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1. What is considered individual personal property?

Virginia State Code Section 58.1-3503 defines personal property as automobiles, trucks, manufactured homes, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and aircrafts.

2. How do I file an individual personal property return? What is the filing deadline?

The Commissioner of the Revenue has waived the requirement for filing of personal property returns for motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, and boats per the amended Orange County ordinance 58-54, as of June 14, 2016. Pursuant to Code of Virginia sections 58.1-3518.1 and 58.1-3519, our office will assess such property based upon information received from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, or other public agency or private entity required by law to report the presence of such property within the county, and the tax shall be assessed and levied on such information. Businesses must still file a Business Personal Property form with our office by May 1st of the taxable year.

3. I am a new resident of Orange County. What do I need to do?

The Commissioner of the Revenue welcomes you to Orange County. All vehicles should be registered with Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The Commissioner's Office will assess motor vehicles based on information we receive from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

4. I am moving out of Orange County. What do I need to do?

Orange County is not a prorating county, therefore, you will owe Orange County the tax for the full year and the County you move to cannot assess you on your current vehicle until January 1 of the year following your move in date. However, if you purchase a new car and the County you move to is a prorating County they can charge you tax on your new vehicle, for the portion of the year you own it. If you move out of State, a proration will be made upon receipt of a copy of the out of state registration.

5. How do I know if the locality I am moving to is a “prorating” or a “non-prorating” locality?

Please contact the Commissioner's Office at (540) 672-4441 and our staff will be happy to determine the locality type.

6. I am planning on disposing of my vehicle. What do I need to do?

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles requires notification within 30 days of selling, trading, junking, etc. a vehicle by completing the back portion of the vehicle registration form.

7. If I am in the military, do I have to pay personal property taxes?

President Obama signed The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, dated November 11, 2009. The exemption applies only to service members (and now spouse with the same residence or domicile, according to the amended exemption) who choose to claim residency in another state. The spouse exemption will begin with tax year January 1, 2010. Vehicle owners who claim Virginia as their domicile are not exempt from taxation by virtue of being members of the military. You must provide a current Leave and Earnings Statement.

8. My spouse and I are separated and our vehicle is jointly owned. Who is responsible for the personal property taxes?

The vehicle is taxed in both names and both parties are equally responsible for the taxes until the title is changed with Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

9. How do you determine the assessment on a vehicle?

We use the Eastern Edition, N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide effective as of January 1 of the year of tax. We use the clean trade-in value.

10. When are personal property taxes due? Where do I send payments? How much did I pay in taxes last year?

Personal Property taxes are due on December 5. Payments should be sent to the Treasurer’s Office. The Treasurer’s Office can answer any questions you have about current and past tax payments. Please contact the Treasurer at (540) 672-2656.

11. Does the County offer a discount for vehicles with high mileage?

Yes. Orange County does offer a discount program for vehicles with high mileage. The criteria for the discount program conform to the guidelines provided by N.A.D.A. A copy of the inspection receipt dated prior to January 1st of the tax year, must be filed with our office. You may file these at any time.

12. Why do I need to file for the high mileage discount every year?

The amount of discount applied to the assessment is calculated according to the year of the vehicle, the make and the amount of mileage. In order to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of relief available, our office requires a yearly update of information.

13. How do I contact DMV to update my vehicle information?

The local DMV can be contacted at 12379 James Madison Highway in Orange or by phone at (540) 672-2255.

14. When will I stop paying personal property tax?

The Governor’s “No Car Tax” plan was not a complete elimination of tax. However, because of the financial burden on the state, the General Assembly has now passed a law limiting funding to the County based on 2004 tax exemption. The “No Tax” will no longer apply. At present, percentage of car tax relief will be subject to change each year.

15. Do I have the right to appeal my personal property assessment?

You do have the right to appeal your Personal Property Assessment. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Commissioner of the Revenue. Appeals submitted by email are considered a written appeal.

16. I sold my vehicle this year, will my tax be prorated?

No, Orange County is not a prorating county. You will be taxed for the full year. However, you will not be taxed on any vehicle purchased during the year.