Millage rates are just one of the many specialized tax terms property owners are likely to encounter. While it's often used interchangeably to mean "tax rate," millage rates have some key differences. Here is a guide to understanding millage rates and a few other important pieces of property tax terminology:
Millage rate has nothing to do with mills or milling. Rather, the name comes from the Latin "millesimum," which means "one thousandth" (1/1000). Millage rate or mill rate means the amount per every $1,000 of a property's value. Multiple millage rates go into calculating property tax amounts.
A lien is a legal claim against your property. Liens are established when you neglect to pay your taxes. Tax liens can be applied to land and building property but also to other assets like motor vehicles.
A tax levy is a more significant penalty for neglecting your taxes in which the government can actually take ownership of your property to pay the debt. The IRS can seize and even sell your assets if they're levied. Fortunately, levies are not applied immediately, but can happen after a tax lien has been placed on property and not removed.
Ad valorem is another tax term based on Latin roots. It means "according to value" and is used to convey the flexible value of individual properties and assets. Ad valorem is a percentage of the sale price or the assessed value of the asset.
These are just a few of the important tax terms property owners should know. Keep these in mind to better understand your own property taxes and better navigate the financial world.
David has been helping clients with their real estate needs since 2006. On Hilton Head Island he has experienced and lived in the villa, gated, and non-gated communities. His love of this unique area and care of his client's individual needs are of utmost importance. Whether you seek a dream home or investment real estate he can help you achieve that goal.
He is the current President of the Property Owners Association of Burkes Beach, an upscale beachfront community located mid-island. He is an avid college football fan and University of Tennessee graduate in Business Management. He is the proud Father of five island children, Palmer, Baylor, Banks, Beres, and Jewels.
