Decreasing property values over the last five years have posed challenges for Maui County government. Lower property values have been followed by decreases in the assessed value of island properties. With limited new construction to offset the lowering assessed values, the county of Maui has had to raise tax rates to match the prior year’s tax revenues. There has also been a need for additional revenue to fund county pensions and the county health fund . This was the case again this year as the Maui County Council just voted to raise property tax rates. The council also voted to raise the county minimum property tax $100. Decreased assessed values have resulted in a growing body of residents who paid the minimum property tax rate. Homeowners are able to get a $200,000 exemption from their assessed value. If your home is assessed low enough, you qualify for the minimum rate. The new minimum rate will be $250. Here are the new Maui County Property Tax rates by classification:
- The homeowner rate increases from $2.50 to $2.75
- The residential rate would go from $5.55 to $5.75
- Apartment rises from $5.50 to $6.20
- Hotel/resort bumps from $9 to $9.15
- Commercial residential increases from $4.20 to $4.50
- Conservation rises from $5.60 to $6.20
- Agricultural escalates from $5.80 to $6
- Time share increases from $15 to $15.50
- Industrial increases modestly from $7 to $7.10
- Commercial goes from $6.25 to $6.90
All of the above property tax rates are per $1,000 of assessed value. The new rates go into effect on July 1, 2012. Property taxes are paid twice annually in August and February.