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Is Property Tax Illegal?
In the United States, property taxes are legal and not considered fraudulent. State and local governments have the authority to enact property taxes, and this power is recognized across different levels of government. The government is legally permitted to impose property taxes when such taxes are established by law and serve a public purpose, among other requirements.
Although property taxes are legal, many homeowners find them frustrating because they are ongoing.
Even after paying off a mortgage, annual property taxes remain due. Homeowners cannot opt out of this obligation, which many perceive as perpetual. As a result, some Americans view property taxes as ‘rent to the government.’ However, the legal system does not consider property taxes fraudulent.
Few legal professionals argue that property taxes themselves are unconstitutional. However, some property assessment systems and practices related to penalties, tax lien sales, or foreclosure may lead to abusive or unconstitutional outcomes.
The Big Legal Issue: Tax Foreclosure Abuse
The Supreme Court has addressed abuses in property tax administration. In Tyler v. Hennepin County, the Court determined that it is unlawful for the government to seize property for unpaid taxes and retain the surplus value beyond the amount owed.
For example, if property taxes due are $15,000 and the property is valued at $200,000, the government cannot keep the difference after satisfying the tax debt.
Such actions violate the Fifth Amendment. These issues do not render property taxes illegal in themselves. Rather, certain tax policies may establish systems that are unconstitutional in specific circumstances.
Property Taxes and Feelings of ExtortionHomeowners may feel justified in stating the following:
- If property taxes are a lien on ownership and the government may take the property for unpaid taxes, how can I own the property?
This is especially painful for:
- Elderly citizens
- Retirees
- Widows
- Disabled veterans
- Low-income families
This situation can be discouraging for new families and homeowners who make substantial down payments, pay mortgages over decades, and retire in their homes, yet remain subject to ongoing property taxes. The movement to reform or abolish property taxes has become a significant political force and is not without justification.
Are Property Taxes on the Way Out?
It is unlikely that any state in the United States will fully eliminate property taxes, as they are essential for funding local government operations.
Property taxes constitute the primary source of tax revenue for state and local governments in the United States.
According to the Tax Foundation, approximately 70% of local tax revenue comes from property taxes. These funds support essential services such as schools, police, fire protection, roads, libraries, sanitation, and other local government operations.
Eliminating property taxes is unlikely.
More realistically, future reforms may include tax caps.
- increased homestead exemptions
- protection of homestead exemptions for senior citizens
- protection of homestead exemptions for veterans
- limits on annual increases of property assessment
- replacement of property tax revenue for schools by state funds
- enhanced voter approval requirements for tax increases
- Greater openness in county assessments
- more appellate rights for homeowners
In practice, property taxes are more likely to be reduced, capped, shifted, or restructured rather than eliminated. Nationwide elimination of property taxes would necessitate replacing significant revenue sources.
Does Florida Plan To End Property Taxes?
Currently, Florida has not passed legislation to completely abolish property taxes. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been publicly opposed to property taxes and has supported placing large property tax exemptions on the ballot.
In the Governor’s State of the State Address in 2025, DeSantis stated that property tax relief for Florida property owners was being considered as a constitutional guarantee for the 2026 ballot.
DeSantis also proposed a $1,000 property tax relief rebate for homesteaded Florida homeowners. He further stated that this guarantee would be permanent and would require placement on the 2026 ballot.
It is important to note that Florida has not eliminated property taxes statewide. While there is consistent public support for tax relief, eliminating state property taxes would require the adoption of a constitutional amendment through the established state process and subsequent voter approval.
Which States Pay Little to No Property Taxes?
No state in the United States is entirely without property taxes. Some states impose relatively low property tax burdens. However, most states, including Alaska, levy property taxes at various levels, including state, county, local, school, and special district levels.
These states are often thought to have the lowest property taxes.
These states include:
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- South Carolina
- Delaware
These states with the lowest property taxes are not synonymous with states that have no property taxes.
Can Property Taxes Be Completely Avoided in the US?
Some areas do not levy property taxes, but alternative forms of taxation may still apply. Alaska is a notable example, as large portions of the state are not legally assessed for property values.
According to the Alaska Department of Commerce, Alaska is the only state where very large areas remain unassessed.
Many smaller municipalities rely on sales taxes to fund operations. However, Alaska does not fall into the category of states that entirely lack property taxes. Many organized boroughs or municipalities continue to levy property taxes, although such taxes are often absent in remote or rural areas. In some areas, city property taxes are not levied, but residents may still be subject to county, school district, or special district taxes. Therefore, when someone asserts, ‘This city has no property tax,’ a more precise inquiry would be:
No city property tax, or no property tax at all?
These are not the same.
The Challenge of Eliminating Property Taxes
The primary challenge concerns replacement revenue. When a state balances the elimination of property taxes with:
- How will the community pay to keep schools open?
- How will the community pay to keep the police and fire departments open?
- How will the community pay for roads, trash collection, book collection and distribution, the court, and all the other community services provided?
- Will people be paying more taxes on what they buy?
- Will they pay more taxes on what they earn?
- Will the community services be diminished?
- Are the people who will now be renting happy, or do they not care, and it’s the property owners who are happy?
This challenge explains why popular proposals to eliminate property taxes often present significant difficulties for lawmakers tasked with developing replacement revenue plans.
Property Tax Texas Case Study
Texas provides a relevant case study. Governor Greg Abbott has advocated for substantial reductions in school property taxes. However, analysts note that replacing a recurring local tax with a temporary state surplus may have significant negative consequences.
Ohio offers a similar example, where legislators have proposed a constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes.
Most critics argue that such a change would result in the loss of billions in local revenue, likely offset by higher taxes or cuts to public services.
My Take: System is Broken, but Property Tax is not Fraud
Current United States law permits property taxes, and recognizing this, it Current United States law permits property taxes. Given this, it is understandable that homeowners may view the system as flawed. are seen to have a full equity position in their home and rely entirely on Social Security income.
Some homeowners may lose their homes simply because of high property taxes. Although property taxation is legal, the system is arguably flawed.
The property tax burden disproportionately affects long-term residents and disabled homeowners. Some argue that abolishing property taxes would increase home values, but this claim is not universally supported. Various policy alternatives could lead to significant tax reductions.
Comprehensive Property Tax Reform
Comprehensive reform could provide substantial tax cuts and help achieve a balanced long-term budget. Most importantly, such reforms could create a stable and lasting tax framework.
- Reform should include a substantial homestead exemption to safeguard primary residences, not just temporary relief.
- There should not only be limits on assessment increases but also an upper limit on annual tax bill increases.
- Tax foreclosure on primary residences should be prohibited without firm hardship protections.
- After tax foreclosures and subsequent sales, any surplus equity should be returned to the former owner.
- County assessment practices should be subject to public review.
- Property taxes are subject to a public referendum.
- There should be clear differentiation between primary residences, second homes, investment properties, and commercial properties.
Final Thoughts
There are legitimate concerns about property taxes, particularly given significant increases in tax rates. While homeowners assume full ownership of their property, they remain subject to ongoing taxation.
Although federal legislation to ban property taxes is unlikely, state-level legislative measures to modify property tax structures are increasingly under consideration.
States such as Florida, Texas, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania are among those actively debating property tax reform. It is possible to implement an unlimited property tax structure. However, it is unlikely that such a structure would favor renters over homeowners.
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So true.
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Jerome Powell FORCED TO ADMIT Who is REALLY EATING Trump’s Tariffs
It is Tuesday, and the video dives into the latest inflation data amidst economic trends*. The discussion questions whether prices are truly rising due to Donald Trump’s tariffs, challengichallengingng earlier predictions. The video also analyzes who bears the brunt of these tariffs and offers commentary on finance news. Senate testimony showing Jerome Powell forced to confront that he’s been politically weighing in on Trump’s tariffs.
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Getting Rid of Weeds and Cattails
Manual Removal
- Grasp each weed stem close to the base, then pull straight up to remove roots.
- You can also drag a garden rake lightly across shallow areas.
- It works best in small, slow patches, but you know exactly what emerges.
Herbicides
- Grab an aquatic herbicide with glyphosate or 24-D; these products won’t wreck your pond.
- Read every line on the label, check the days to swim, and make sure it won’t harm fish.
Biological Control
- Release a few grass carp; they munch on cattails and other green stuff below the water.
- Watch; those fish also snack on plants you want to keep.
Keeping Snapper Turtles Away
Trapping
- Set up a wire live trap, add fish bits or wet dog food as bait, then stake the trap in shallow water.
- Once the snapper is inside, check local rules: you may relocate it or humanely put it down.
Exclusion Devices
- Build a low fence from sturdy wire, or stretch heavy netting a foot above and below the shoreline.
- Run the barrier deep so turtles can’t dig under after an afternoon stroll.
Predators
- Letting coons, foxes, or herons roam may help, but be careful, they might raid bird nests or fish eggs too.
- Pond Aeration: Kinds, Size, and Where to Put Them
Types of Aerators
- Surface Aerators: Circular or paddle wheels splash water high to add air fast.
- Diffuser Aerators: Plastic tubes buried near the bottom send up bubbles and slowly feed deep layers.
- Size and Power: A surface aerator rated between 1/4 and 1/2 horsepower for a half-acre pond usually does the job.
- Pair a diffuser system with a pump that can move enough air for the pond’s depth and overall volume.
- Placement: Center the unit in the water to spread oxygen evenly across the surface.
- Tie down surface models so they don’t drift with wind or current.
- Vevor Pond Aerator: Review and Pricing
Performance & Features
Vevor offers aerators for areas between 1 and 3 acres, powered by 1/2- to 3/4-horse compressors that push up to 5.2 cubic feet of air each minute.
Each kit includes a compressor, 100 feet of weighted tubing, and one or more diffusers.
- Owners appreciate the low noise level around 65 decibels, simple setup, and durable aluminum-alloy casing.
User Experience
- The system earns roughly 4 out of 5 stars across online reviews, praised for its price, solid build, and plug-and-play setup.
- Bird watchers and fishermen report clearer water and livelier fish a few weeks after plugging it in.
Price
- Depending on promotions and the seller, the standard Vevor package for a half-acre pond is between $276 and $378.
- That’s a big savings compared to rival brands that charge $700 or more for the same performance.
Installation
- Setting up the Vevor pond aerator is easy: choose a shady, open spot for the compressor, connect the weighted tubing to the diffusers, and lower the diffusers to the bottom of your pond.
- Every kit includes all necessary parts and a detailed manual, giving you step-by-step notes during the project.
Additional Recommendations
- Read local rules before applying herbicides or moving fish and wildlife around your pond.
- Keep a close eye on your pond for a few weeks after any changes, especially when new equipment or animals are added.
- Cleaning filters, checking lines, and testing airflow on the aerator will help it run well for many seasons and keep your water clear and healthy.
Using these simple tips and a Vevor pond aerator, you can control weeds, cut back on turtles, and build a strong, lively pond for years.
https://youtu.be/jEt8hIzkH3M?si=hwzTAQl9PJ2lUzgc
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This reply was modified 10 months ago by Ramon.
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This reply was modified 10 months ago by
Gustan Cho.
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This reply was modified 10 months ago by Gustan Cho.
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Uncover the shocking truth about the mysterious ‘Epstein List’—does it really exist, or is it just a wild conspiracy theory?
In this explosive episode, investigative journalist and host of the Tara Palmeri Show, Tara Palmeri sits down with Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks to dive deep into the Epstein Files. From high-profile names to unanswered questions, explore whether the ‘Epstein List’ is a real dossier of powerful figures or a myth fueled by internet speculation. Tara and Cenk break down the evidence, debunk myths, and reveal what’s at stake in this gripping discussion.
What do YOU believe? Is the ‘Epstein List’ fact or fiction? Comment below and join the conversation.
Tara Palmeri is one of the most feared and fearless reporters in politics. She has 15 years of experience covering national politics and foreign affairs. She was formerly a White House Correspondent for ABC News where she covered the first Trump administration. She was the chief National Correspondent for POLITICO during the Biden administration. She has been a political analyst for CNBC, CBS and CNN. She started her career as a columnist for the Washington Examiner and then went on to report for the New York Post. She was a foreign correspondent for POLITICO Europe, where she covered international affairs, including Brexit. She hosted the Ringer’s political podcast “Somebody’s Gotta Win” and wrote a column for Puck. Tara also hosted two acclaimed podcasts on Jeffrey Epstein, “Broken: Jeffrey Epstein” and “Power: The Maxwells.” Tara currently hosts the Tara Palmeri Show.
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Incompetent Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declares Chicago the safest city in America. However, 18 people were shot in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. What is Brandon Johnson thinking? With a single digit approval rating, Johnson actually thinks he’s doing a fabulous job as Chicago’s mayor which is furthest from the true.
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Representative Robert John May III, 38, has been arrested and charged in connection to a child sexual abuse material investigation.
According to court records, in April 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip from the messaging app Kik.
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This week on Connect to the Capitol we look at the arrest of Republican state lawmaker, RJ May, who is charged with 10 counts of distributing sexual abuse material involving children.
May was arrested at his Lexington County home after a lengthy investigation and was ordered Thursday by a federal judge to remain jailed until his trial.
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Is Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson that much of an idiot? In this video, we dive into the recent controversy surrounding Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson as he faces a federal investigation by the DOJ over his all-Black cabinet appointments.
Critics argue that these racial hiring practices are causing division, while many Black voters are demanding change amid growing concerns about the city’s worsening homelessness and migrant crisis.
What’s really behind these political moves, and what does it mean for Chicago’s future? Tune in as we explore the facts, the reactions, and the implications of this heated controversy.
All Opinions are my own, and all clips used in Fair Use.
Thank You, For more Context see the Links Below!
https://youtu.be/VlWPn90tKtQ?si=fCOG053ddzM9ZwDw
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This reply was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by Ramon.
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This reply was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by