Property Taxes

All the states directly tax or permit certain property owned by residents to be taxed by local governments. Generally, local county and city governments tax real estate such as land, homes and other structures. Personal property is also taxed in some states. In those states, residents pay tax on vehicles, boats, equipment, furniture, and the like. The taxes are typically paid to the county, school district, college district or water district. Property tax revenue pays for local public services such as public schools, police and fire departments, garbage collection and salaries for local government officials.