Property Tax Lawyers in Fairview Heights

In Fairview Heights, Illinois, 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 affixed to the land (such as buildings, trees, minerals, etc.).

Property tax in Fairview Heights, Illinois is derived by taking a percentage of the appraised value of the property in question. They are usually collected on an annual or monthly schedule.

The federal government almost never imposes property taxes directly. Property taxes are collected nearly exclusively by state, county, and local governments.

How Property Tax is Calculated in Fairview Heights, Illinois

Usually, Fairview Heights, Illinois property taxes are determined as a percentage of the property's value. Tax rates vary widely, but they typically run from less than 1% up to about 5%.

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

Value is subjective in many respects. The home that you grew up in is probably worth more to you than its going market rate. So, to ensure that property taxes are fair and uniform, tax collectors have to use purely objective factors when appraising property.

There are many different ways to value property using objective factors. Generally, the appraiser in Fairview Heights, Illinois will consider the current state of the real estate market, the size of the property, any improvements (buildings, roads, etc.) that have been made on the property, and the manner in which the property may be legally used (zoning).

How A Fairview Heights, Illinois Property Tax Attorney Can Help.

Property tax law in Fairview Heights, Illinois is not always simple. Legal disagreements about property taxes can arise from almost any situation. For instance, you might have reason to suspect that the taxable value of your home was overestimated, creating a bigger property tax bill. And, the government might claim that you have underpaid your property taxes, while you think that you have paid the correct amount.

If you encounter a legal issue with your Fairview Heights, Illinois property taxes, and don't handle it properly, unnecessary inconvenience and expense can result. If you have the assistance of a competent tax attorney in Fairview Heights, Illinois, however, the odds of encountering such a problem will be small.