Real Estate Property Tax Question

Discussion in 'Sun City New Members' started by DDD, Jun 14, 2020.

  1. DDD

    DDD New Member

    Hi Everyone, thank you for answering my prior questions. I've been wondering how property taxes work in AZ and more specifically Sun City.

    Here in TX our real (estate) is re-assessed every year based on sales in our county and neighborhoods. Although the Assessor is not supposed to have access to the MLS records, in past years he has had access. We pay based on a percentage of value and a set mil rate. The mil rate can increase each year by vote. There is a 10% cap on the increase allowed. In all years I've lived here the 10% increase has been met.

    We hire companies to protest our individual tax bill each year.

    We have a homestead exemption which drops the cost of property taxes. We also have a cap at age 65 which freezes our school property tax.

    We have no tangible personal property tax on things like autos, boats, etc. I've lived in states that do tax these things. Although we do pay to register our autos and have to have them inspected annually.

    How does the property tax work in Sun City? Is there a tangible personal property tax? Are cars inspected before registering them? What is the cost to have them inspected?

    Anything else you can tell me would be appreciated.
     
  2. BPearson

    BPearson Well-Known Member

    First thing you need to know is we have no local school district taxes. Peoria asked us to leave their school district in 1974 when they were growing and couldn't pass school bonding issues. We have no local schools and there are not supposed to be any children living in Sun City. One of the Sun City Home Owners (SCHOA) primary functions is to submit statistics regarding the age overlay (80% of those living in Sun City over 55). The reality is we are well over 90%. Multi-generational families living together with adult children, under age spouses and care-givers make up the difference.

    Our property taxes have limits on how much they can be raised. We also have exemptions people can apply for based on need. The one blip is when a property sells, they county can make an adjustment based on the selling price. Makes sense in that some folks have lived in their home for 30 years and their taxes are low. Property values have been rising and that house that sold in 1990 for 80 or 90 K might now be $220K. That said, compared to other areas of the state, our taxes are a bargain. I suspect most attached units in the 1200 square foot range will be well below $1000 per month, more likely around $800 (or less).

    Auto's of a certain age have to be inspected, not sure if it's every two or three years. Something like $75 for the emissions test. Insurance rates are usually a little lower in Sun City as are sales taxes.

    Hope that helps; others may have a better handle than i do on actual costs.
     
  3. aggie

    aggie Well-Known Member

    "Property values have been rising and that house that sold in 1990 for 80 or 90 K might now be $220K. That said, compared to other areas of the state, our taxes are a bargain. I suspect most attached units in the 1200 square foot range will be well below $1000 per month, more likely around $800 (or less)."

    You'll have to excuse Bill for this error.....He meant "well below $1000 per year, more likely around $800(or less)." :)
     
    BPearson likes this.
  4. CMartinez

    CMartinez Well-Known Member

    To follow up on Bill's great information, after living here for two years, if your income qualifies, you may apply for your taxes to be frozen for as long as you live in the house. If you don't don't qualify for tax incentives, that is okay as well, as the taxes in our little corner of the world are quite reasonable. We are a county island, which means we are not a city, therefore, no city taxes. Because we are an adult community, as Bill stated, we pay no school taxes either. So there are two taxes which will not be a factor when thinking about what to buy and where to live. Most property taxes are within the $650 to $800 per year range for most homes in Sun City. The price does go up if you purchase a property on a golf course lot.

    As far as auto's go, if you purchase a brand new car, there will be sales tax on the purchase. All cars have sales tax attached to them when purchased. The cost of emissions inspection is $25.00 per year unless you purchase your plates for a two year term. If you purchase a brand new auto, you will be exempt from emissions for five years, just pay for the license plates and taxes.

    License plates are on a sliding fee scale, based upon age and what the original value of the vehicle was when purchased new. So the first year plates are quite high, but continuously decrease with the age of the vehicle. The plate fee stays at $25.00. It is the annual taxes which are paid to keep the plates that are on the downward sliding scale.

    Cars will be required to go to the DMV to verify the VIN number matches the vehicle in order to allow the car to be registered in AZ. Doesn't take long to accomplish and as far as I know, there is no additional charge for the VIN number inspection.

    So unlike the state you live in now, motor vehicles do pay a yearly tax to keep their license plates current.

    Hope this helps, and Thank You to Bill for his great explanation
     
  5. DDD

    DDD New Member

    Thank you. That is very helpful.
     
  6. pegmih

    pegmih Well-Known Member

    Due to covid19, there is a special price for emission test this year.
    Last week I renewed my emission test for one year for $16.00.
    Usually a test for 2 years is $17.00.
    I have a 2007 Pontiac G6 with under 20,000 miles.

    According newspaper services will done by mail.
    Such as titles, registrations, and license plates.

    Go to
    www.azmvdnow.gov
    for most MVD services.
    If that doesn't work, just google Motor Vehicle Department Arizona.
     

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