Complete Homeowners Guide to Managing Property Taxes

Are you staying on top of your property taxes? Most homeowners only think about property taxes once a year when the bill comes in. But what if there’s an easier way to manage them all year round?

Being proactive with your property taxes can save you from expensive surprises, late payments, and mistakes that can cost you in the long run.

Let’s break down these simple steps, which will help you stay on top of your property taxes and avoid unnecessary stress.

1. Verify your property tax records. The first step in staying ahead of property taxes is making sure your property tax records are correct. You might think this is a small detail, but it’s really important. You should regularly check your local county property tax website to ensure that all your information is accurate.

This includes verifying that your property’s parcel number and mailing address are correct. Sometimes, mistakes happen, and an outdated or misspelled address can cause problems later. So, take a few minutes to log into the county’s portal and double-check your details.

2. Review your tax bill. Even if you haven’t received your property tax bill in the mail yet, it’s a good idea to check it online. This way, you’ll know exactly how much you owe and when the payment is due. You can also avoid any surprises by looking for any extra charges or changes in the bill.

It’s always better to be prepared than to realize too late that you missed a payment or made an error. If you spot any mistakes, you can address them early by contacting the assessor’s office to make corrections.

3. Set a payment reminder. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget about property taxes. That’s why setting up reminders on your phone or calendar can be really helpful. The first payment is usually due by November 1st, and the second is due by February 1st. If you miss the deadline, you might face penalties.

By setting reminders, you can avoid missing important dates and ensure your payments are made on time. If you’re unsure about your payment, it’s always good to check the portal or even pay online, where you can easily track your payment records.

4. Watch out for supplemental tax bills. Supplemental tax bills are something many homeowners overlook. After you buy a new home or make improvements, the county might send a supplemental bill to make up for any differences in the property’s assessment.

These bills can come months after your regular tax bill, so be sure to check for them. Keep an eye out for any changes or updates to your property tax records on the county’s website, and always look at your mail carefully for these additional charges.

5. Keep your escrow accounts up to date. If you’ve refinanced your home or have a mortgage, it’s essential to stay on top of your escrow account. Sometimes, your mortgage company will handle the property tax payments for you, but if your escrow account is not updated correctly, there could be delays.

Make sure you keep track of any changes and check that your mortgage company is making the payments on time. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to reach out to them to confirm everything is in order.

Taking action now can save you from financial headaches down the road. Remember, being proactive and staying organized with your property taxes is the key to peace of mind.

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out to me at (619) 379-7664 to schedule a complimentary consultation, or visit our website athttps://kevinsmithsells.com/ for more tips and information.