Personal Property Tax Information

What Property is Taxable

Tangible (that is, physical) personal property is subject to the personal property tax unless exempt by statute. Items defined as tangible personal property range from chairs in a barbershop to the furnishings of a doctor's office; from drills used by a dentist to the poles owned by a utility company.

What Property Is Exempt

Tools employed by a plumber, carpenter, auto mechanic and other trade professionals are exempt from personal property tax. In legal terms, this exemption covers "tools of trade" of a "mechanic"(e.g. small tools that can fit in a toolbox). Tools of other professionals not listed are, however, considered taxable. These include dentist's drills and x-ray machines. Computers are also subject to the personal property tax, but in cases where a corporation for internal use uses them only, (e.g, for such functions as internal accounting or administrative operations), computers are not subject to taxation.

Tangible Property

Tangible personal property subject to some other type of local tax is also exempt from the personal property tax. Included in this category are the:

  • Farm Animal and Equipment Excise
  • Mobile Home Park License Fees
  • Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
  • Ship and Boat Excise

Intangible Property

Intangible personal property is exempt from the personal property tax. Intangible property includes:

  • Bonds
  • Cash
  • Mortgages
  • Other Evidence of Ownership of Property Rights
  • Stocks

Information Requests

The Assessors may require an owner or lessee of personal property to provide certain information in writing, as may be reasonably necessary, to determine the actual fair cash valuation of the property. Failure to comply with the request within 30 days will bar any appeal of the taxes assessed, unless the owner or lessee was unable to comply with the request for reasons beyond his/her control. Any false statement that is knowingly made will also bar the taxpayer from any statutory appeal.

Each year, prior to March 1st. all persons subject to taxation must submit a list of all their personal property, which is not exempt from taxation. These personal estate items must be included on the Form of List. Blank Forms of Lists are available at the Assessors Office.

Abatement of Personal Property Tax

Applications for abatement must be filed on or before February 1. Applications may be obtained at the Assessors Office.