What is the function of 'tax rates' in calculating property taxes?

What is the function of 'tax rates' in calculating property taxes?

• A. To determine property values.
• B. To set exemption levels for the elderly.
• C. Tax rates applied to assessed values produce the levy amount.
• D. To authorize refunds to taxpayers.

Answer: (C)

Tax rates are the conversion factor that turns a property's assessed value into the amount of tax owed. The municipality must raise a certain levy (the total tax revenue needed). The tax rate is set so that when it is applied to each property's assessed value, the sum of all those taxes equals that levy. For example, if the district needs $10 million and the total assessed value is $2 billion, the rate is 0.005 (0.5%). A home with a $300,000 assessed value would owe about $1,500 (300,000 × 0.005). Exemptions reduce the value that is taxed, and refunds are budgeting decisions, but the fundamental function of the rate is to convert assessed value into tax owed.

Tax rates are the conversion factor that turns a property's assessed value into the amount of tax owed. The municipality must raise a certain levy (the total tax revenue needed). The tax rate is set so that when it is applied to each property's assessed value, the sum of all those taxes equals that levy. For example, if the district needs $10 million and the total assessed value is $2 billion, the rate is 0.005 (0.5%). A home with a $300,000 assessed value would owe about $1,500 (300,000 × 0.005). Exemptions reduce the value that is taxed, and refunds are budgeting decisions, but the fundamental function of the rate is to convert assessed value into tax owed.