03 June 2009

What Are Mellow-Roos Property Taxes?

By Valerie Faltas

The Howard Jarvis Administration was the driving force in implementing Proposition 13 which put a cap on propety taxes in the state of California. As a result, of Proposition 13 California Homeowners had to discover different ways to pay for government community improvements in their communities like streets, schools, parks, etc. The Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 was implemented by the California legislature, the Act enabled Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) to be put into place as a means of obtaining this critical neighborhood financing.

The quantity of Mellow-Roos Property Taxes varies from one CFD to another. Generally, an accepted formula that pertains to the size of the home (square footage or parcel size) is used to establish the amount of particular assessment. Often, the special property taxes and assessments do not exceed 1% to 1.5% of the market value of new homes. Additionally, the total amount of all yearly property taxes usually does not exceed 2% to 2.5% of the residence's taxable property base value. So if you are able to lower your taxable base value or in other words, your propety taxes you will save a substantial amount of money if you have Mellow-Roos Taxes on your residence since of the increased percentage in property taxes you pay.

The average homeowner in most major city areas in California in todays real estate market has lost in excess of $200,000 in market value and at the normal rate of 1.25% in property taxes they will save $2,500 per year for every year they own their residence! However, that same homeowner at a 2% property tax rate because of Mellow-Roos taxes will save $4,000 per year in property taxes! Learning to PERMANENTLY lower your taxable base value in California is the key to saving thousands over the course of your home ownership which is disclosed in the California Little Black Book.

Most often Mellow-Roos Property Taxes are applicable to newly built communities such as large scale Planned Unit Developments (PUD) where there have been many new houses built at once and the property taxes are necessary to create city services. Ive seen Planned Unit Developments that had upwards of 5,000 homes built! So, the county and city governments need to scramble for financing to build the roads, sewage systems, schools, recreation centers, parks and so much more. Prior to purchasing a property with Mellow-Roos property taxes you will be notified in the beginning negotiation stages of buying the home and during escrow that these property taxes apply. You will never be blind sighted by Mellow-Roos Taxes, it is required that you are informed before buying.

About the Author: Valerie Faltas, Property Tax Expert has been involved in all facets of real estate for over ten years including assessments, appraisals, estates and trusts, investing and much more. She is a Certified Property Tax Appraiser, Licensed Residential Appraiser and a member of the International Association of Assessment Officers. As a real estate investor and advisor she is well versed in all aspects of real estate. To contact Valerie Faltas go to her website: www.propertytaxlittleblackbook.com. - 2456

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