Property tax bills

[VancouverIslander]

Ours went from 912 to 950, which seems more than the assessment increased but is manageable.

Me ka ha`aha`a,
Mike

[kalakoa]

Ours went from 912 to 950

I suggest that a useful discussion should mention the amenities included with the taxes paid. For $900, I'm guessing "paved road" and maybe even "piped water"...?

[Amrita]

Many people, back in da day, got an agricultural dedication on their property, but neither grow nor sell crops. The county has been surveying both by google and in person these exempted properties I understand. My neighbor got zapped. Perhaps this is happening and a reason for some of the increases.

Obie is there a link to the 3% cap on increases? Sounds like prop. 8 in California. I had not heard that it was applicable here in E. Hawaii.

[Obie]

"Differences in the Way Property Taxes are Determined in Hawaii Versus the Mainland
In Hawaii, tax rates are determined by dollar per 1,000. On the mainland they use percentages. Also on the Big Island, there is a yearly 3% cap on property tax increases, a benefit in an up market."

https://www.hawaiilife.com/blog/big-isla...ssessment/

Can't find the original ordinance.

It doesn't apply if they check and find buildings that are not recorded.Even un-permitted.They assess according to square footage.

[kalakoa]

if they check and find buildings that are not recorded.Even un-permitted.They assess

I don't have a problem with this, provided that such assessments apply equally to all ... reality is a system of "spot assessments" wherein "certain people" are taxed based on Pictometry-based square footage guesstimates while their neighbors are not.

Example: The neighbors' shack was there for years before my "unpermitted" (as in, "permits not required by either HRS or HCC") carport ... several aerial photos later, my tax bill goes up (square footage!), they're still paying the "vacant land" rate. How does that work exactly?

[bystander]

quote:

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Originally posted by kalakoa
Example: The neighbors' shack was there for years before my "unpermitted" (as in, "permits not required by either HRS or HCC") carport ... several aerial photos later, my tax bill goes up (square footage!), they're still paying the "vacant land" rate. How does that work exactly?

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Maybe this system is now ending? I told you about my friend who's tax bill went way up. He lived for years in an "unpermitted shack". On the real property website they have linked to Google Earth so you can see the structures. I advised my friend to apply for the home owners exemption. I'm wondering if they will allow this on an unpermitted structure.

[Wao nahele wahine]

quote:

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Originally posted by bystander

[quote]

Maybe this system is now ending? I told you about my friend who's tax bill went way up. He lived for years in an "unpermitted shack". On the real property website they have linked to Google Earth so you can see the structures. I advised my friend to apply for the home owners exemption. I'm wondering if they will allow this on an unpermitted structure.

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The home owner's exemption is allowed on an unpermitted structure.

Wahine

[kalakoa]

they have linked to Google Earth

County does not use Google imagery, they have their own aerial photos and their own (expensive, taxpayer-funded) analysis software.

home owner's exemption is allowed on an unpermitted structure

More accurate to say "the exemption can be obtained", the various RPT staff each have their own interpretation of "allowed", and if you complain too loudly, they will "verify" your homeowner status...

[ericlp]

http://www.hawaiipropertytax.com/forms/R...019-71.pdf

Hmmm, I would think tho, if you just set up a tent/shack on your vacant lot and didn't bother obtaining a permit, you'd be SOL, but if you pulled a permit, and didn't finish it, you are probably ok. So, depends I think.

That all being said, vacant lots are 100-200 bucks, best not to open a can of worms and just keep paying the minimum vacant lot fees. My personal opinion.

[kalakoa]

just set up a tent/shack on your vacant lot and didn't bother obtaining a permit

I say again: it depends which RPT person handles the exemption request. Some check for permits on file; others drive by and look for evidence of "something permanent".