What are property taxes used for?

Property taxes are primarily used to fund a variety of public services that benefit the community, and their assessment is based on the value of real estate properties. This encompasses essential services such as education, public safety (police and fire departments), infrastructure maintenance (roads and public transportation), parks and recreation, and various local government functions. The way property taxes are structured encourages property owners to contribute to the overall welfare of their communities, reflecting their property's market value and, by extension, their ability to contribute to public funding.

When assessing property tax, local governments evaluate the value of real estate properties to determine the tax amount owed. The revenue generated from these taxes is vital for sustaining the quality and availability of public services, making them a foundational element of local government finance.