Property Tax Lawyers in Sarasota County

In Sarasota County, Florida, the government imposes a tax (a legally-mandated payment made to the government) on real property. "Real property" is defined as any piece of land, or object permanently or semi-permanently adhered to the land (such as buildings, trees, minerals, etc.).

Sarasota County, Florida determines property taxes simply by taking a percentage of the property's value. Normally, they are paid on a yearly or monthly basis.

Normally, the federal government does not collect property taxes anywhere in the U.S. Property taxes are collected almost exclusively by state and local authorities.

How Property Tax is Calculated in Sarasota County, Florida

Sarasota County, Florida property taxes are normally calculated as a percentage of the value of the taxable property. Rates vary widely across the country, normally ranging from less than 1% at the low end, to about 5% at the high end.

To collect the property tax in a fair and consistent manner, Sarasota County, Florida tax authorities need to have an objective formula for determining the value of land under its jurisdiction.

Value, in some ways, is not an objective thing. For example, your childhood home is probably worth much more to you than its simple market value. However, the tax authorities use only objective factors in calculating a home's taxable value.

With that in mind, the land appraisers in Sarasota County, Florida look at several factors, including the state of the local real estate market, the square footage of the house, and the permissible use (zoning) of the land.

How A Sarasota County, Florida Property Tax Attorney Can Help.

Sarasota County, Florida's property tax system is somewhat convoluted. Legal disputes arising from property taxes can arise in a number of ways. For instance, the state might accuse a homeowner of failing to pay their property taxes, when they really have. Conversely, a homeowner might believe that the value of their property was appraised inaccurately, resulting in a higher tax bill.

If you are immersed in a property tax dispute with the tax authorities of Sarasota County, Florida, you should seek the help of a Sarasota County, Florida tax attorney. Your attorney can help you prevent a small tax problem from turning into something much bigger and more expensive than it needs to be.