Property Tax Lawyers in Olivette

Olivette, Missouri laws require that most owners of real property pay taxes on its value. "Real property" refers to building and land, and objects (like natural resources) that are permanently affixed to the land.

The property tax in Olivette, Missouri is simply a percentage of a piece of property's appraised value, paid to the state and/or local government on a periodic - usually annual - basis.

Generally, property taxes are not levied by the federal government. This applies to everywhere in the U.S.. Usually, property taxes are imposed by state and local governments.

How Property Tax is Calculated in Olivette, Missouri

Most often, property taxes in Olivette, Missouri are simply a set percentage of the property's value. Across the country, state authorities impose a wide range of different tax rates. The highest rates in the country are in the area of 5% of the property's value, and the lowest are less than 1%.

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

In many ways, the value of a piece of land is relative. After all, many people ascribe sentimental value to their homes, which goes well beyond its market value. To ensure that the system is fair, the government uses only objective standards to determine value.

To that end, the Olivette, Missouri employees in charge of appraising land look at objective facts to calculate value, like the size of the land and any buildings on it, the way in which the land may legally be used (zoning), and the health of the local real estate market.

How A Olivette, Missouri Property Tax Attorney Can Help.

In Olivette, Missouri, property taxes can become pretty complex. Legal disputes can arise in the property tax context, even if there is no wrongdoing, and the dispute arises from an honest misunderstanding. You might have a good reason to suspect that a mistake was made when your property was appraised, resulting in a higher tax bill than you believe you legally owe, for example.

If you are affected by one of these, or any other, property tax legal issues in Olivette, Missouri, you should deal with it properly. If you fail to do so, a relatively minor issue can become much more expensive and inconvenient than it might otherwise have been. So, the assistance of a good tax attorney in Olivette, Missouri is highly useful in avoiding these issues in the first place, or handling them if they do arise.