Who will pay taxes on a prebuilt cabin - the land owner? or the building owner? What type of taxes?

[tjf0700]

My girlfriend and I are looking to purchase a "Prebuilt" cabin.  12x28 foot that is brought in via truck and set down on a leveled foundation of crushed rock.  It will not have electrical wired directly too it or water, it's just an extra sleeping area.  The actual property is my girlfriends parents, not ours.  So we will own the structure, but not the land.  The question is - how is this taxed?  Will the parents property taxes go up?  Will we pay taxes? if so, what kind of taxes? 

[Lisa995]

What type of taxes are you referring to?  

If you're purchasing it, you may owe sales tax on it.

If someone is selling it to you, they would pay taxes on any gain they made on the sale.

[tjf0700]

I guess I'm wondering if property taxes are involved.  Will the parents real-estate taxes go up?  Will there be a separate assessment because we own the building, but it's not "connected" to ground?

[SweetieJean]

Property taxes are legally due from whomever holds the title.

[tjf0700]

Ok, I'm still confused.  Property taxes are legally due from whomever holds the title... of the land? or the building?  Are you saying the land will not be assessed higher with this type of building on it?

[bwa · Accepted solution]

I guess I'm wondering if property taxes are involved.

Property taxes are assessed on real property.  Your question really is, is a portable cabin not affixed to the ground an addition to the real property, or does it remain tangible personal property?  The opinion that you want is from the Tax Assessor in the County where the cabin will be located.  Why not give them a call?

[tjf0700]

Thank you!  I was having a hard time coming up with proper terminology and didn't even know where to start because of that.  You hit the nail on the head.