Personal Property

Tangible Personal Property forms are mailed to taxpayers in January of each year.  An informational Personal Property Brochure is included with the forms providing detailed information.

Assessments are based on 100% of loan value of the current year January edition of the NADA official used car guide.  Additional value is added for vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive features.  Surry County is a non-prorating locality.  Taxpayers are assessed the full year for vehicles owned on January 1st.  Any vehicle purchased after January 1 will be taxed the following year.

The Federal Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act exempts military personnel from Personal Property tax in any State other than their state of legal residence.  Vehicles registered in the name(s) of active duty non-Virginia military resident(s) will be exempt from Personal Property tax.  All vehicles owned by individuals of the military who claim Virginia as their legal state of residence are subject to personal property tax, regardless of where the vehicle(s) is/are physically located.

A vehicle license fee of $20 for each motor vehicle and $15 for each motorcycle will be added to the tax bill due on or before December 5th of each year.  Vehicles located in the Towns of Claremont, Dendron and Surry will be subject to decal/vehicle license fees as per the Town ordinance.

 Personal Property Tax Relief

The Virginia Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998 provides tax relief for personal use passenger cars, motorcycles, and pickup or panel trucks having a registered gross weight of less than 7,501 pounds.  Motor homes, trailers and farm use vehicles do not qualify.  A qualifying vehicle cannot be used over 50% for business purposes.  For additional information on this tax relief, citizens can refer to the Personal Property Brochure or log onto: www.dmvnow.com/webdoc/general/pptr/summary.asp.

Business Personal Property and/or Machinery and Tools

Every person, firm, or corporation owning tangible business property and/or machinery and tools that were located within Surry County on January 1, of each year, must report the same on the Tangible Personal/Business Property Return prescribed for that purpose to the Commissioner of the Revenue, on or before May 1^st of each year.