[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: /snip/ > But here's my beef (ok, two of 'em): When the value of my house goes > up 40% > in one taxing cycle and the taxes owed up a corresponding 35%, I wish > the > political powers that be wouldn't insult my intelligence by continuing to > insist > that we're into the umpteenth year of "no tax increases." Zero is not > equal to > thirty-five, and my taxes are going through the roof by just about > anyone's > arithmetic. Only someone hypnotized by the current Republican > administration's > budget machinations would ever see it as no increase.
Afraid it will get worse if things go "as planned" -- from http://www.co.stearns.mn.us/departments/assessor/corner/2003March.htm " Over the last twenty years, legislatures and governors have repealed, reintroduced, and amended the application and use of limited market value for qualifying properties. For taxes payable in 2003, the increase in taxable market value shall not exceed the greater of 10% of the taxable market value in the preceding assessment, or 15% of the difference between the previous year's taxable market value and the current year's estimated market value, whichever is greater. For taxes payable in 2004, the amount of taxable value increase is limited to 12% or 20% of the total amount of increase from the previous year's taxable market value, whichever is greater. In subsequent years, similar step-like increases to these limit amounts will be applied so that all property is assessed and taxed on its full estimated market value beginning with taxes payable in 2008." The Republican legislators spun this latest phase-out under the rhetoric that it was "tax equalization" and was done to "create a level playing field" between commercial and residential properties. Of course, that hasn't caused the Republicans to phase out the deduction of non-mortgage interest expense for commercial ventures as they have for the private citizen's income taxes. I guess that playing field only has to be leveled in one direction. Rick Mons Tanglewood neighborhood of Shoreview _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
