Need to know how to estimate your property tax? You’ve come to the right place! Most people know that homeownership requires coughing up copious amounts of money. There’s your mortgage, of course, but the costs hardly end there. You will also have to pay property tax.

If you already own a home, you can look at how your tax is calculated on the most current property tax statement. If you’re considering buying a home, look on the real estate listing for assessment and tax information, or go to the county website to find out the annual property tax.

Be aware that property taxes can change. The assessed value of your house can go up or down, depending on the local real estate market. Your assessment can also rise or fall depending on changes you make to your house—for example, if you make additions to your property. And the tax rate can change depending on your local government.

Even though the government sends you a tax bill every year and tells you how much you owe in property taxes, it’s important to know how that tax is calculated.