Lots of people quietly pay their property taxes without questioning. But by paying attention to your tax assessment you can possibly save money.

Property values are established as of Jan. 1 of each year for the following year.
Therefore, on January 1, 2009 the values were established for the 2009/2010 property taxes. Property taxes are due two times per year.
The first installment is due Oct. 1st and the second is March 1.

Understanding Your Tax Bill

Limited Value* Full Cash Value* Assessed Value. What do they mean?

• Property taxes in Maricopa County for owner occupied houses are based on Assessed Value.
• The Full Market Value is used to establish the Assessed Value. To see an example of the tax bill go to www.treasurer.maricopa.gov/taxguide/taxbill.htm .
• Assessed Value is determined by multiplying the tax rate by the Full Cash Value. Full Cash Value represents market value. If you believe the Full Cash Value is higher than the market value you have the right to appeal.
• Full Cash Value represents market value. If you believe the Full Cash Value is higher than the market value you have the right to appeal.

You can find the Assessed Value of your home in Fountain Hills at the Maricopa County Website www.maricopa.gov and click on parcel number research.

In Maricopa County the assessed rate is 10% of Full Cash Value. So if your house is valued at $450,000, your property tax will be based on the assessed value of $45,000. Average tax rate is 1.3% .Therefore you would multiply $45,000 by 1.3% to get a tax bill of $5850. Values are set in the year prior to the year taxes are due. The first installment is due Oct. 1st and the second is March 1.

To appeal your tax assessment you will need to file a petition with the county assessor. Go to www.maricopa.gov/assessor. Click on forms to find property value appeals. The filing deadline for an appeal is printed on the Notice of Value Card. Your appeal must be filed within 60 days after the card is mailed to you.

Should the appeal be denied, you can file a petition with the State Board of Equalization. Go to www.sboe.state.az.us. for information on filing.