FAQ - Regarding Your Property Tax

• Where does the majority of my money go?

  Approximately seventy five percent (75%), goes directly to education.

• Why do my taxes go up every year?

  Tax increases are a combination of increased property worth and higher budget demands. You may ascertain which specific jurisdictions increased their budget by reviewing the comparative taxes shown on the front of your property tax statement. If you have questions about a particular increase, call the respective phone number on the back of your tax statement.

  The Maricopa County Assessor determines property values and provides notification of valuation. Please contact the Assessor' s Office (506-3406) for the latest valuation information on your property.

• What is the difference between the Secondary Full Cash Value (FCV) and the Limited Primary Value (LPV)?

  Secondary Full Cash Value (FCV) is the Assessor's estimate of the true market value. FCV is used to calculate taxes for voter approved bonds, BUDGET overrides and certain special districts. Limited Primary Value (LPV) is a legislatively established value based on a mathematical formula that limits the amount of increase in any given year. The two values often are the same. Assessments based on the LPV provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the jurisdictions shown on your property tax statement.

• What happens if I don't pay my property taxes?

  Several things occur. Interest is assessed BY STATE LAW at 16% per annum prorated monthly. If the taxes are not paid in full within 13 months, an advertising fee of 5% or $5.00, whichever is greater, is assessed and during the sixteenth month the Treasurer's Office offers a tax lien ON THE PROPERTY for sale. If the tax lien is not redeemed within three years from the date of sale, the purchaser may initiate foreclosure proceedings.

  Failure to receive a tax statement is not a legal reason for waiving interest. The Treasurer must assess interest on all delinquent payments at the rate of 16% per year (simple), prorated monthly on the first day of each month.

  Parcels with prior year delinquent taxes still owing at the end of December become candidates for the Back Tax Lien Sale the following February.

• I just purchased this property. Why am I being told that I am responsible for the full year's taxes?

  In a typical real estate transaction taxes are prorated, and the buyer is given credit for the seller's portion. You should look at your settlement statement provided by the title company to confirm this.

  The new owner of a property should write to the Treasurer's Office to update name and address information prior to August when tax bills are mailed.

• I thought my mortgage company was responsible for paying my property taxes. Why did I receive a bill?

  Sometimes mortgage companies fail to ask the Treasurer for billing information for some of their customers. There are many reasons this occurs, some of them good ones. Since we do not know who is responsible for paying the taxes, we send the bill to someone who cares; the property owner. Experience shows this approach works best. In addition, we send a Property Tax Information Statement to property owners with mortgages. The Information Statement provides the same level of detail as the regular tax bill so every citizen will know where their money goes.

  If a mortgage company is responsible for payment of your taxes, you should contact them to confirm their receipt of tax information for the County Treasurer.

• Am I qualified for a tax exemption?

  The Arizona Revised Statutes 42-11111 provides in part, The property of widows, widowers and disabled persons who are residents of this state is exempt from taxation to the extent allowed by article IX, sections 2, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, Constitution of Arizona, and subject to the conditions and limitations prescribed by this section.

  Click here to review the law.

  Click here to print the form.

  The Senior Homeownership Protection program is designed to freeze the full cash value of a primary residence owned by seniors based on income and age. More information is available from the Maricopa County Assessor website.

• When are taxes due?

  Annual property tax statements are issued on a calendar year basis and are printed and mailed in September of that year. The September statement has two payment stubs thereby avoiding the waste of taxpayers money on a second billing.

  
  
  

  Your property tax may be paid in full or in two installments:

  • The due date for the first half tax is October 1. The first half installment becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on November 1. If Nov 1 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the time of the delinquency is 5:00 pm on the next business day.

  • The second half tax is due March 1 of the following year and becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on May 1. If May 1 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the time of the delinquency is 5:00 pm on the next business day.

  • Current taxes may be paid in full by December 31 without first half interest if the amount due is over $100.

  • If the amount due is $100 or less, you must pay the full amount by November 1.

  
  
  

  To avoid paying on the wrong property, always check the property description and parcel number on the tax statement with your records.

  If you are responsible for paying taxes, i.e. no mortgage, and have not received a tax statement by October 15, please contact the Treasurer's Office for the tax information so that payment can be made before the first half becomes delinquent.