been Added to the Tax Bill

Water lines, curb and gutter, and street overlays are examples of special assessments.

Changes in Law May Adjust the Tax Base

Fiscal disparities, personal property taxes on utilities, and tax increment financing are examples of laws that affect property taxes.