## Mortgages and City Taxes: What You Need to Know
When you take out a mortgage, you’re not just borrowing the money to purchase your home. You’re also agreeing to pay certain fees and taxes in addition to your mortgage payments. One of these fees is city taxes.
Property taxes, including city taxes, are a major part of homeownership. The amount of property tax you pay will vary depending on where you live, but it can be a significant expense. In some cases, city taxes can even be higher than your mortgage payments.
**What are city taxes?**
City taxes are a type of property tax that is levied by local governments. The money from city taxes is used to fund a variety of local services, such as police, fire protection, schools, and parks.
The amount of city taxes you pay will vary depending on the assessed value of your home. The assessed value is determined by the local tax assessor, and it is based on the current market value of your home.
**Are city taxes included in mortgage payments?**
In most cases, city taxes are not included in mortgage payments. This means that you will have to pay your city taxes separately from your mortgage payments.
However, there are some lenders who offer mortgages that include city taxes. These mortgages are typically called “escrow mortgages.” With an escrow mortgage, the lender will collect your city taxes along with your mortgage payments. The lender will then pay your city taxes on your behalf.
If you are considering taking out an escrow mortgage, it is important to compare the interest rates and fees on these loans to the interest rates and fees on traditional mortgages. In some cases, escrow mortgages can be more expensive than traditional mortgages.
**When are city taxes due?**
The due date for city taxes will vary depending on the municipality in which you live. In most cases, city taxes are due once a year. However, some municipalities may allow you to pay your city taxes in installments.
If you do not pay your city taxes by the due date, you may be subject to penalties and interest charges.
**How can I get a copy of my city tax bill?**
You can get a copy of your city tax bill by contacting your local tax assessor’s office. The tax assessor’s office will be able to provide you with a copy of your tax bill, as well as information on how to pay your taxes.
**What if I can’t afford to pay my city taxes?**
If you are unable to afford to pay your city taxes, you may be able to apply for a payment plan. A payment plan will allow you to spread out your tax payments over a period of time.
To apply for a payment plan, you will need to contact your local tax assessor’s office. The tax assessor’s office will be able to provide you with more information on payment plans and how to apply.
## Additional Information
In addition to the information provided above, here are some additional things to keep in mind about city taxes:
* City taxes are a major part of homeownership, and they can vary significantly depending on where you live.
* In most cases, city taxes are not included in mortgage payments.
* If you are considering taking out an escrow mortgage, it is important to compare the interest rates and fees on these loans to the interest rates and fees on traditional mortgages.
* The due date for city taxes will vary depending on the municipality in which you live.
* If you do not pay your city taxes by the due date, you may be subject to penalties and interest charges.
* You can get a copy of your city tax bill by contacting your local tax assessor’s office.
* If you are unable to afford to pay your city taxes, you may be able to apply for a payment plan.
By understanding the basics of city taxes, you can make informed decisions about your homeownership finances.