As a homeowner in Jonesboro, AR, understanding the tax policies in your area is crucial. Property taxes are a major source of revenue for local governments and play a significant role in funding public services such as schools, roads, and emergency services. In this article, I will delve into how property taxes are calculated in Jonesboro, AR and what factors may affect your tax bill.
The Basics of Property Taxes
Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property, which is determined by the county assessor's office. The assessed value is then multiplied by the tax rate set by the local government to determine your tax bill.In Jonesboro, AR, the tax rate is set by the city council and county quorum court. The tax rate is typically expressed as a percentage of the assessed value. For example, if your home has an assessed value of $100,000 and the tax rate is 1%, your annual property tax bill would be $1,000.
The Assessment Process
The first step in calculating your property taxes is determining the assessed value of your property. This is done by the county assessor's office every few years. In Jonesboro, AR, properties are reassessed every three years. The county assessor's office takes into account several factors when determining the assessed value of a property.These include the size and location of the property, any improvements or additions made to the property, and recent sales of similar properties in the area. If you believe that your property has been overvalued, you have the right to appeal the assessment. This can be done by contacting the county assessor's office and providing evidence to support your claim.
Exemptions and Deductions
In Jonesboro, AR, there are several tax exemptions and deductions available to homeowners that can lower their property tax bill. These include:- Homestead Exemption: This exemption is available to homeowners who use their property as their primary residence. It allows for a portion of the assessed value to be exempt from taxation.
- Senior Citizen Tax Credit: Homeowners over the age of 65 may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $375.
- Disabled Veteran Exemption: Disabled veterans may be eligible for a full exemption on their property taxes.
It is important to note that these exemptions and deductions are not automatic and must be renewed annually.
Tax Policies Affecting Property Values
In addition to the tax rate and assessment process, there are other tax policies that can affect Property Values in Jonesboro, AR. These include:- Tax Increment Financing (TIF): TIF is a tax policy that allows local governments to use future property tax revenue to finance current development projects. This can lead to an increase in property values in the designated TIF district.
- Special Improvement Districts (SID): SID is a tax policy that allows local governments to levy additional taxes on properties within a designated district to fund improvements such as street lighting, landscaping, and infrastructure.
Appealing Your Property Tax Bill
If you believe that your property tax bill is too high, you have the right to appeal it. This can be done by contacting the county assessor's office and providing evidence to support your claim.It is important to note that you must pay your property taxes while the appeal is being processed. Some common reasons for appealing a property tax bill include incorrect assessment of the property's value, errors in the calculation of the tax rate, or eligibility for an exemption or deduction that was not applied.
