Q: How Can I Estimate Future Taxes on a New Home?
A: Property taxes are determined by multiplying the property's taxable value by the
millage rate set each year by the taxing authorities. The basic formula is:
Just/Market Value, Capped by the Save Our Homes Cap = Assessed Value
Assessed Value - Exemptions = Taxable Value
Taxable Value / 1,000 x Millage Rate = Gross taxes
Because each year's property value stands alone, it is difficult to estimate taxes before
annual property values and millage rates are established.
A property's value is not based solely on the specific purchase price of that property.
Value is a reflection of the market. When sale prices decline, so do values, and
conversely when sale prices increase, so do values. An arms-length sale price is one
component used, along with other market information, such as comparable sales, to help
establish values.
To get a rough estimate of future taxes, you can multiply your purchase price by the
current millage rate in the tax district where the property is located.
You can review the latest millage rates from the Tax Collector's website, or use 24.0 as a
starting rate for estimating. Please keep in mind that annual millage rates and values may
change as of January 1, so this method is for estimation purposes only. If you apply and
qualify for Homestead Exemption, you can expect to save about $500 on your taxes the first
year of the exemption.
Often, real estate professionals will suggest that you use 85% of your purchase price for
estimating taxes. While doing so will give you a ballpark number, be aware that, depending
on the date of your sale in relation to the January 1 assessment date and the actions of
other buyers in the market, your property value may differ significantly from your
purchase price.
It is important to remember that when a property sells, the previous owner's exemptions
and Save-Our-Homes Cap will be removed at the end of the calendar year, which can cause a
dramatic increase in taxes. Do not rely on the current owner's tax amount when estimating
your taxes
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Source: Pinellas County Property Appraisers Web Site - http://www.pcpao.org
The Florida Constitution was amended effective January 1, 1995, to limit annual increases
in assessed value of property with Homestead Exemption to three percent or the amount of
the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower (click here for CPI history). No assessment,
though, shall exceed current fair market value. This limitation applies only to property
value, not property taxes.
When a house is sold, the cap and exemption are removed at the end of the calendar year,
and taxes are calculated on the full market value, also called the Just/Market Value. The
property will fall under the limitations of the Save Our Homes Cap the second year of the
new owner's Homestead Exemption. (Therefore, if a property owner applies for and receives
Homestead Exemption for 2006, the Assessed Value will be capped in 2007). To determine
taxable value, any exemptions are subtracted from the Assessed Value to reach a Taxable
Value, which is then multiplied by the yearly Millage Rate set by the taxing authorities
to reach the amount of tax due.
Because a change in property ownership will effectively "reset" the Capped
Value, it is important to be aware when purchasing a new home that is benefiting from the
cap, it can be expected that property taxes will increase the next year because the
assessed value must be adjusted to equal current market value.
The increase due to the removal of the Cap may double or even triple taxes, depending on
how long the previous owner had homestead exemption. The table below illustrates this.
(For example, if the Millage rate for this fictitious property was 23.000 mills, then the
previous owner would have paid $736, whereas one year later the new owner would pay $1,725
- a substantial increase.)
How the Cap Works when a Property Sells:
Previous Owner's CAP 1st Year of New SOH: 2nd Year of SOH:
Just/Value (Increases with Market): $90,000 $100,000 $120,000
Assessed (Capped) Value: $57,000* $100,000 $103,000**
Less Exemptions: -$25,000 - $25,000 - $ 25,000
Taxable Value $32,000 $ 75,000 $ 78,000
*(For this example, the previous owner's Assessed Value has been capped for several years
and is therefore significantly lower than the current Just/Market Value.)
**(For this example, Property is Capped at 3% , Cap Rate for 2006 - actual cap rate will
vary yearly.)
If additions or improvements are made to the property, the value of those improvements
will be added to the roll regardless of the cap. For example, if a pool is added to a
property, the value can increase no more than the cap rate, plus the value of the pool. If
we correct such items as size, number of bathroom fixtures, installation of heat and/or
air conditioning, the value of those corrections will also be added to the roll above the
cap.
To help you to clarify just what the taxes for a property will be, go to the Search Our
Database page and find the property via owner's name, address or parcel number. The
resulting page will display: 1) taxes the current homeowner is responsible for, 2) the
amount taxes would be without the SOH cap, and 3) the amount taxes would be without an
exemption. You can also call our Information Services Division at 727-464-3207 for this
and other valuable information.
The fine print...
The cap does not apply to properties that are not homesteaded or are rented. Multi-family
properties may qualify based on percentage of use. For example, if you own a duplex, live
in one half and rent the other half to a tenant, only 1/2 of your property value will be
capped.
The cap remains in effect upon the change of title due to divorce or death of a spouse as
long as the remaining owner continues to live on the property as their permanent address.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Owners to your Homestead Property
Will I Lose My Homestead Exemption if I add someone to my deed?
Adding names to the ownership of your home normally does not change your $25,000 Homestead
Exemption, BUT you may lose all or part of the protection your property receives from the
Save Our Homes (SOH) assessment limitation or "cap". The SOH cap keeps the
assessed value of your home from increasing more than 3% per year as long as you maintain
your Homestead Exemption. A loss of protection from the SOH cap will increase the amount
of property taxes you pay.
Will I lose my Save Our Homes Cap if I add someone to my deed?
Maybe, depending on how you own the property (the "tenancy"), and if the new
owner files for Homestead Exemption on your property. "Tenancy" is the term used
to describe the way property is owned, the relationship between the owners, and what
happens to the property when an owner dies. The most common forms of tenancy are: tenancy
by the entireties, joint tenants with right of survivorship, and tenants in common. If two
or more people own property with a homestead exemption, the type of tenancy that appears
on the deed can have an effect on the "Save Our Homes" provision, and ultimately
the amount of taxes that are owed.
If the new owner is your spouse, or someone who is legally or naturally dependent on you,
he or she must apply for homestead exemption. Your current Save Our Homes cap will not be
adjusted.
Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship:
If the new owner is a joint tenant with right of survivorship, and he or she DOES NOT
apply for Homestead Exemption, your SOH cap WILL NOT be adjusted.
If the new owner is a joint tenant with right of survivorship and DOES apply for Homestead
Exemption, your SOH cap WILL be adjusted to market value and start anew the following
year. In future years, the SOH Cap will protect 100% of the property.
One Important Note! If the new owner is living with you and intends to make the property
his or her permanent residence, it may make more sense to apply for the new Homestead
Exemption now rather than waiting until a later date. Your Homestead Exemption and SOH cap
protects only you, and not the new owner. In the future if you no longer reside in this
home, the new owner will have to apply at that time, and the property value and taxes will
most certainly be much higher than they are now.
Tenants in Common
If the new owner is a tenant in common and DOES NOT apply for homestead exemption, your
SOH cap WILL BE adjusted to protect only your proportionate or "percent"
interest in the property. The "percent" interest of any owner who does not have
homestead exemption will be assessed at market value each year.
If the new owner DOES apply for Homestead Exemption, your SOH cap WILL BE adjusted to
market value and start anew the following year.
Can I "undo" or cancel a deed that is already recorded?
If the wording of your current deed has consequences that you did not intend, you may want
to consider a corrective deed. Please consult an attorney, title company or other real
estate professional to help you prepare your corrective deed. The Property Appraiser's
office cannot advise you, since there are many serious considerations that go beyond how
homestead exemption is calculated, including income and estate tax consequences. We
recommend that you never attempt to change your deed without the help of a professional.
Are there other ways of transferring my property for estate planning that will not disturb
my Homestead Exemption or SOH Cap?
Two methods of transferring your property will, in most cases, keep your Homestead
Exemption and SOH intact: reserve a Life Estate for yourself or transfer your property to
your trust. Please consult your attorney or estate planning professional before attempting
either option.
If you transfer your property to a trust, your attorney should know that three criteria
are required in order for your Homestead Exemption and SOH cap to remain intact:
You as the homestead owner must have beneficial or equitable title to real property. In
other words you must be the trustee or beneficiary of the trust. If you are the
beneficiary but not the trustee, your interest must be in REAL property, not PERSONAL
property.
You must have the present possessory interest in the property. Simply, you must have the
right to live there.
The deed that transfers the property into the trust must be recorded.
Can my attorney contact you if he or she needs to?
Absolutely! You, your attorney or estate planning professional are encouraged to call our
Exemptions Department with any questions you may have. We can be reached at (727)
464-3294.
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR ATTORNEY OR ESTATE PLANNING PROFESSIONAL. THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED
ONLY TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE.
Save Our Homes Annual Increase
YEAR CPI CAP
2006 3.4% 3.0%
2005 3.3% 3.0%
2004 1.9% 1.9%
2003 2.4% 2.4%
2002 1.6% 1.6%
2001 3.4% 3.0%
2000 2.7% 2.7%
1999 1.6% 1.6%
1998 1.7% 1.7%
1997 3.3% 3.0%
1996 2.5% 2.5%
1995 2.7% 2.7% |