Amherst County, Virginia

Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly & Handicapped

If you are 65 years years old or older on January 1 of the tax year or 100% disabled, earn less than $50,000 in income from all sources, and have less than $150,000 in net worth, you may be entitled to an exemption on your Real Estate Tax or Mobile Home Tax.  Applications for relief from Real Estate Tax or Mobile Home Tax must be filed annually between January 15 and March 31.  Applications are available and must be filed with the Commissioner of the Revenue.  For an application or if you have any questions, please call (434) 946-9310.

Tax rates are set each year by the Board of Supervisors in the spring. 

Personal Property Tax Due Dec 5th

All cities and counties in Virginia have a personal property tax. Amherst County taxes vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor homes), camping trailers, boat trailers, utility trailers, recreational vehicles, mobile homes, boats, and business furniture, equipment, inventory, machinery, and tools. Assessments are based on 100% of the NADA Car Guide clean trade value as of January 1st of each year. If the vehicle is not listed in the NADA Car Guide, the assessment is 90% of the cost. Code of VA Section 58.1-3518 requires every taxpayer owning any personal property subject to taxation (vehicles, boats, trailers, motorcycles, camping trailers) shall file a return by May 1 with the Commissioner of the Revenue.

Military VA Residents

All vehicles owned by a military individual who claims Virginia as their legal state of residence are subject to Personal Property tax.

Vehicles Sold, Junked or Moved Out of Amherst County

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

What is the Personal Property Tax Relief?

The Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998 provides tax relief for passenger cars, motorcycles, and pickup or panel trucks having a registered gross weight of less than 7,501 pounds. To qualify, a vehicle must: 1) be owned by an individual or leased by an individual under a contract requiring the individual to pay personal property taxes; AND 2) be used less than 50% for business purposes. Motor homes, trailers, and farm-use vehicles do not qualify for tax relief.

Does your vehicle qualify for Car Tax Relief?

If you can answer YES to any of the following questions, your motor vehicle is considered by State Law to have a business use and does NOT qualify for Car Tax Relief. 1) Is more than 50% of the mileage for the year used as a business expense for Federal Income Tax purposes OR reimbursed by an employer?; 2) Is more than 50% of the depreciation associated with the vehicle deducted as a business expense for Federal Income Tax purposes?; 3) Is the cost of the vehicle expensed pursuant to Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Service Code?; 4) Is the vehicle leased by an individual and the leasing company pays the tax without reimbursement from the individual? **Please note** Starting January 1, 2012, high mileage will be taken into consideration if a 762 Personal Property form is filed. Provide a copy of the vehicle's last inspection receipt for proof of mileage.

Business Personal Property Tax To Be Filed By May 1st and Tax Due Dec 5th

Business Personal Property Tax is assessed to each business on the property used in the trade or business (such as furniture, fixtures, equipment, inventory, machinery, and tools) owned on January 1st. Business Personal Property Tax Returns must be filed with the Commissioner of the Revenue on or before May 1st. Businesses must provide a list of properties indicating the description, date of purchase, and original cost for each item. If you do not receive a form, please contact the Commissioner of the Revenue.

We currently mail out business personal property returns to all businesses currently on our tax rolls as of January 1 of each year.

Businesses located in the County of Amherst are required to obtain a Business license. The license tax is based on gross receipts. Businesses must file a renewal application and pay the license fee by May 1 of each year. The business must be approved by the Zoning Office (434) 946-9303 prior to issuance of the license. If the business has a trade name, it must register it with the Clerk of Circuit Court at (434) 946-9321.

Business License Tax Rate

• Wholesalers $0.05 per $100 Groos Reciepts
• Gasoline & Fuel Retailers $0.08 per $100 Groos Receipts
• Retailers (Including Auto Dealers) $.20 per $100 Gross Receipts 
• Public Utility Companies Multiply .005 times total gross receipts 

If gross receipts are under $50,000, you pay a $10.00 license tax. If the amount of gross receipts is over $50,000, see the rates listed below.

• Contractors - $.13 per $100 of gross receipts
• Services - $.31 per $100 of gross receipts
• Professional - $.50 per $100 of gross receipts
• Itinerant Merchants - $200.00 - 30 days or $500.00 annually.
• Peddlers - $50.00 annually
• Door to Door - $20.00 annually

Businesses that are obtaining a business license for the first time will estimate their gross receipts for the year. All businesses that have operated previously and are renewing their license may need to provide proof of gross receipts (Schedule C, or Corporate return) if audited by the Commissioner.

State Income Tax

The Commissioner of the Revenue office offers free state income tax preparation to Amherst County citizens, as well as the necessary forms to file.

In order for this office to assist you please provide a completed copy of your Federal tax return, and your W-2's.

Food & Beverage Tax

Any business offering prepared food and beverages served with a meal (including alcoholic beverages) are required to levy a 6 percent tax.

The Commissioner will provide the necessary forms that are due on or before the 20^th of each month.

Lodging Tax

Any motel, hotel or inn in Amherst County that provides lodging for compensation shall impose a 5 percent tax on the total amount paid for lodging.

The Commissioner will provide the necessary forms that are due on or before the 20^th of each month.