What does a mill represent when applied to property taxes?

A mill represents a monetary value applied to property taxes, specifically quantified as dollars per thousand dollars of assessed property value. This means that for every $1,000 of assessed value, a specific amount of tax (in mills) is levied. When you see a mill rate, it helps property owners understand how much they will pay in taxes based on their property’s value—this is a critical concept in property taxation.

In contrast to other options, a fixed charge applied to property assessments does not accurately describe the mill system, as mills are variable based on the assessment value rather than a constant. Similarly, a percentage rate based on market value doesn’t align since mills work in a per-thousand framework rather than being expressed as a straightforward percentage. Lastly, a flat fee charged per property doesn’t relate to the mill system, which varies with property values. Understanding this concept is crucial for effectively navigating property tax assessments and obligations.