Enter a taxable value and two millage rates. You can rename each rate so the results read clearly. The default values are examples.
Assessed value minus exemptions.
Three useful comparisons
Proposed rate versus rolled-back rate
Your TRIM notice shows each taxing authority's proposed rate and the tax you would pay at its rolled-back rate, the rate that would raise the same revenue as last year from existing property. Enter the rolled-back rate as rate A and the proposed rate as rate B, with your taxable value for that authority, to see what the proposed budget change costs you. Our post on what "no new taxes" really means explains why this comparison matters.
Last year versus this year
Enter last year's adopted rate and this year's proposed rate with the same taxable value to isolate the effect of the rate change. If your bill went up even though the rate went down, the difference came from your taxable value.
City versus unincorporated
Buyers comparing homes in different parts of the county can add up the total millage for each location, then compare them on the same taxable value. A home inside a city pays city millage; a home in unincorporated Orange County pays county service levies instead. Check non-ad valorem assessments separately. The property tax guide explains which authorities apply where.
Reading the results
- Effective rate converts millage to a percentage. 17 mills is 1.7%.
- Tax per $100,000 makes rates easy to compare at a glance.
- Monthly equivalent helps with budgeting and escrow estimates.
Separate school and non-school values
For a homestead, school levies use a higher taxable value than other levies, because the second homestead exemption does not reduce school taxes. For precise comparisons, run school rates and non-school rates separately with the matching taxable values from your TRIM notice. The homestead savings calculator handles both at once.
This tool gives estimates only. Use your official TRIM notice and tax bill for exact figures.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mill?
One mill is one-tenth of a cent, or $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. A rate of 17 mills means $17 of tax per $1,000 of taxable value, or 1.7%.
Where do I find the millage rates for my property?
Your TRIM notice lists each taxing authority's proposed rate and its rolled-back rate. Your tax bill lists the adopted rates. Enter a single authority's rate to compare that authority, or add all rates together to compare total millage.
Why doesn't this tool include official rates?
Rates change every year and differ across dozens of taxing districts in Orange County. Using the rates from your own TRIM notice or bill gives a far more accurate result than a generic table.
Can I compare two cities?
Yes. Enter the total millage for a parcel in each city and the same taxable value. Remember that non-ad valorem assessments and city services can also differ.