Property Tax Law and Legal Definition
Property tax is a tax on the ownership of property. It is a tax assessed on all property or on all property of a certain class located within a certain territory in proportion to its value, the obligation to pay which is absolute and is not based upon any voluntary action of the person assessed. Property tax is levied on things tangible or intangible, as distinguished from a tax on a right to use or transfer things, or on the proceeds of a business in which the use of things is essential.
Property taxes are not personal debts; they are enforced contributions to the state or taxing unit for protection and unless otherwise provided are collectible only from the property assessed. [Maricopa County v. Trustees of Arizona Lodge, F. & A. M., 52 Ariz. 329 (Ariz. 1938)].
