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Tax bite taking heavy toll in Utah
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Anonymous | 3:00 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
How about Provo School District? Didn't they actually LOWER the tax
rate?
Bob G | 4:00 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
One thing this study failed to take in to account is the inflated values of
homes across Utah. That is values established by fraudlent lending and fraudlent
inflated appraisals on the real estate for borrowers to be able to buy these
homes. This in turn has created a false valuation by all Counties on properties.
Then the Salt Lake county used some creative taxing by devaluing some homes and
trippling the value of the land to offset the loss in total home values by the
collapse. Thus they keep the property taxes at an inflated overall value. Utah
must adopt a grandfather taxing system on residential properties on valuations
at time of purchase and through the life of ownership of such property. This
would end taxation by fraudulent assesors. Then where all taxes paid in all
counties end up in the general tax funds of the state, taxes for education and
state services should be equal state wide. Instead of education taxing by
county, it should be equal throughout the state and then let each scool district
fight with the state for their shares. This would end the disparity between
schools location and quality of education throughout the state.
Anonymous | 4:32 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
It goes to show that the Republican stranglehold in Utah has a price to pay.
High Taxes!!! After all its a Republican state! They need CHANGE!!!!!!
Comments continue below
just wonderful | 5:45 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
I saw my property taxes go up enough this year that I may have to sell my house.
Let's get back to basics! | 6:06 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
While I can certainly understand that the cost of basic services has increased,
perhaps each level of government needs to now look at differentiating between
"wants and needs". Just like us citizens, we are now forced to do
away with many things that we once felt were "necessary".
There's only so much we the consumer can bear. It's time to tighten
the belt - let's get back to providing "basic necessary services"
only.
Anonymous | 6:36 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Local governments have historically abused their citizens. They only raise
property taxes when artificial values are high, then when values drop, they make
no adjustment. These people need to be held accountable. This is not right.
Property taxes need to be rolled back to the pre-boom levels.
Petey | 7:33 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
As a self employed businessman I am amazed at the waste in Government. The only
solution seems to raise tax. Let's start with getting rid of government
employee benefits. I've never been on the golf course and not seen gov.
employees using sick days to golf, or they will lose them. Why do I have to pay
their health benefits I don't get them. The only solution is to tax me and
you more. Get a pencil with a big eraser and start cutting. Begin with the
benefits package and don't stop there.
TAX MAN | 7:49 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Tax increases in a shrinking economy?.....time to rid ourselves of all
politicans who propose a tax increase.....we need reports of those who actually
propose legislation tax increases and the names of those who vote for
them....then lets throw them out......Utah has long had a large state
infrastructure that needs to be go....turn these dept's over to the private
sector, one that has to run on a profit or loss....not on a fail safe govt
budget! Huntsman is a liberal like McCain and until Utah wises up...he will
continue to increase our taxes...
Davis County | 8:06 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
just does it the old fashioned way, by overvaluing your home.
Ultra Bob | 8:07 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
It amazes me that Republicans can get by with saying they are for low taxes and
less government when every time they are in charge of the government we get big
government and higher taxes. I wonder, has there ever been a case where they
actually do what they say.
Anonymous | 8:09 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
This must be more smear from the MSM. No way our taxes could have gone up, we
elected republicans. They would never raise taxes.
Ken Goddard | 8:20 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
On the other hand, a Utah Mother and Father making around $60,000 with three tax
deductible kids pays little or no federal income tax because of tax deducts and
credits. Much better than in my days of raising a family. Thus, lots of govt
services are free to them.
Fed Up | 8:47 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Cedar City will be increasing property taxes to pay for a lavish new rec center
complete with "lazy river", waterslides, a day care center, aerobics
classes and eventually indoor running tracks and basketball courts with the
threat the children will all turn into gang members without a $30 million dollar
plus monster taxpayer financed rec center. And people in this state like to say
they're conservative...hogwash!!!
Good Grief | 8:48 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Republican, Democrat, what difference does it make, fool!! We the people
continue to want more and more "freebies" from our government and the
govt employees want more money so that they can "take care" of us. It
doesn't make any difference which party, we are getting exactly what we are
voting for......enjoy.
slv | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
And the public just approved themselves and tax hike for the Zoo go figure that.
Complain about taxes and then vote to raise your own taxes!!!!
Funny | 8:53 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Funny,
I've seen my property tax ( my permanent government lien on my property....SICK)actually stay about the same as it was the year previous. I noticed that they devalued the worth of my house while raising the value of my land. Funny how that works....maybe its time we got the socialists out of government and put some real government back in. Maybe the Liberterians or the Constitutionalists? They actually believe in lower taxes, unlike the other two parties. Lets see the republicans promise lower taxes and give us higher taxes. The democrats ussualy promise us lower taxes ( if they promise at all) and give us higher taxes. Maybe its time to get away from the two main parties and give the other parties a chance to change the USA. One more point for all....how can we expect the USA to change if we elect the same parties time and time again?
I've seen my property tax ( my permanent government lien on my property....SICK)actually stay about the same as it was the year previous. I noticed that they devalued the worth of my house while raising the value of my land. Funny how that works....maybe its time we got the socialists out of government and put some real government back in. Maybe the Liberterians or the Constitutionalists? They actually believe in lower taxes, unlike the other two parties. Lets see the republicans promise lower taxes and give us higher taxes. The democrats ussualy promise us lower taxes ( if they promise at all) and give us higher taxes. Maybe its time to get away from the two main parties and give the other parties a chance to change the USA. One more point for all....how can we expect the USA to change if we elect the same parties time and time again?
DB | 8:54 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Complain all you want but the people just ask for a tax increase by voting for
the Zoo bond. People just ask for more taxes!!!
To Bob G | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
A tax system that is grandfathered in at the time of purchase is completely
unfair. I live in Florida where there is such a system. Some homes are $300
a year and others are $3,000 a year for identical homes in the same areas. Not
a good idea- especially for the newcomers or those wishing to upgrade or
downgrade their homes.
Greg I | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
My property taxes were assessed at a value that increased more than 200k in a
single year, while the market value of my home actually dropped in value 2008 vs
2007.
Dee | 9:30 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Bob G -- unfortunately, you are mistaken when it comes to how property taxes
work in Utah. After a public hearing, a City or County gets approval for the
total revenue they are going to raise off of the tax base existing at the time
of the hearing. Thus, if property values go down, then rates go up. If property
values go up, then rates go down. The only way total tax revenue can go up is by
new building or improvments or by voting to increase taxes. How the assessor
assesses your property does not impact the total tax revenue received.
D Van Duker | 9:45 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
... Higher property taxes because this is a Republican state. . . .
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Park City, etc. are strongly held by Democrats at all levels of government; they also the highest property tax rates.
Property taxes are assessed by county based on estimated home market values. The portion of assessment of land to home value is controlled by neighborhood sales. Tax values are typically locked in for 2-3 years and then reassessed. As part of tax reassessment, homeowners can challenge the evaluation. Each challenged value is individually appraised. In most counties, the tax is based upon either the original assessed value OR the appraised value...whichever is LESS.
In addition to county services, cities and school district bonds and levees are added on to your tax rate, based on what taxpayers approved by VOTE.
A permanent tax rate, based upon sale price, overlooks both the annual inflation for the cost of services and voter approved bonds & levees. A permanent home value, based upon sale price, requires new home buyers to subsidize the services provided to established residents.
NOBODY ANYWHER has a FAIR system for taxing based upon services provided.
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Park City, etc. are strongly held by Democrats at all levels of government; they also the highest property tax rates.
Property taxes are assessed by county based on estimated home market values. The portion of assessment of land to home value is controlled by neighborhood sales. Tax values are typically locked in for 2-3 years and then reassessed. As part of tax reassessment, homeowners can challenge the evaluation. Each challenged value is individually appraised. In most counties, the tax is based upon either the original assessed value OR the appraised value...whichever is LESS.
In addition to county services, cities and school district bonds and levees are added on to your tax rate, based on what taxpayers approved by VOTE.
A permanent tax rate, based upon sale price, overlooks both the annual inflation for the cost of services and voter approved bonds & levees. A permanent home value, based upon sale price, requires new home buyers to subsidize the services provided to established residents.
NOBODY ANYWHER has a FAIR system for taxing based upon services provided.
Utah Country Resident | 9:50 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
I am an American Fork resident. The recent tax increases (16% increase in
property taxes in 2007) in the face of slow if not nonexistent home sales is
outrageous. On top of that another possible $200 increase on 2009 property
taxes looming if the construction projects proposed on the 2008 ballot passed;
which I don't know if they did pass. My thought is no bonding propositions
should ever be allowed on a nonpresidential ballot; particularly school bonds.
That is non evenhanded politics. We need a statewide grassroots effort to put a
measure on the ballot to create a property tax system that will not drive olders
folks out of their homes who have static incomes. Politicians seem to think
that there is a bottomless pit of money out there, and that they can continually
raise taxes/fees without any seeming end to it. Property valuations are
ridiculously out of line with sales. Construction of new homes in Utah has
slowed to a crawl, and existing new homes are sitting; going into sheriff
auctions, etc.. What a country! Government salaries cannot continue to go up
in the face of current economic straits. Government expenditures need to be
frozen; hiring frozen.
Come on!
Come on!
falcon's beak | 10:13 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
This is the worst possible time to raise taxes. Better to not replace retiring
employees and by all means no raises and that includes teachers. You are biting
the hand that feeds you.And it is not all Republicans either.
John | 10:19 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Quit grousing about higher taxes, where,s your thinking cap, don'tcha see
the need for raising taxes?
Soccer Stadiums
Mega Broadway theaters,
Shore up poorly run Zoos
Mass transportation UTA
Fiber optics (UTOPIA)
Outdoor theaters
Too many to name, but don't worry your silly little heads about it, these are all the types of government venues you get to use for free...oops I must have missed something you have to buy TICKETS to get inside and see the attractions.
Lesson hear is you voted for it so quit your grousing about it and, remember if will work and make money the private sector would be doing it.
Enjoy the ride, and remeber Snow removal from the sidewalks are your responsibility.
Soccer Stadiums
Mega Broadway theaters,
Shore up poorly run Zoos
Mass transportation UTA
Fiber optics (UTOPIA)
Outdoor theaters
Too many to name, but don't worry your silly little heads about it, these are all the types of government venues you get to use for free...oops I must have missed something you have to buy TICKETS to get inside and see the attractions.
Lesson hear is you voted for it so quit your grousing about it and, remember if will work and make money the private sector would be doing it.
Enjoy the ride, and remeber Snow removal from the sidewalks are your responsibility.
Re: Good Grief | 10:28 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Let me get this straight. "Republican, Democrat, what difference does it
make, fool!!" "It doesn't make any difference which party, we are
getting exactly what we are voting for"
What dominate party holds the power in this state? And on a local basis too? And the Democrats are going to get credit for this one too?
What dominate party holds the power in this state? And on a local basis too? And the Democrats are going to get credit for this one too?
Gerry R | 10:40 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
My property taxes went from $480 to $572 in one year. Each month I set aside an
amount (self-imposed escrow) that I think will cover the next year's
property taxes. IT IS NEVER ENOUGH. Property taxes just contiue to go up.
This year the excuse was that my property was more valuable. Previous
year's it was raises in the tax rate.
One Party state? | 10:47 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
I wonder how many Democrats are actually running the cities, towns, and school
boards and hide in the "non-partisan" layers of government. The
article is speaking of them raising taxes too. This isn't a us/them
battle. It is a battle of helping governement not be the end solution for
everyone's wants but instead to help them remember to represent us.
I am more concerned about the retired citizens who have a fixed income and are trying to come up with the nex taxes - they should loose their house because of excessive taxation.
I am more concerned about the retired citizens who have a fixed income and are trying to come up with the nex taxes - they should loose their house because of excessive taxation.
Former Californian in Utah | 11:05 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Proposition 13 revolution anyone?
Golfer | 11:12 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
If you think your local taxes are high, just wait until OBAMA has a chance to
raise your fed taxes!!
KDB | 11:37 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
D Van Duker | 9:45 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008 , and To Bob G | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008 ,
you are right, the Florida law is absurd.
"A permanent home value, based upon sale price, requires new home buyers to subsidize the services provided to established residents."
And,
Didn't we just vote to bond $50M for the aviary and the zoo? That would build 1,000 $50k condos for low income housing. Isn't the food bank out of food?, instead we feed the animals at the zoo. They could fly all the school kids to the san diego zoo on charter flights for less money, or better yet, spend $100k for some photographers to go take pictures of the polar bears and the kids can watch it on tv.
I would suggest that you should not be able to vote on bonds or bills with an economic impact unless you actually pay taxes. Too many freeloaders want everyting for free.
And don't buy your winter home in St George, they double your property taxes there for non residents.
"A permanent home value, based upon sale price, requires new home buyers to subsidize the services provided to established residents."
And,
Didn't we just vote to bond $50M for the aviary and the zoo? That would build 1,000 $50k condos for low income housing. Isn't the food bank out of food?, instead we feed the animals at the zoo. They could fly all the school kids to the san diego zoo on charter flights for less money, or better yet, spend $100k for some photographers to go take pictures of the polar bears and the kids can watch it on tv.
I would suggest that you should not be able to vote on bonds or bills with an economic impact unless you actually pay taxes. Too many freeloaders want everyting for free.
And don't buy your winter home in St George, they double your property taxes there for non residents.
In Herriman | 11:50 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
We had a 360 tax hike over the last few years. The hike did not go through
truth-in-taxation because the money is captured as a Fee via the water bill.
The good think is all renters, town home owners, and reg home owners pay the same, since they use the same, no like the tainted property tax (Larger house pay more). Why should a home owner pay more than an appt dweller for fire or police, I would say they use the service the same, should pay the same!
The good think is all renters, town home owners, and reg home owners pay the same, since they use the same, no like the tainted property tax (Larger house pay more). Why should a home owner pay more than an appt dweller for fire or police, I would say they use the service the same, should pay the same!
Bee Careful | 12:28 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
See this is how it works....
First you ruin the economy by increasing taxes on businesses, they when you start getting less sales tax revenues, you increase the value of homes in your county to get higher property tax revenue. Get it? Higher taxes always! Lower taxes never!
First you ruin the economy by increasing taxes on businesses, they when you start getting less sales tax revenues, you increase the value of homes in your county to get higher property tax revenue. Get it? Higher taxes always! Lower taxes never!
Another Former Californian | 12:34 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Prop 13 was the worst thing to ever happen to California.
It looked good for 10 years but is now wreaking havoc on the state.
IF you want an education system as bad as California, keep pushing prop 13.
It looked good for 10 years but is now wreaking havoc on the state.
IF you want an education system as bad as California, keep pushing prop 13.
jr | 12:54 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
so now we can blame Obama for the state greed and not our own state leaders how
funny. Oh, why did the early settlers break away from Britain = TAXES
wasn't it? hahahaha
re: just wonderful | 1:25 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Hey, good luck selling that house.
Party politics | 1:32 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Republican, Democrat, leave out the partisanship. Salt Lake County has a
Democrat for mayor and my property taxes have more than doubled in one year.
Higher assessed valuations and lower property values in SL county, now tell me
the government is being honest with us. Defending the contested taxes will cost
SL county, but government confiscation of property cannot go unchallenged.
Anonymous | 1:39 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
This is an interesting article. Utah seems to have many Republicans in state and
local offices. Apparently, what we need is not so much Republicans, but
conservatives. Grrrr.
Read Your Tax Bill!!! | 2:04 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Salt Lake County hasn't raised taxes in years, but UFA and the school
districts sure have! Instead of reading the bottom line and blaming the Mayor,
read the actual line-items and see how much they've gone up over the last
few years. UFA charges more and more every year and Salt Lake County has no
control over it. Wake up, people.
Truth-Sayer | 3:56 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Property taxes, inheritence taxes and food taxes should be done away
with---PERIOD!!
Any taxes that have the potential to threaten basic liberties or necessities are unjust. When people can work an entire lifetime to pay for their property, and then face the threat of losing their property because they can't pay the taxes when they retire, something is drastically wrong with the system.
We have gone from being a wealth-building society to a debt-building society, and we can thank our fearless leaders for that!
Taxing food? Absolutely asinine and cruel to the aged or to young families struggling to survive! The death tax makes (especially in Utah) makes it impossible to accumulate and pass on an inheritence to our children--unless you're already rich.
Taxes are necessary to take care of infrastructure needs, but find something else to tax besides things that have to do with life, liberty and property.
If our country keeps going the way it is, the American Dream will only be a pipe dream! It's time the American people wake up and realize what treachery has been done to them in the name of equality!
Liberty and justice for all? Not anymore!
Any taxes that have the potential to threaten basic liberties or necessities are unjust. When people can work an entire lifetime to pay for their property, and then face the threat of losing their property because they can't pay the taxes when they retire, something is drastically wrong with the system.
We have gone from being a wealth-building society to a debt-building society, and we can thank our fearless leaders for that!
Taxing food? Absolutely asinine and cruel to the aged or to young families struggling to survive! The death tax makes (especially in Utah) makes it impossible to accumulate and pass on an inheritence to our children--unless you're already rich.
Taxes are necessary to take care of infrastructure needs, but find something else to tax besides things that have to do with life, liberty and property.
If our country keeps going the way it is, the American Dream will only be a pipe dream! It's time the American people wake up and realize what treachery has been done to them in the name of equality!
Liberty and justice for all? Not anymore!
I heart Utah | 4:05 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
This power hungry, California wanna be state has thousands of new families
moving in every month. That alone should more than balance out any tax increase
thoughts. That also applies to the outrageous property tax increases of last
year! Oh yea, I forgot, this is a state that encourages home building then
tells it's people they have to conserve water to allow for more building
..... makes perfect sense.
Taxes | 5:04 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Just another form of government oppression! Paul Harvey once said, "if you
think you own your own home, just stop paying your taxes, you will find out who
owns it".
Davis County | 5:22 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
We saw our taxes go from $1400 yearly to $2400 this year. The assessor raised
the value of our property from $279K to $386K - the best part is we are in a
position where we may move in the coming year - Realtors tell us the MAX we
could get for our home right now is $300K. We have an appeal in but it will
take until March 2009 to process. So we have to pay the extra 1000 in taxes and
HOPE for a refund.
This system is corrupt and I think more of us should be writing our state senators and house members and there should be laws that give property owners more rights, the appeal process should legally be shortened, and we should change who is running this tax fraud ring.
This system is corrupt and I think more of us should be writing our state senators and house members and there should be laws that give property owners more rights, the appeal process should legally be shortened, and we should change who is running this tax fraud ring.
Re: Davis county | 6:19 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
I feel your pain but I live in a "resort" city in Idaho and I pay
triple what you do. I am retired and have no room in my budget to pay these
exhorbitant taxes. I have two options: Go back to work just so I can pay the
taxes or, sell my home and move. My wife and I worked hard all our lives to
finally pay off our home and now to have this happen seems criminal to me. I
have appealed to the county commissioners but didn't get any help at all,
they actually told me I was wasting their time and that they were busy! The last
time I paid my taxes they had armed gaurds at the tax office to deal with angry
tax payers. Where I live, there are lots of people who vote in tax levies but do
not own property so they just keep on voting in more taxes, because they
don't have to pay them. I blame the something for nothing mentality that
socialism has brought to this country. I don't want sympathy, I want
fairness!
Laverkinite | 7:35 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
La Verkin City raised taxes because of fiscal iresponsibility of the council.
They did not provide oversite to a city manager who spent every penny and left
the city in the red, was fired and left a mess.
iron county | 8:45 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
raised the tax value of an unoccupied piece of land
from $133k to 169K in the past year. the line items include two different school funds, water conservancy iron county a&c (?), statewide A&c (?)
county public health, county library. this is a subdivision with only four homes and 20 vacant lots covered only with sage brush.... and in this economy!
i think it is time for a tax revolution!!!!!!!!
from $133k to 169K in the past year. the line items include two different school funds, water conservancy iron county a&c (?), statewide A&c (?)
county public health, county library. this is a subdivision with only four homes and 20 vacant lots covered only with sage brush.... and in this economy!
i think it is time for a tax revolution!!!!!!!!
Tell the truth | 10:43 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Sounds like the Republicans RAISE taxes also.
brandon | 1:07 a.m. Nov. 11, 2008
As a member of the military I was very pleased to be able to give up my Utah
residency to become a resident of Louisiana. I saved $1000 in doing so. How do
you think that affected the Utah tax base by scaring me away? Do the socialist
RINOs think that raising taxes would inspire me to desire to remain a resident?
Why do you guys shoot yourselves in the foot? Do something about it! I shake
my head incredulously to think that I should continue to contribute to the
benefit package coffers of state gov't employees who "work" a
French week.
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