As a homeowner, you'll always have to deal with property taxes. But your tax rate can be difficult to calculate because of the wide range of prices across the country and the market's volatility.

To help you understand, home and

car insurance

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Jerry

is going through everything you need to know about property taxes in your area. Continue reading to learn more about property tax in

Florida’s

Pinellas County.

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Property tax 101

If you've never paid property taxes before, here's what you need to know:

Local governments levy property taxes to pay for public works and outreach projects (like law enforcement, education, fire safety, and libraries)

Most property taxes are levied on real estates, such as land, buildings, and residences.

A tax assessor will assign your property tax rate in your region based on market values and local tax rates.

Property taxes are constantly amended in response to changes in the economy and local budgets.

Property taxes are essentially how local governments collect money from residents to sustain their community.

MORE:

How to deduct a car accident from your taxes

What is the property tax rate in Pinellas County?

Pinellas County's average tax rate is 0.91% of assessed house value, which is somewhat lower than the state average of 0.97%.You can expect to spend $1,699 in property taxes per year based on average home prices.

Here's a detailed summary of the current

proposed tax rates in Pinellas County

How Pinellas County property taxes are determined

Property in Pinellas County is taxed at three levels: county, school district, and city.

Every year, the county's local governments create a budget and collect taxes in accordance with it, with the tax rate for each district determined by a county auditor.

The valuation of your property is determined by the

local tax assessor

depending on its fair market value. If you believe your property's value was estimated incorrectly, you can always dispute the assessment at the county office.

Under Florida law, if you own your house and live there as your primary residence, you may be qualified for a

Homestead Market Value Exclusion

or other tax breaks.

What do Pinellas County property taxes pay for?

Property taxes in Pinellas County are used to fund a range of services, including:

Municipal infrastructure and property development or enhancement

Municipal employee salaries

Recreational services

Protective services

Local levies

Residential services like garbage pickup

Law enforcement and first responders

General government services

If you are displeased with how your property taxes are spent or allocated, call your local representative or attend council sessions to express your thoughts!

MORE:

Is car insurance tax deductible?

How to pay property taxes in Pinellas County

Pinellas County property taxes are due on March 31 of each year, and Homestead Tax Deferral applications are due the same day.

Property tax payments in Pinellas County can be made in a

variety of ways

. You can pay online, via mail, in person, or through a bank. Here's how it works:

Online: You can use an e-check or a credit or debit card to pay Pinellas County property

taxes online

—just be aware that there’s a 2.95% fee for using a credit or debit card.

By mail: Mail any checks to Charles W. Thomas, Pinellas County Tax Collector, P.O. Box 31149, Tampa, FL 33631-3149. Unless on a partial payment plan, all property taxes must be paid in full. Multiple checks have to be sent in the same envelope.

In-person: You can pay at any of the

five Pinellas County Tax Collector's Office locations

or in their secure drop boxes located outside.

Through your bank: You can wire transfer from your bank by following

these instructions

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