Finding information concerning the best and worst county tax rates requires a search of the individual county tax rates across the country. Unfortunately, there is no single source available that has this information available or easily accessible. County tax rates vary greatly from region to region and depend on the level of services that a county provides its residents.
County Tax Rates Based on Property Values
The tax rates that a county charges are typically based on property values. A county may also charge sales taxes or make special assessments. A special assessment is a tax that maybe levied on a specific area of the county that benefit from a local improvement. Aside from these types of taxes the different types of taxes that can be assessed by a county is unlimited.
Trying to Find County Tax Rate Information
Attempting to find information online regarding county tax rates is difficult. Some counties may provide comparative information about their tax rates compared to nearby counties. The needs of one part of the country may differ greatly from what other cities may require.
For example, the millage or assessment rate for York county taxes (in Pennsylvania) is 4.15 percent. Buncombe county property tax, which is located in North Carolina, has a tax rate of 5.25 percent. The BOE sales tax, which is the California State Board of Equalization, is between 8.25 and 10.25 percent, depending on the city you live.
County Tax Rates in States That Do Not Charge Taxes
Some states such as Alaska and Texas do not charge taxes on a state-wide basis. This does not preclude local counties from charging taxes. You will need to look up and compare tax information for ever county in order to determine which county’s tax rate is the best or the worst.
Potential Sources for Ranking Information
Groups, like the National Taxpayer Union, can provide some comparative information on county tax rates. The extent to which this information may be politically motivated or skewed is called in question but they may offer the best way in which to uncover county-by-county tax information.
Benefit of Comparative County Tax Rates
Businesses would benefit from having information on county tax rates in order to drive their decisions regarding relocating. Businesses have an advantage because the county may be the target of a tax incentive offer to help promote and encourage new jobs and money to the area.

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