Property tax important terms

Ad valorem 

According to value. 

Ad valorem taxes 

The ad valorem tax is a tax based on the assessed value of an item, such as real estate or personal property. An ad valorem tax is a property tax levied on real estate exclusive of exemptions, use-value assessment provisions, and the like.  

Homestead 

A building occupied by the owner of the freehold and his or her family, with the primary intention of making it their home, together with the parcel of land on which it stands and the other improvements attached to it. 

Improvements 

Immoveable buildings, other structures, and attachments or annexations to land intended to remain so attached or annexed, such as sidewalks, trees, drives, tunnels, drains, and sewers. 

Jurisdiction 

The right and power to interpret and apply the law; the power to tax and the power to govern. The territorial range of authority of control. 

Lien 

The legal right to take or hold property of a debtor as payment or security for a debt. 

Parcel 

A contiguous area of land described in a single legal description or as one of a number of lots on a plat; separately owned, either publicly or privately, and capable of being separately conveyed. 

Pulled 

Property is no longer available for sale due to payment or legal reasons. 

Real property 

Consists of the interests, benefits, and rights inherent in the ownership of land plus anything permanently attached to the land or legally defined as immovable; Also called "realty." 

Struck off 

Property did not sell on the original sale date and may be available for resale.