AGENDA DATE: 8/2/2017
TITLE: Tax (Chapter 15) Ordinance Amendments
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Tax Ordinance Amendments
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Walker, Letteri, Kamptner, Herrick, Burrell, Lamb
PRESENTER (S): Betty Burrell
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Douglas C. Walker
BACKGROUND: Upon review of the County’s tax regulations, the Finance Department is recommending updates and improvements to two sections of Chapter 15 (Taxation) of the Albemarle County Code. These proposed revisions are intended both to improve the County’s collection processes and to conform the County Code with recent changes in State law.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Economic Prosperity -- Foster an environment that stimulates diversified job creation, capital investments, and tax revenues that support community goals.
DISCUSSION: If adopted, the proposed ordinance would revise two sections of Chapter 15 (Taxation) of the County Code.
* Sec. 15-1101 - To exempt “All-terrain vehicles, and off-road motorcycles” as defined in § 46.2-100 from personal property taxation.
Purpose of this proposed change: To ensure fair and equitable treatment of all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles for tax purposes. Revenue Administration relies heavily on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for information about taxable tangible personal property. Currently, the DMV does not require registration of all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles, making taxation of these vehicles inconsistent and inequitable based on voluntary registration with DMV by some owners. In addition, these exemptions would create operational efficiencies for Revenue Administration. Staff is recommending that the amendment of this section be effective for taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2018. This recommendation is to maintain equity with those who have already filed or paid 2017 taxes on these items.
Consequence of this change: This proposal would decrease County revenues by approximately $25,000.
* Sec. 15-1101.2 - Business Tangible Personal Property separate classification - To raise from $250 to $500 the original cost threshold under which a taxpayer may provide an aggregate estimate of the total cost of all such business tangible personal property. This ordinance amendment is required by a 2017 amendment to Virginia Code § 58.1-3506(A)(46).
Purpose of this proposed change: To ensure County Code conforms with new Virginia Code requirements.
Consequence of this change: County staff expects this change to be revenue neutral.
BUDGET IMPACT: Though the budgetary impact of these proposed amendments is difficult to predict with any certainty, the following are staff’s best estimates of the impact of each proposal:
* To expand Personal Property tax exemptions to “All-terrain vehicles, and off-road motorcycles” (§ 15-1101) -- $25,000 revenue loss.
The following change is expected to be revenue neutral:
• Business tangible personal property minimum reporting threshold (§ 15-1101.2).
RECOMMENDATION:
Following the public hearing, staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached proposed ordinance (Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed Ordinance - Chapter 15 (Taxation)