Revenue - Personal Property:

All persons, corporations, partnerships, etc., owning business personal property are subject to ad valorem tax. The property must be listed and assessed in the Revenue Commissioner's Office after October 1, but no later than December 31 each year. Failure to make an assessment will result in a 10% penalty and fees being added to the tax bill.

Business personal property consists of machinery, furniture, fixtures, tools, supplies, etc. Some business personal property could also be leasehold improvements such as counters, signs, walls, racks, etc. Leased property should also be reported to ensure that its owner can be identified. All other personal property is appraised by the Appraisal Department for taxes, based on the cost new, less allowance for depreciation due to age. Recently the State of Alabama Department of Revenue ordered that field audits be performed on all business personal property. This is to ensure that all businesses are reporting correctly and this will also ensure equalization of all business personal property.

Taxes become due on October 1, and are delinquent after December 31, the same as ad valorem tax on real property. However, delinquent personal property taxes are handled differently. Beginning January 1, when the taxes become delinquent, the Revenue Commissioner must proceed to collect the taxes due or sell the property to satisfy the lien. (Personal Property sold for taxes cannot be redeemed). Call Carla Huie, Personal Property Appraiser at 334-566-7270 for Rendition Form.

Note:

The Mapping, Appraisal and Personal Property staff are housed together in Room 25 of the Pike County Courthouse. They work closely with the Alabama Department of Revenue to keep the office current on state regulations.