What are business personal property taxes?

In addition to real estate property tax, Decatur bills for taxes owed on personal property such as marine vessels, aircraft, business inventories, office or work equipment, furniture, or fixtures. In 2009, personal property tax bills were calculated by multiplying the assessed property value by the city’s combined millage rate of 32.935. Bills were mailed in October and were due by Dec. 21, 2009.

The property value is determined from a Taxpayer’s Report of Personal Property filed with the DeKalb County Board of Tax Assessors by the owner or the owner’s agent. If no report was filed, the value was based on an on-site audit or review of the previous year’s report or other related information.

State law requires personal property taxes to be based on the residency of the taxpayer and location of the personal property as of January 1 of each year. Personal property owned on that date must be reported and listed for assessment by March 1. Taxes must be paid regardless of any change in the residency of the taxpayer or disposition of the property later in the year.

If the DeKalb County Board of Tax Assessors tells us that you were a resident of the City of Decatur on January 1, or maintained a business located in the City of Decatur on that day, and you are liable to pay the full amount of personal property taxes as billed for the complete year.

Our office recently mailed out notices to individuals and businesses who owe personal property tax for 2009 and prior years. Interest will continue to accrue on unpaid balances by 1 percent monthly. If you received a late notice and have questions about your bill, please call us.