Legal Definitions - tax roll

Tax Roll

A tax roll is an official, comprehensive record maintained by a government authority, such as a county or municipality, that lists all taxable properties or individuals within its jurisdiction. This document typically includes essential information required for assessing and collecting taxes, such as property descriptions, ownership details, assessed values, and the amount of taxes due. It serves as the authoritative ledger for property taxation.

• Example 1: Annual Property Tax Collection

  Every fall, the local county assessor's office finalizes its annual tax roll. This detailed list contains every residential and commercial property within the county, along with its current assessed value and the name of the owner. The county then uses this information to calculate and mail out property tax bills to all property owners, ensuring that each parcel is correctly identified and taxed according to its valuation.

• Example 2: Real Estate Transaction Due Diligence

  When Sarah decided to purchase a new house, her real estate attorney advised her to check the municipal tax roll for the property. By reviewing this official record, they could verify the exact legal description of the land, confirm the current owner, and ensure that there were no outstanding property taxes or liens associated with the parcel. This step was crucial to ensure a clear title transfer and avoid inheriting any unexpected financial liabilities.

• Example 3: Government Budgeting and Planning

  The city council was preparing its budget for the next fiscal year, which included funding for new park developments and road repairs. To accurately project the city's revenue from property taxes, the finance department consulted the updated tax roll. This comprehensive record allowed them to estimate the total taxable value of all properties within the city limits, providing a reliable basis for forecasting tax income and allocating funds for various public services.