Property taxes have sparked heated debate for decades. Given the class warfare element inherent in the tax itself, it’s no surprise. If you don’t own real estate, you probably love property taxes because, well, the kinds of taxes you don’t pay are the best taxes of all. But if you do own real estate, you know firsthand what a pain in the ass they can be.

Imagine owning a home for decades and paying off your mortgage only to watch your local city council or county commission (or both!) continually raise your property taxes to the point that you’re paying as much as or more than your mortgage once was. You mistakenly thought your home was yours, but it was a naive dream. No, instead of enjoying financial freedom in your retirement years, you now get to rent your home in perpetuity from the government. And the consequence of not paying your ‘rent’ is essentially the same as that faced by any other renter: eviction. Tragic tales of elderly people being forced out of their homes for nonpayment of property taxes are far too common and provide fodder for those........

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