At a time when most people are looking at every possible way to save money, one of the biggest opportunities is often overlooked.

For the average homeowner, in most parts of the U.S., real estate taxes take a significant bite out of their budget. But when taxes are escrowed into mortgage payments, they are easily out-of-sight, out-of-mind. Most people don’t even know they can access information, and should check to make sure they are not overpaying.

What you need to know

The local tax, or mill rate may be set in stone, but that is only part of the equation. The assessed value of real estate property is multiplied by the mill rate to find the annual property taxes. It is the dollar amount levied for every $1,000 in value. Every state does it differently. Some tax only on a percentage of the assessed value.