Determining the tax status of a property is an essential part of the escrow process.
All properties within Utah are assessed for property taxes as of January 1 each year. The state requires that counties send Property Valuation Notices to homeowners before their Utah property tax bill can increase. Valuation notices are mailed to taxpayers in July. Property tax notices are typically mailed on the third week of October. Contact your County Treasurer if you have not received your tax notice by November 1st. Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt you from paying Utah property taxes or the penalties that come with late payment.
Important details to note:
- Property taxes are due in Utah on November 30 for the current year and late on December 1 of the current year. If the due date falls on a weekend, it is pushed to the next business day. Utah property taxes are payable to the County Treasurer.
- The taxes are prorated from January 1 to the date of closing and funding
- Taxes in Utah can go to tax sale if they have not been paid for 5 years – the county can take the property and sell it for the amount owed on the taxes
- Taxes in Utah are considered a first lien on the property even though the Lender requires the Deed of Trust is insured in a first position – the exception being the taxes are showing current
- Taxes need to be paid current with every transaction – applies to a refinance or purchase
This article is part of the Home Buyer Guide and Home Seller Guide.
