[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Woodbear

Given that The Villages could control every facet of Sumter County government/Schools, it is too bad we do not. Given the latest census numbers, more than 60% of Sumter County residents can be found living in The Villages.

And your point is? You would eliminate the school tax?

[Gettingoutofdodge]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

Held my breath opening the envelope. Exhaled as I saw tax bill was $18.00 more than last years. Phew.

We payed our bond off a couple years ago so only had the “maintenance”’ $498.

Fire Assessment $125.

Considering current inflation going on, I’m OK…

I’m considering paying off the bond. Why is there still a charge for maintenance.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Gettingoutofdodge

I’m considering paying off the bond. Why is there still a charge for maintenance.

Because infrastructure doesn't repair itself???? Potholes don't fill themselves. Lines on roads don't repaint themselves.

[RPDaly]

///

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Gettingoutofdodge

I’m considering paying off the bond. Why is there still a charge for maintenance.

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Because infrastructure doesn't repair itself???? Potholes don't fill themselves. Lines on roads don't repaint themselves.

Plus flowers, grass mowing, irrigation system maintenance, irrigation water, drainage pipe repair/replace, sinkhole repair, etc.

[mastergolfer]

My villa up$292 over last year. Such is life

[NoMo50]

Originally Posted by RPDaly

Your home's assessed value not the taxes levied on it can only increase by 3% per year (or the CPI , whichever is lower) per this law. Many people think it's the dollar amount that is capped. There was some legislative action to get it lowered to 2% earlier in the year but not sure where that is now.

What you are referring to is the Save Our Homes Act, which caps the annual increase in home assessed valuation at a max of 3%. But...in order for the SOHA to apply, the homeowner must have the Homestead Exemption in place. Further, the SOHA doesn't kick in until the second year following application of the Homestead Exemption. These taxing strategies are intended to help Florida residents. To get the benefit of the SOHA assessment cap, you must first have the Homestead Exemption. To get the Homestead, you must prove that you are a Florida resident.

While there were some minor changes in the millage rates in the ad valorem section of your Sumter County tax bill, the main culprit in any increase on your tax bill directly relates to increases in assessed valuation. For 2023, the amount of non-ad valorem items (bond, maintenance, fire assessment), remained fairly level.

The bottom line is: If you want to avoid year-to-year sticker shock at tax time, become a Florida resident. Apply for the Homestead Exemption, and the the SOHA will automatically kick in the second year. Oh...and then there is Portability, but that is a topic for another discussion.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by NoMo50

What you are referring to is the Save Our Homes Act, which caps the annual increase in home assessed valuation at a max of 3%. But...in order for the SOHA to apply, the homeowner must have the Homestead Exemption in place. Further, the SOHA doesn't kick in until the second year following application of the Homestead Exemption. These taxing strategies are intended to help Florida residents. To get the benefit of the SOHA assessment cap, you must first have the Homestead Exemption. To get the Homestead, you must prove that you are a Florida resident.

While there were some minor changes in the millage rates in the ad valorem section of your Sumter County tax bill, the main culprit in any increase on your tax bill directly relates to increases in assessed valuation. For 2023, the amount of non-ad valorem items (bond, maintenance, fire assessment), remained fairly level.

The bottom line is: If you want to avoid year-to-year sticker shock at tax time, become a Florida resident. Apply for the Homestead Exemption, and the the SOHA will automatically kick in the second year. Oh...and then there is Portability, but that is a topic for another discussion.

Good explanation of SOHA. One of these days I need to get a better understanding of portability.... or maybe just not move.

Maintenance Fee increase 15% but that varies by District.
Sumter County Property Tax decreased slightly
The main culprit on my bill was a 17% increase in School Tax millage.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.

I agree Sumter county in villages taxes are too low. They need to get with program. But have bunch cheap skates to deal with. I like living in Marion county they know how to tax. I love giving my money to people that loves to spend someone’s else’s money. Mather fact I think I’ll pay extra this year. They’ve earn it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Randall55

I was pondering the same. Why did school taxes go up when 70-80% of the tax base do not have children? If you take into account the Developer built three new schools at no charge, it makes less sense. Maybe, they are upgrading/remodeling the older schools? Maybe, more children have moved into the area? Quite a bit of apartments, townhomes, and subdivisions have been built.

Because the ones who do have children need to educate their children. That means they still have to have schools, computer networks, teachers, paved roads, copy machines and A/V equipment, crossing guards, maintenance workers, landscapers, a principal, a school nurse, a librarian, aides, and so on and so forth.

Because one of those kids COULD end up becoming a President of the United States and it's in the interest of OUR kids and grandkids to ensure that ALL children are educated. That's what public education is for. Our taxes pay for the education of the leaders of the future. They also pay for the initial education of the business owners, property managers, health care workers, arborists, bankers, musicians.

Our tax dollars are supposed to ensure that all of our future adults get a solid educational foundation so we don't end up with a country overwhelmed with ignorant people scrambling for jobs they're unqualified to fill.

I'm okay with that.

Our tax bill was under $2000, which is still less than it was up north. Our northern home was a little smaller, on much larger property. Our northern taxes were close to double but we also had snow removal, MUCH better public schools, leaf pickup, large item "spring cleaning" pickup a couple times a year, much more accessible town government, and a host of other positives that don't apply to Central Florida because it just isn't built or laid out that way.

So I compare my taxes here with what I paid up north, for the services I get here compared to those I got up north.

I'd be okay paying more for education but only if they provided better education for the money. Currently they don't, so I'm okay paying less.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Because the ones who do have children need to educate their children. That means they still have to have schools, computer networks, teachers, paved roads, copy machines and A/V equipment, crossing guards, maintenance workers, landscapers, a principal, a school nurse, a librarian, aides, and so on and so forth.

Because one of those kids COULD end up becoming a President of the United States and it's in the interest of OUR kids and grandkids to ensure that ALL children are educated. That's what public education is for. Our taxes pay for the education of the leaders of the future. They also pay for the initial education of the business owners, property managers, health care workers, arborists, bankers, musicians.

Our tax dollars are supposed to ensure that all of our future adults get a solid educational foundation so we don't end up with a country overwhelmed with ignorant people scrambling for jobs they're unqualified to fill.

I'm okay with that.

Our tax bill was under $2000, which is still less than it was up north. Our northern home was a little smaller, on much larger property. Our northern taxes were close to double but we also had snow removal, MUCH better public schools, leaf pickup, large item "spring cleaning" pickup a couple times a year, much more accessible town government, and a host of other positives that don't apply to Central Florida because it just isn't built or laid out that way.

So I compare my taxes here with what I paid up north, for the services I get here compared to those I got up north.

I'd be okay paying more for education but only if they provided better education for the money. Currently they don't, so I'm okay paying less.

One of your better posts

This year's school tax in Florida: $2153
2015 in NY $5524

So I'm not unhappy. But I'd be even happier if I was paying for education and not indoctrination.

[retiredguy123]

Someone who pays their bill on Mar 31, 2024 pays 4 percent more than someone who pays their bill on November 30, 2023. They call it a discount, but I call it a penalty. Why doesn't everyone need to pay the bill at the same time?

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Someone who pays their bill on Mar 31, 2024 pays 4 percent more than someone who pays their bill on November 30, 2023. They call it a discount, but I call it a penalty. Why doesn't everyone need to pay the bill at the same time?

They do all need to pay at the same time, they need to pay by March 31, 2024. If I pay my bill on 3/25/24 then I pay exactly what the Ad Valorem and Non-Ad Valorem sections add to.

Some people will pay early and the County gives a discount to those who do. If I pay my bill on 11/24/23 then I receive a 4% discount for paying early. My choice, I can keep the money in the bank for another four months and pay the full amount.

Some people pay with a credit card and they pay a penalty/fee/charge for doing so.

[Taltarzac725]

How long does it take them to process a check? Would have done it online but they have a convenience charge of 2.5%.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

How long does it take them to process a check? Would have done it online but they have a convenience charge of 2.5%.

There is no charge for an e-check (online). I paid mine that way just now.