Question about property taxes in SA

Oct1406

So, I have been accruing a certain amount each month because currently our property taxes are based off the price of the land (I think) and not the house because the house wasn't there January 1, 2007. I called and asked when this would be adjusted and they said sometime this year. I also asked how they request the difference if they go back and pull in retro. The lady said they don't.. I don't believe that...

So, has anyone built a house and experience this process? I'm assuming they will send a bill for the difference (which is why I'm accruing), but if they don't, I have some money that needs to be put to good use.

TIA!

lauren&matt

Okay, I'm going from memory here. When we built in FtW (I'm assuming prop taxes are the same) we closed in Oct of 2004. Because it was "unimproved land" in Jan of 04 the taxes we cheap, like $800. Every January they re-look at the land. If it has been improved, the taxes go up (and up and up!) So for 04 we owed $800. In 2005 we owed ~$4K+
So I think you're okay for 07. Just start saving for 08

Oct1406

Thanks Lauren!

2goodgirls

I just saw your post and I am having the same dilemma. I just called the tax assessor(?)today b/c we only paid on our land last year and it wa pretty low so they dropped our mort.and are taking out less so we won't have enough in our escrow to cover our taxes at the end of the year. We got a huge refund chk b/c there was too much money left over in our escrow , so we're just gonna put the money back into our escrow to cover this year. The lady I spoke with today told me to call back in May. That's when they'll have all the appraisals in on the homes. HTH

2goodgirls

I also forgot that my bank told me that when they do their review which for me is in Feb. that if  I am short, my taxes will get paid but they will send me a statement for the balance owed. What I didn't have in my escrow.

Oct1406

Thanks for the info.. I'll call them in May too..

MarriedToMyLove

I have called two separate times about this and they have said no they won't do that both times. I have had to deal with that and just try to believe it because we just spent what we were saving for that issue just in case on fed. taxes!