Property taxes...why pay school taxes?

Question

I own a home in New York state and pay property taxes which of course include very high school taxes. I don't think it is fair that I have to pay for another parent's child's education when I don't have and never will have children in the school system. Wasn't the lottery suppose to pay for much of the school system's finance? And, how long does it take for a property to go into foreclosure when you are late in paying your property tax? thanks

Answer 1

You miss the point.  Society as a whole benefits by providing public education.  Even without kids, we all reap the benefits of people being educated.

Answer 2

Public education is a right in any civilized country.  In order for it to BE public education, it needs to be funded by society as a whole.

If only those with children paid for the school system, that wouldn't be public education, would it?  No, it would be user pay education, which would mean poor people would not be able to afford to educate their children.

Normally, properties will be subject to a tax sale after two years of non payment.  It's not a foreclosure, the property is sold at tax sale auction, and the owner usually has an additional year to pay all taxes owning plus interest, in order to retrieve the property.

Answer 3

Did you go to public schools? Do you want a bunch of people in the future that do not have the skills to be your employees or help maintain the standard of living in the US?

Life is not just about you, despite the common idea that we are truly individuals. We are in this country and world together. So, bitching about paying taxes to help sent children to school is totally lame.

BTW, I am a single man (about 40) who doesn't plan to have children. And, I accept that such taxes are the price one pays to live in the US. I, also, realize that I can try to have the taxes changed if I disagree with them and whining about those taxes will not solve the problem.

Answer 4

The costs of educating children is a public burden in this country and has been since the Pilgrims landed.  Live with it.  You would not like the alternative.