States Could Face New Shortfalls as Homeowners Beg for Lower Taxes

By Andrew Jeffery Jul 06, 2009 2:35 pm

The next round of bailouts could be just around the corner.



When the value of your house starts heading to south, there isn't a lot to be thankful for. Some homeowners, however, are looking for a silver lining.

The New York Times reports that homeowners across the country are petitioning state and local governments for lower property tax bills. The timing couldn't be worse for municipalities, many of which are already facing a cash crunch. In California, the state has begun issuing IOUs to contractors and other creditors. Some states, like New Jersey, have increased property taxes in an attempt to prop up revenue -- much to the chagrin of its homeowners.

As property values fall, homeowners face bills that can far outweigh what they would owe should the taxman keep his records in real time. This doesn't sit well with most citizens -- many of whom are already behind on mortgage payments and struggling to make ends meet.

Property taxes are assessed using myriad formulas and reassessment schedules, such that predicting exactly how much you'll owe each year can be nightmarishly complex. Historically, as home prices rose, periodic reassessments benefited homeowners, since the tax assessed value of most properties lagged their true value.
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