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Podcast: Property Taxes

In this podcast, we will discuss property taxes, and good and bad ways to address concerns about rising property tax bills. I’m Shannon Spillane and I’m joined by Senior Advisor Iris Lav.

1. Iris, let’s start with the basics. How are property tax revenues used and who collects them?

Property taxes are a major source of funding for public safety, schools, roads, libraries, and other services in most American communities.

They usually are collected by local governments, such as counties, towns, or school districts.

2. In recent decades, concern over rising property tax bills has led a number of states to impose a limit on the amount of property tax revenues that counties, municipalities, or school districts can collect. Several other states are considering such a limit, known as a property tax cap. Are caps a good idea?

Well, supporters of property tax caps argue that restrictions can lower property taxes without depriving residents of needed services.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. What happens is that localities are forced to cut back on teachers or course offerings, road repairs, public safety, and other services that are vital to sustaining a certain quality of life.

3. Are there specific states where you can see this negative impact?

California adopted a tight property tax cap called Proposition 13 in 1978. Public services have declined dramatically since then. California’s school system, formerly one of the best in the country, became one of the worst.

Similarly, some Massachusetts towns have had to close libraries and senior centers, and lay off teachers, fire fighters and police officers in order to comply with the state’s severe property tax cap. In some communities, class sizes are up, foreign language classes and gym classes are being reduced or eliminated, and students face massive fees to participate in activities. Residents face deteriorating roads, poorly lit streets and longer police and fire response times.

4. Do states have alternatives to caps that allow them to provide tax relief to property owners who face high tax bills, without undermining public services?

Yes. One option is called a “circuit breaker.” Circuit breaker programs put a limit on a family’s property tax bill if it represents too high a share of the family’s income. Households whose property tax payments exceed the limit receive a rebate from the state.

Circuit breakers allow the property tax to continue to fund essential services like education at the local level, while targeting assistance to those who need it.

Thanks for joining me, Iris. To learn more about property taxes and property tax caps please visit the Policy Basics section of our website at CenteronBudget.org.