Category Archives: Personal Finance: Tax liabilities

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→

Owners with no HOA, public sewer, face $11,404 tax assessment

Posted on by
Sanitary sewer Sewage cap

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Owners of twenty estate homes in the Greenbrook Manor subdivision, located in the Village of River Hills, recently learned they might have to pay a $11,404 special tax assessment to the city, to pay for a new sewer lift pump. No, Greenbrook Manor is not a planned community, and there’s no homeowners’ association (HOA). Although homeowners obtain their water supply from private wells, the Village of River Hills operates Continue ReadingOwners with no HOA, public sewer, face $11,404 tax assessment→

Could Prop 13 ‘split roll’ encourage new non-HOA development?

Posted on by
Bungalow home small tiny

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities CA voters may consider Prop 13 ‘split roll’ tax increase in 2020 In 1978, California’s voters passed Proposition 13, a ballot measure that has significantly limited property tax increases ever since. Under Prop 13, a property owner’s tax assessment is limited to one percent of a property’s taxable value at the time of purchase. In addition, annual property taxable value (assessed value) cannot increase more than 2% per year, Continue ReadingCould Prop 13 ‘split roll’ encourage new non-HOA development?→

City says no trash pick up unless owners create HOA

Posted on by
Garbage trash recycling cans bins

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The purpose of the Urban Service District (USD) was to expand Metro Services,  that were available to residents of Nashville, but not outlying suburban neighborhoods. Those services include trash pick up, curbside recycling, street lights and the addition of liquor stores. In exchange for inclusion into the USD, homeowners would agree to pay higher property taxes for new public services. Two years ago, the representatives of 20 Districts in the Continue ReadingCity says no trash pick up unless owners create HOA→