Category Archives: Personal Finance: Tax liabilities

Good government leaders could end double taxation of HOA property owners

Posted on by
snow-plow-road-maintenance-winter

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities A few days ago, I explained, by example, the outrageous reason that local governments mandate homeowners’ associations for all new residential development: double taxation. For decades, most government leaders bought into the misguided notion that they could privatize public services by shifting responsibility to HOAs. Under the guise of saving money and keeping property taxes low, city and county governments created the ultimate bait and switch scheme. But in the Continue ReadingGood government leaders could end double taxation of HOA property owners→

Advertisements

Outrageous! Why cities insist on an HOA for new development

Posted on by
American-tax-double-HOA

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Ever wonder why all new construction in your city or county is governed by a homeowners’ association? The answer, in two words: double taxation. Most people know that homeowners pay property taxes to support public schools, libraries, local police departments, and maintenance of public infrastructure such as roads. But did you know that, for the past 2 or 3 decades, municipal and county governments actively avoid taking on new pubic Continue ReadingOutrageous! Why cities insist on an HOA for new development→

Public Infrastructure Fee is not a tax (Florida)

Posted on by
Shoppers retail store

New, privately imposed public infrastructure fees benefit property owners of commercial community associations, such as shopping and entertainment centers By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities As the holiday shopping season swings into full gear, Florida shoppers should take note of extra fees tacked onto each purchase they make. Commercial developers in Florida’s Volusia and Duval Counties are charging additional point-of-sale fees in order to raise millions of dollars in additional revenue. Developers and property owners Continue ReadingPublic Infrastructure Fee is not a tax (Florida)→

Texans feel the strain of high property taxes plus condo HOA fees

Posted on by
American-tax-double-HOA

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities As Texans debate how to rein in high property taxes, many homeowners struggle to keep up with rising condo and HOA fees as well. But several recent articles on the subject of property tax reform fail to acknowledge that the bulk of HOA and condo assessments. Association-governed community fees are, in essence, property taxes due and payable to a fourth layer of government. Think about it. If you live Continue ReadingTexans feel the strain of high property taxes plus condo HOA fees→