Property Tax

What is Full Cash Value? Full Cash Value (FCV) is a reflection of the market value of your property and consists of land and improvements. The FCV is used to compute secondary taxes, which may consist of bonds, budget overrides, and special districts such as fire, flood control, and other limited purpose districts.

What is Limited Property Value? Limited Property Value (LPV) is a value determined by a statutory formula mandated by the Arizona State Legislature. The LPV is used to compute primary taxes for the maintenance and operation of school districts, cities, community college districts and counties. The LPV cannot exceed the property's Full Cash Value.

What is Real Property? Real Property is the rights, benefits and interests in the ownership of real estate, which includes land, buildings, and other improvements located on the land.

What is Legal Class? The Legal Class is a statutory category that is used to classify property based on the use of the property. If an individual parcel has more than one use, it will be assigned multiple Legal Classes and a "mixed ratio" will be applied to the value.

How is Assessed Value determined? The Assessed Value of each property class is determined using percentages set by the Arizona State Legislature. The following percentages apply to the three most used Legal Classes (classifications).

Districts and Tax Area Codes

What is a District? A District is a self-governing subdivision of the state created to provide services that are not already provided by another district or jurisdiction. These are listed as special districts on your tax bill.

How do I know which special district(s) my property is in? You can go to the  Treasurer's web page , type in your Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), click on your tax bill. Listed on the bill will be the districts or jurisdictions taxing your property with a comparison to last year's taxation.

What are the county wide districts? These are districts that encompass all parcels located within the County. They include: Flood Control District, Central Arizona Water Conservation District, Fire District Assistance, Library District, and Health Care District.

What are EVIT and WESTMEC? The East Valley Institute of Technology and Western Maricopa Education Center. These are districts affiliated with existing school districts that provide technical trades education. EVIT is affiliated with Apache Junction, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Tempe, Higley, and J.O. Combs High Schools. All Agua Fria Union High, Buckeye Union High, Deer Valley Unified, Dysart Unified, Glendale Union High, Paradise Valley Unified, Peoria Unified, Saddle Mountain Unified, Wickenburg Unified, as well as Cartwright, Fowler, and Pendergast Elementary Schools are affiliated with WESTMEC.

Why did my taxes for special districts change from last year? Each year property valuations are assessed based on statutory formulas and mandates. Based on those valuations, the districts will calculate their levy accordingly and inform the County of their levies. As a result of determining the levy, a district tax rate may change from year to year. Also, each year the Assessor reviews properties in relation to the districts and corrects any discrepancies or boundary changes submitted by the districts.

Why did I have a special district on my bill last year and this year it has been removed and another district has been added? Each year the Assessor reviews properties in relation to the districts and corrects any discrepancies or boundary changes submitted by the districts. Occasionally, a district that had not previously assessed taxes to properties will begin to assess taxes for the current tax year.

What do I do if I think I am being billed for the wrong Special Districts? Please contact the Assessor's Customer Service Number at 602 506-3406 or contact the district directly.

Why does my city or town location not match my school district?Each district is its own jurisdiction. They frequently create their boundaries independent from each other to meet the service demand from the owners and properties they serve. Boundaries often will not align and will have different names. In some cases school districts were created long before a city was incorporated or annexed into a school district.

What is a Tax Area Code (TAC)? This is a six (6) digit code used by the Assessor to designate which taxing districts your property is located in. These include the school and cities districts, as well as any other taxing district.

How can I see what the tax levies and rates for all districts are on my property? All current and past tax rates and tax levies back to 2000 can   be viewed online. 

Business Personal Property

What is Business Personal Property? For property tax purposes in Arizona, business personal property is defined as all types of property except real estate. Taxable personal property includes property used for commercial, industrial, and agricultural purposes. Personal property is considered to be movable and not permanently attached to real estate. Although there are exceptions, personal property usually can be removed without causing damage to either the real estate from which it is removed or to the item of property itself. Property taxes in Arizona are imposed on both real and business personal property.

How is Personal Property Valued? Based on original cost and age of all personal property in your possession as of December 31st of the prior year, the County Assessor will calculate the current replacement cost new less depreciation (Full Cash Value) of each item. The Assessed Value is based on the Full Cash Value after application of the $66,440 exemption (where applicable if qualified) and the assessment ratio for the legal class of the property. The tax rates for the county and local governmental jurisdictions in which the business operates are applied to the Assessed value. The original cost of a personal property item includes the purchase price plus all freight and installation costs as well as any paid sales taxes for the item.

How do I report Taxable Personal Property? File a Personal Property Statement, Form DOR 82520, or an Agricultural Personal Property Statement, Form DOR 82320A, with the county assessor each year. It should list property acquired or disposed of during the year and confirm property items still on the roll. It is the owner's responsibility to report his or her personal property to the assessor.

Is all Personal Property Taxed? No. Arizona offers several exemptions from personal property tax. Personal property used by the owner for private, domestic purposes is not subject to personal property taxation (except for manufactured housing). Household goods and furnishings, personal wardrobes and jewelry, or recreational possessions used in the owner's residence for private activities are exempt from property taxation.

I've received an Arizona Business Property Statement, where do I send my payment? The Business Property Statement is not a Tax Bill, it is the annual reporting form for your business to submit changes on your account such as, additions/deletions to equipment and name and address changes.

I just started my business, how do I report my Personal Property? The preferred method is to self-report your business to the Assessor's Office.  There is a 'Self Report' form available on this website, or you may call the Personal Property Department at (602) 506-3386.  However, many businesses are identified by the Appraisers during our annual canvass of the county.  Those businesses found by the Appraisers will have an Account Number assigned to them and an Arizona Business Property Statement mailed to them.

This is the first time we received a Business Property Statement.  What do I need to do? Business Personal Property deals with the physical assets used in the operation of the business.  If you have an Asset Listing you can attach a copy to the property statement and return it to the Assessor's Office.  Or, if an asset listing is not available, make a listing of all the business equipment including a description of the equipment, year it was purchased and the original acquisition cost (to include any freight, installation, special support, special wiring, special plumbing and sales tax paid). Send your list to the Assessor's Office, Personal Property Section.

Last year we filed an Asset Listing and now our equipment costs are listed on the front of the Business Property Statement.  How do we make changes?     To add or delete equipment from your return, use the back side of the form, (section 4).  When adding equipment, list the total acquisition cost under the appropriate schedule column, and the year acquired at the far left of that row in the Additions section.  When deleting equipment, it is the same as adding, but listed in the 'Deletions' section. You must verify that the acquisition year you are deleting is preprinted on the front of the form, otherwise that deletion will not be considered.

We have added equipment, but do not know if it is Qualified or Non-Qualified? Equipment is qualified if this is the first time it is being assessed in Arizona.  Typically, brand new equipment is always qualified.  Used equipment that was acquired for the first time (historically), more than four years ago does not qualify and should be listed as Non-Qualified.

The name and address on the Business Property Statement is wrong.  How do we correct this? Complete Section 1 on the front of the form to identify any changes to the Business Name, Mailing Address or Location Address.

Is my inventory taxable? No, with minor exception, inventory for sale is not taxable in Arizona.

We did not receive our Business Property Statement.  How do I obtain a duplicate form to file? You must submit a written request, (identifying the Account Number), for a Duplicate form to be mailed out.  You may fax your request to (602) 506-7335.  However, due to the April 1st filing deadline, duplicates will not be typed and mailed after March 15th.

In regard to the deadline of April 1st, does the Business Property Statement need to physically be in your office, or can it be post marked April 1st? Your return must be postmarked on or before April 1st by the United States Postal Service, or certified mail only.  No internal, company postal meters postmarks are valid or accepted.

Our business closed, how do I close my Business Personal Property Account?  You may write on any open space on the front of the Business Property Statement, or attach a separate letter, identifying the Account Number, stating that the business closed, date of closing and what happened to the equipment. 

How and when will I know if my account has been processed? The Assessor's Office mails out Valuation Notices in July.  The  Valuation Notice will identify your Full Cash Value, Assessed Value and appeal deadlines.

What if I don't agree with the Valuation Notice? By statute, you have 20 days from the notice's mailing date to file a Petition for Review (DOR form 82530) with the Assessor's Office.  The Assessor's Office then has 20 days to respond to your petition.  If the disputed value has not been settled by that time, you may file an appeal with the Arizona State Board of Equalization within 20 days of the mailing date of the Assessor's Decision.

My Business Property Statement makes reference to "Important Exemption Information." Is my business exempt? No, this "exemption" refers to the deduction of the first $66,440 in Full Cash Value (Replacement Cost New less Depreciation).  This amount is annually determined by the Arizona Department of Revenue.  The remaining Full Cash Value will be Assessed.

I operate several locations throughout the state.  Does the 'Exemption' apply to each location? The 'Exemption' applies only once throughout the state for each legal Business entity.  If multiple location's have a combined Full Cash Value of less than $66,440 then the 'Exemption' would cover all of those locations.

I am leasing equipment, and the leasing company is billing me for Personal Property Taxes. Is this legal? By statute, the tax on Business Personal Property is a debt against the owner.  Typically the Leasing Company will pay the taxes directly to the County Treasurer and then issue their own billing to the lessee for reimbursement.  Please review your lease agreement for details.

I understand why my leasing company is billing me for Personal Property Taxes, but they are also charging an additional Sales Tax.  Isn't that double taxation? No.  The Counties are solely responsible to value and to collect the Personal Property Taxes for the equipment.  Separately, the Arizona Department of Revenue charges "Sales Tax", (technically labeled "Transaction Privilege Tax").  The Arizona Department of Revenue charges these  taxes on every invoice your leasing company bills to customers in Arizona.

I have finished my lease, and now own the equipment.  Shouldn't I report my 'buyout' cost as my acquisition cost? The best way to report any equipment that has been previously assessed by another business entity, is to maintain the Historical Acquisition Costs and Dates.  By reporting the historical information, you will maintain the depreciation already applied to the assets.  Once you report used equipment, at a reduced purchase cost, it is now Non-Qualified, and the depreciation starts over from your purchase date.  Also, if Market Value (which is the pre-depreciated value) is reported, then no additional depreciation will be applied.

Should you have additional questions, comments or concerns, about Personal Property please call our office at (602) 506-3386, and our operators will connect you to an Appraiser to assist you.

Property Exemptions

Mobile Homes

What is the difference between a mobile/manufactured home on the Personal Property Tax Roll and an affixed mobile/manufactured home? The homes are valued the same way, whether you elect to affix your mobile/manufactured home or leave your mobile/manufactured home on the Personal Property Tax Roll. An Affidavit of Affixture must be recorded to affix your mobile home. Once we receive your Affidavit of Affixture it generally takes two years for the mobile/manufactured home to show up on your real property tax bill as an improvement on the land. For more information regarding the Affidavit of Affixture process, please contact our office at (602)506-3291.

When and how can I appeal the assessed value of my mobile/manufactured home? If your home is on the personal property tax roll the appeal must be filed with the County Assessor within 20 calendar days of the mailing of the valuation notice. If your home is affixed an appeal must be filed with the Assessor's office within 60 calendar days from the mailing of your real property notice of value. The appeal forms can be picked up from the Assessor's office or printed out online at for the Personal Property appeal or for the Real Property appeal.

I have not received a notice of value for my manufactured/mobile home, what should I do? If you own a mobile/manufactured home and you are not receiving a valuation notice, please contact the Assessor's office at (602)506-3291. Please have make, year and serial number or Vehicle Identification Number available.

How do I update the owner/mailing Information for my mobile home? You can contact us at 602-506-3291 to update your account information or print a copy of the   New Owner/ New Mailing Address form.  Once completed, mail or fax to:
Maricopa County Assessor's Office
Mobile Homes Division
301 W. Jefferson Ave. Suite # 330
Phoenix AZ, 85003
Fax (602) 506-7335

What should I do in the event that I sell my mobile/manufactured home? You should contact the Assessor's office at (602) 506-3291 upon selling or purchasing a mobile/manufactured home. Be sure to have the new owner's full name and proper mailing address to update the account.

How do I obtain my mobile/manufactured home serial number or vehicle identification number (VIN)? The serial number or VIN is located on the top left hand corner of your title. If you do not have a copy of your title, contact the Motor Vehicle Department at (602) 255-0072 to obtain a duplicate.

What is the Mobile Home Relocation Fund? The fund was established and is maintained by the State of Arizona to assist tenants who live in Mobile Home Parks with the cost of relocating their mobile/manufactured home due to a change in the use of land which is rented by the tenant. For additional information regarding the mobile home relocation fund please refer to the Arizona Revised Statutes §§  33-1476.01   33-1476.02   33-1476.03   33-1476.04 

What is the Mobile/manufactured home property tax clearance permit (504)? This permit is required by the Assessor's office prior to moving a mobile/manufactured home to insure taxes are paid and to update our records of the new location and/or the new owner information pursuant to A.R.S. §§  42-19107   and   42-19155. 

What permits do I need to legally move my mobile/manufactured home? In addition to the 504 property tax clearance you will need to contact Maricopa County Central Permits (623) 932-2247 for additional permit information.

I would like to move a second mobile/manufactured home onto my land. Is that allowed? Please contact Development Services at (602) 506-3301 for zoning information.

How much are my taxes? Can I make payments on my taxes? Can I pay my taxes online? Please contact the Maricopa County Treasurer for all questions regarding taxes at (602) 506-8511 or online

Ownership

I just bought a house. How long before the property will transfer to my name? The Assessor receives over 400,000 documents from the Recorder's Office each year, however you can expect that an ordinary house on a subdivision lot purchase could take 6-8 weeks after recording before the change displays on the web site. Purchases outside of a subdivision (mete/bounds legal descriptions or splits of property) take longer unless the Assessor's parcel number of the property is included in the legal description on the recorded deed.

Splits

I want to sell a piece of my property to one of my children. How do I split a property to get two parcel numbers for taxes? Record a deed conveying the property and describing the part of the property (legal description) you are conveying to the new owner. The Recorder's Office forwards all documents transferring property to the Assessor and the Assessor splits the property according to the description on the recorded document. The Assessor's Office suggests you seek the professional help of a title company or an attorney when transferring property. You also may wish to contact your local jurisdiction prior to splitting property to make certain you comply with any local ordinances as well as State requirements.

How long does a property split take? It should only take 8 to 10 weeks after the recording date to have a split processed. Contact our downtown office at 602-506-0198 for information.

Is there anything I can do to help expedite the split process? Make sure your title company includes the most recent Assessor's parcel ID number on the recorded deed, as part of the legal description of the property, before the document is recorded.

Property Values

My neighbor's house is the same model. Why are our values different? There could be a number of reasons. To establish market value, the Assessor's Office gathers information from a number of sources, including previous sales from the area, zoning, topography, view, livable square footage, lot size and other component information, just to name a few. The valuation is determined by a computer analysis of the information gathered. Although properties may look alike on the surface there may be subtle differences. In mass appraisal those are not always obvious, even though they result in different values. Keep in mind that the Assessor must value over 1.5 million properties, and you have a right to appeal that value within 60 days of the date the Assessor mailed your Notice of Value, if you disagree with the value.

Corrections

I have asked for a recheck of my property because I think there is an error in the Assessor's records. How long will that take? Correction of errors are one of the Assessor's priorities. If you believe there is a factual error in the Assessor's records, we will have an appraiser recheck your property, usually within a few weeks of notification. The appraiser may or may not contact you directly depending upon the issue. If the error would cause an increase in the assessment, in most instances the correction will be made to the next tax year. If the correction would result in a decrease in the assessment, Assessor staff will correct the current assessment roll. The Assessor or property owner may also file administrative action to correct prior assessment rolls (see below for additional information).

If I have a factual correction that results in a decrease in my assessment, can I get my money back for prior years taxes? More than likely, the answer is yes. If you file an administrative action via a Notice of Claim (ARS 42-16254) OR if the Assessor files an administrative action via a Notice of Proposed Correction (42-16252), you might be eligible for refunds for up to three prior years. This process is called a "resolution" and requires approval by various agencies before it can be completed. It normally takes several weeks before the process is completed and you receive a corrected tax bill from the Treasurer. The Treasurer notifies you by letter after they receive notification from the Assessor to make the change.

What do I have to do to report an error on your website? Use the "Contact the Assessor" link on our page, or the "Contact Us" on a County page with the keyword Assessor.

How long does it take to get a response? The Assessor's Public Assistance staff tries to respond within two business days or sooner, except at extremely busy times, when it could be longer.

Senior Protection

If I apply for Senior Protection, do I have to declare my business income if I had a loss? Yes you do. All income from all sources will be reviewed for this program.

My spouse passed away, how do I get the property listed in my name only? If the property is held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship or as community property with right of survivorship, you can record a copy of the death certificate or a notice of death at the Recorder's Office. Once the recorded document is forwarded by the Recorder, the name will be removed.

Can I get reduced taxes if I'm disabled? The State of Arizona has exemptions for widows, widowers and disabled persons. Click here for more information on property exemptions, or call Assessor's information 602-506-3406.