Homeowners and corporations pay property taxes each year. In some locales, those who own personal property, like boats or cars, also are taxed. While property tax is unavoidable with home or business ownership, those in the American South pay some of the lowest property taxes.

What’s Behind Property Taxes?

Local governments that govern over an area where the property is located are responsible for calculating property taxes. These taxes are based on the value of the property, which may include land. The owners of the property are subject to paying property taxes, which may be deemed a regressive tax.

Property tax is used to improve the local community. Local governments use collected property taxes to pay for enhancements to the water and sewer systems. Police and fire departments, highway and road constructions, educational institutions and libraries are funded by property taxes.

Property taxes vary annually. The current market value of a property is one factor that determines the amount of property tax an owner must pay for a given year. Tax rates are normally recalculated each year by tax officials in municipal governments. A hired tax assessor assesses area properties.

Property owners have the option to either formally contest tax rates or discuss them with the assessor. Unpaid property taxes have financial consequences. Taxing authorities impose a lien against a property when the owners fail to pay their property taxes.

What’s the Average Property Tax?

In the United States, the average amount of property tax American homeowners pay every year for their homes is $2375, according to the US Census Bureau. Twenty-seven states impose vehicle property taxes, and owners are taxed an additional $441 each year.

Depending on the area of residence, drastic variances in property taxes exist. In Arkansas, for instance, property taxes can be as low as $743 per year. On the opposite end of the tax spectrum, property taxes can balloon to $7800 per year for homeowners in New Jersey.

States with a lower property tax make living in a large house with ample amounts of land financially feasible. Many southern states are known to have the lowest property tax rates in the union. The property tax rates in the American South are typically under one percent.

Which States Have the Lowest Property Taxes?

While some states may have a low property tax rate, these regions may also have a high median home value. Homeowners who live in homes worth over half a million dollars unavoidably remain stuck with a heavy property tax bill each year.

1. Hawaii

Hawaii, for instance, has an effective property tax rate of 0.29 percent. The property tax rate in The Aloha State is the lowest in the country. However, the median home value on the island is $620,400. These homeowners remain on the hook for paying $1799 in property taxes each year.

2. Alabama

Competing for the lowest tax rate is Alabama, which has a 0.40 percent property tax rate. In contrast to home prices in Hawaii, the median price of homes in Alabama is $130,500. Homeowners pay a $522 property tax bill, making this state the most affordable to own a home.

3. Louisiana

Louisiana comes a close third in property tax rates with 0.51 percent. Median home prices are among the lowest in the nation. Given the state’s combination of low property tax rates and median home values, Pelican State homeowners pay a modest $751 in property taxes annually.

4. Lowest Business Property Taxes: New Mexico, Indiana, Utah

Business properties differ when it comes to the lowest states for property taxes. The Tax Foundation’s research concludes that New Mexico, Indiana and Utah are among the states that have the lowest tax rates for business properties. New Jersey has the highest property taxes for businesses.

What are Possible Exemptions?

Some states, counties or local jurisdictions offer property tax exemptions to people who qualify. Homestead exemptions (where owners do not pay taxes on a portion of the home’s value) reduce the cost of property taxes for those who meet age or income requirements.

Exemptions may be offered to eligible homeowners, such as older people, military veterans and those with disabilities. Homeowners who invest in certain renovations, like solar panels, are eligible for discounts and should ask their taxing authority for a reduction of their tax bill.

Some business properties may be eligible for a property tax exemption, as well. Such businesses may include nonprofits, those situated on historical land and agricultural properties. In New York, for example, businesses may also receive exemptions for temporary greenhouses and forest land.

Depending on where a property is located, a property tax bill can almost equal a mortgage. When either your property tax or business property tax bill is overburdensome, you may want to consider moving to a state with low property tax rates.

Work with a Trusted Commercial Mover

Chicago Office Movers will get you to a more affordable destination fast. As one of the Windy City’s most reputable commercial movers, we are positioned to offer a range of comprehensive services that make relocating a business affordable and reliable.

Moving services provided by Chicago Office Movers include corporate relocation, machinery moving, lab and equipment moving, library moving and long-distance moving. Our experienced crews are also available to shift heavy office goods when you are in the midst of renovating or remodeling.

As a part of our professional moving services, Chicago Office Movers helps companies pack and unpack. Once we arrive at your new destination, our crews set up the desks, computers and machinery. Our reliable storage solutions are ideal when your new location is not yet ready.

Reputable Union Movers

Chicago Office Movers has earned a reputation for excellence in Chicagoland. We’ve moved prestigious institutions, like the University of Chicago, and major companies, like Alcatel Lucent. As a plus, we are committed to employing green practices to help preserve the environment.

When it is advantageous to relocate your business to benefit from lower property tax rates, choose Chicago Office Movers. Our dedicated team of professional office movers will ensure that the transition to your new space is done seamlessly.

Free Estimate

For a free estimate on your next commercial move, contact Chicago Office Movers at (312) 244-2246.

The blistering summer days and crisp autumn months in the Windy City are filled with excitement that ripples from various unique festivals. Each of the top ten Chicago festivals is never short of bustling crowds. Chicagoans from all parts of the city, both near and far, make their way to the many local festivals to participate in the colorful presentations of food, fun and activity. They also make great corporate events for team-building and socializing!

Top 10 Chicago Festivals

1. Taste of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago festival is a smorgasbord of local flavors. Entry is free, but to sample various cuisines, participants pay with purchased tickets. Chicago is best known for its deep-dish pizza, and Taste of Chicago attendees get to dive deep into this authentic fare plus much more.

Taste of Chicago has ballooned from a small, one-day festival back in 1980 to the present-day fun-filled event. Aside from food, the festival holds cooking demonstrations for those interested in what goes into Chicago’s various ethnic cuisines. Music concerts round out the day at this spectacular event.

2. Lollapalooza

Chicagoland’s music festival Lollapalooza attracts a worldwide audience. Taking place in Chicago’s Grant Park, Lollapalooza is a mecca for music lovers. Over 170 bands play at the festival. Headliners, like Lady Gaga, Death Cab for Cutie, and Ariana Grande, show off their talents on any one of the eight stages.

Tickets, from one-day to four-day, give attendees access to the enlivening experience. While music takes center stage, Lollapalooza guests are entitled to relish the city’s favorite restaurant foods. VIP passes offer breathtaking views of the skyline and a prime space away from the boisterous crowds.

3. Chicago Gourmet

Bon Appetit presents the grand food festival known to Chicagoans as Chicago Gourmet. Millennium Park gets to host this classy event. Celebrity chefs whip up fine cuisines, while answering audience questions and even taking selfies. Sommeliers and mixologists reveal their secrets about wines and cocktails.

Get full access to renowned chefs, like Rick Bayless and Jose Garces. Main stage cooking demos from chefs include Eat, Plate, Love and Pulp Fiction: Citrus & Ceviches. The culinary stage showcases cooking demos from audience favorites, like Laura Cheng and Johnny Andres.

4. Chicago Ginza Holiday Festival

Although smaller, the Japanese cultural event Chicago Ginza Holiday Festival is able to draw crowds. Wide-ranging entertainment keeps audiences at the edge of their seats. Minyo Japanese Folk Dance, Taiko Drumming and Judo demonstrations are just a sample of events that took place in 2019.

5. Chicago Kids and Kites Festival

Held on the grasses of Lincoln Park, the Chicago Kids and Kites Festival is a free family friendly event. Kites featuring brilliant colors soar in the city’s afternoon skies. Children have the opportunity to build their own kites or purchase and fly magnificent kites at the event itself.

The Windjammers Professional Kite Team demonstrates how kite flying is done. Included in their skills are synchronized flying techniques using uniquely shaped, oversized kites. As the sky is covered with stunning kites, the ground-level buzzes with balloon artists and circus arts.

6. Chicago World Music Festival

The city’s Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for this gem: the Chicago World Music Festival. Showcasing the world’s diverse musical cultures, music performances are scattered around Chicago. Events may be held in museums, parks, and cultural clubs with either free or low-cost admission.

7. Chicago Pride Fest

The LGBTQ community gets a festive weekend in the city with the Chicago Pride Fest. The two-day festival attracts up to 100,000 attendees. Diversity and equality are celebrated through art and song from popular artists, arts and crafts vendors, drag shows and the famous Chicago Pride Parade.

8. Chicago’s Oktoberfest

Three spectacular autumn days are set aside to celebrate the colorful sides of Bavarian food and drink. Attendees dig into hot brats and imbibe craft beers over the course of one weekend. Chicago’s Oktoberfest is one of the city’s most popular festivals come fall.

Also in Chicago is Revolution Oktoberfest, held in the city’s Logan Square neighborhood. Revolution Oktoberfest delivers the finest in craft beers. The festival has a philanthropic bent, with proceeds going to Friends of Goethe School. Eat, drink and be merry at multiple Oktoberfest events around Chicago.

9. Edgewater Arts Festival

Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood is one of the city’s most artistic. New and experienced artists showcase their latest artwork under crimson autumn leaves. The Edgewater Arts Festival offers residents and visitors much to talk about with its displays of bold art as well as theater and music.

10. BeerHoptacular

Held in a helicopter hanger, the Beer Hoptacular festival is one to write home about. In one afternoon, attendees are surrounded by the most expansive selections of craft beers. Over 150 brews are available to sample. Homebrew competitions are held to liven up the already energized festival.

Chicagoans are out and about come summer and autumn. With an array of festivals to keep them entertained, residents in the Windy City keep their schedules full. Celebrations come and go, but one event that remains especially significant to area businesses is an upcoming business relocation.

Chicago Corporate Relocation

Sure to be celebrated once complete, a corporate relocation can be stressful to start. Chicago Office Movers takes the hassle out of moving day. With a dedicated crew of licensed and background-checked movers, our moving company is positioned to shift your office property quickly and affordably.

Chicago Office Movers is equipped with the moving gear to safely move your business long distance, locally, or internationally. Our moving trucks are also climate-controlled to safeguard sensitive equipment. With tracking available, customers have the ability to track the movement of their office possessions.

Business owners with an upcoming office relocation have immediate support from Chicago Office Movers’ specialists, who are ready to assist with planning. With a free estimate, ample support and reasonable prices, business managers have every reason to turn to Chicagoland’s most reputable and reliable commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers.

Contact Us

Looking for a quote on your next commercial move? Give us a call at (312) 244-2246 or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you shortly. We look forward to working with you!

The upcoming office relocation invokes a flurry of anticipation as well stresses. One of the hassles is deciding whether or not to discard the existing office furniture and replace them with pristine ones to better suit the brand-new digs.

Reasons abound for selling off the old furniture in favor of the new:

1. Size

Businesses shift gears when their company downsizes or expands. Your future office space will accommodate the changes in business structure. For example, when companies expand, business owners are likely to invest in extra square feet, meaning the building will be larger.

Relocating to Smaller Office

When your business merges with another company or is forced to lower costs in order to stay afloat, downsizing is the solution to remaining profitable. As a consequence, relocating to a smaller office will be in the business’ foreseeable future.

In either scenario, business owners will want furniture that fits into their new workspace. Properly sized desks, chairs and cabinets add to, rather than detract from, the ambiance of the future setting. Old furniture may be either too big or exceedingly small to suit the new floorplan.

Relocating to Larger Office

Office staff may feel awkward working in a huge room fitted with tiny desks. The atmosphere hardly sits right. On the other hand, lugging the enormous desk and chairs from the previous office and stuffing them into the new, cramped room will be equally uncomfortable for employees to work in.

The solution is to invest in brand new office furniture, ones that ideally fit the new floorplan. What results are comfortable employees who can focus on their tasks, rather than letting their minds wander in either the vastness of the office space or the squeezed, snug room they inhabit.

2. Aesthetic

Akin to producing a pleasing workspace is tending to aesthetic. The parrot-green chairs from the 1960s may have served the company well for decades but introducing these outdated furniture items into a contemporary space with clean lines and neutral colors fails to incorporate style.

BICOM Communications, for example, renovated its office spaces to include contemporary wood paneling and faux grass. Imagine bringing in heavy, antique desks and chairs. You can see how the resulting mood would undermine the designer’s original vision of creating a space that inspires creativity and collaboration.

Or, take a cue from Google Japan. The company renovated its workspace to feature bold wall colors and splashy patterns. Bringing in dated furniture from a prior space would hardly sit ideally in this new one. Colors would clash, making moot the point to create a fun, upbeat office environment.

Rather than repaint the new office walls to suit old furniture, the more sensible approach is to exchange the existing furniture for items that meet the aesthetic requirements of the new setting. Even natural lighting, or the lack thereof, can alter the look of the furniture and the overall space.

3. Condition

Practicality has its place during a relocation. Old furniture may be so worn that it begs for an update. When shifting to a new building, seize this prime opportunity to invest in new furniture. Your mint desks and chairs will last far longer than the tired ones from years prior.

Plus, what employees would want to put forth their best effort while sitting in ripped chairs, working from dented, scratched desks and pulling paperwork from file cabinets that stick? Your staff will experience a boost in happiness and productivity from a simple, timely furniture update.

4. Surplus

An office move inspires change and evaluation. When considering the layout of your new office space, factor in what is necessary and what is not. Over time, office buildings can accumulate a medley of excess furniture, including broken chairs that have yet to see the insides of a trash bin.

Or, during the process, you discover your staff requires only one cabinet instead of four. Relocating prompts business owners to re-evaluate. You are forced to toss the surplus and nonfunctional. Shifting gears provides excellent reasons to purchase furniture that is more relevant to the new workspace.

5. Convenience

Matters of convenience can spark change. Consider that wrapping the shaky cabinet with loose hinges in order to prepare for moving day will cost business owners more in time and money than investing in a new, functional one. Avoid the hassle and sell the old goods.

Selling used office furniture can provide business owners with some cash, especially if the furniture is desirable and in high demand. However, companies are rarely in the know when it comes to understanding what items are in demand and at what times. Demand is extremely unpredictable.

If 150 office chairs need to be sold and there is no demand or interest from third-party companies, some services will provide the labor and time to remove these goods from your workplace. You may feel satisfied getting rid of the old furniture, even if there is no monetary payout.

Work with a Commercial Mover

When a corporate move is on the horizon, Chicago Office Movers has you covered. Our experienced team of union, commercial movers have successfully relocated common office equipment, like heavy electronics, HVAC equipment, assembly lines, libraries and various standard furniture items.

As dedicated, professional office movers, the team at Chicago Office Movers does not stop with simply shifting your office property to a new building. We will also help you set up your new furniture and equipment in the new space. Plus, our dependable storage solutions are ideal when your new office is not yet ready to be moved into.

Chicago Office Movers reliably serves the Windy City. We’ve helped our customers move from the city, into Chicago and within the metropolitan area. No matter how large or small your business happens to be, Chicago Office Movers is prepared with the skilled manpower and equipment to safely and efficiently relocate your business.

Contact Us

A free estimate is available at 312-244-2246 for business owners who are ready to plan their upcoming office move.