A Closer Look at the Mansion Tax

• March 27th 2023

by UrbanTurf Staff

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As Los Angeles looks to implement a "mansion tax" on April 1, UrbanTurf decided to take a closer look at this real estate tax, its goal and how it can affect the market. 

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A mansion tax is levied on high-value properties, typically defined as homes worth more than a certain amount. The tax is generally intended to raise revenue for government programs or to address issues related to housing affordability or inequality. In LA, a 4% tax will be imposed on residential property sales above $5 million, and a 5.5% tax will be levied on properties above $10 million. The tax will be used to fund affordable housing projects and homelessness prevention and is estimated to raise $672 million. 

One of the main concerns with this type of tax is that it can discourage investment in high-value properties and lead to a reduction in property values. As the April 1 date approaches, news reports are highlighting how many LA homeowners with million-dollar homes are trying to sell the properties before the tax goes into effect. 

Another issue that has been raised is how the tax would be administered fairly and accurately. Determining the exact value of properties that are subject to the tax could be difficult, and lead to disputes. 

In 2019, the possibility of a mansion tax was floated in DC. David Grosso, a councilmember at the time, proposed an increased tax on residential properties valued above $1 million. Grosso cited the need for additional investments in housing, schools, homelessness and other long-standing issues. The proposed legislation did not move forward. 

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/a-closer-look-at-the-mansion-tax/20827.