County lowers primary and secondary tax rates

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved the 2008-09 Maricopa County tax rate.

Both the primary and county-controlled secondary tax rates have been lowered. This year's combined property tax rate means a reduction of about $16.14 on a median-priced home valued for tax purposes at $219,500, if the assessment remains the same. It is one of the largest property tax reductions in recent history.

Maricopa County's primary property tax rate has been cut by 7.19 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, and is among the lowest county primary rates in Arizona. When combined with the Flood and Library district secondary rates, which also are controlled by the Board of Supervisors, the overall property tax reduction is 9.23 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. As a result, overall county-controlled combined property tax rate for Maricopa County is at its lowest level in 29 years. The county-controlled combined tax rate, which is the portion of taxes overseen by the county Board of Supervisors, typically makes up only 12 percent of an individual's tax bill. Other factors, including increased property values and other property taxes levied by cities, community colleges, and school districts also affect a property owner's total tax bill.

The lowered primary tax rate will help offset increased valuations, which lag behind changes in the market. By law, the primary property tax levy can increase only 2 percent each year on existing properties. Since the supervisors also control the secondary property taxes of Flood and Library districts, they lowered those tax rates as well, though the reduction was not required by law. By voluntarily lowering Flood and Library district property tax rates, the Board of Supervisors is demonstrating leadership in protecting property taxpayers. 

"Reducing the burden on property owners is our objective. Once again, we have followed through on this commitment," said Maricopa County Supervisor Max Wilson, District 4.