Property taxes are something that every homeowner must deal with on a yearly basis. However, due to the broad diversity of prices around the country and the market's volatility, calculating your tax rate might be challenging.

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is going through everything you need to know about property taxes where you live. Continue reading to learn more about Polk County property taxes, including when they’re due, how to pay them, and more.

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Property tax 101

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

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

Real property, such as land, buildings, and houses, is subject to most property taxes.

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

Property taxes are constantly adjusted to reflect changes in the economy and local budgets.

Property taxes are basically how local governments collect funds from those who live in their district in order to support their community.

MORE: How to deduct a car accident from your taxes

What is the property tax rate in Polk County?

The average tax rate in Polk County is 0.9% of assessed home values, which is just below the state average of 0.97%. Based on average home prices, you can anticipate paying an annual property tax bill of $1,247.

Here’s a

thorough breakdown

of the current proposed tax rates for Polk County.

How Polk County property taxes are determined

In Polk County, property taxes are levied on a three-tiered system: county, school district, and city.

A county auditor sets the tax rate for each district each year, based on the county's annual budget, which the local governments then collect.

The local

tax assessor

determines the value of your property based on its fair market value. If you think your property's value was improperly determined, you can always contest the assessment at the county office.

If you own your house and use it as your primary residence, you may qualify for a

Homestead Market Value Exclusion

or other tax advantages under Florida law.

What do Polk County property taxes pay for?

Polk County property taxes are used to support a variety of services, including:

Highways and roads for transportation

Law enforcement

Public health

Community education

Regional sewer system

Watershed management

Public housing

Libraries

Museums

If you are dissatisfied with how your property taxes are spent or allocated, contact your local representative or attend council sessions to voice your concerns!

MORE: Is car insurance tax deductible?

How to pay property taxes in Polk County

Both property taxes and Homestead Tax Deferral applications are due on March 31, and any payment not postmarked or paid by this date will be considered delinquent.

There are a

variety of ways

in which you can pay your property taxes in Polk County. You can pay online, via mail, in person, or through your mortgage payment. Here's how to do so:

Online: You can use an e-check or a credit or debit card to

pay Polk County property taxes online

—just be aware there are small fees for paying via a credit/debit card.

By mail: Mail your property tax payments to P.O. Box 1189, Bartow, Florida 33831-1189, making checks payable to Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector.

You can see a sample tax notice here.

In-person: You can pay at any

Polk County Tax Collector's Office location

or in their secure drop boxes located outside.

Through your mortgage: Tax payments are frequently wired to the Tax Collector's Office by mortgage, attorney, and title businesses. You can learn how to wire money to the

Polk County Tax Collector here

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When are property taxes due in Polk County?

Polk County property taxes are due on March 31 every year and are considered delinquent after this date.

How do I get my Florida property tax statement?

Your property tax statement is available through the county website or the county treasurer in the area where your property is located.

Are property taxes high in Polk County?

Property taxes in Polk County average around $1,247 per year, just below the state and national average.

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