33° Forecast

FAQs

FAQs

Browse All |  Ask A Question |  By Type |  By Department |  By Category |  By Topic
Results 1-31 of 31
What types of personal property are taxable?
Vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor homes), camping trailers, boat trailers, utility trailers, recreational vehicles, mobile homes, boats, aircraft, business furniture, equipment, inventory, and machinery and tools.
How does the County value personal property?
The Commissioner of the Revenue by state law is required to use a recognized pricing guide. We currently use the National Automobile Dealers Association official used car guide and the official older used car guide. However, if a value is not listed, we use 90% of original cost on vehicles, and 80% of original cost on trailers, and non-motorized personal property.
How is the tax amount determined?
The Amherst County Board of Supervisors set the Counties tax rates. The current personal property tax rate is $3.45 per $100 of assessed value. The current machinery and tools rate is $2.00. Business personal property rate is $3.45 per $100 of assessed value. Merchant's capital rate is $3.95 per $100 of assessed value. The current real estate tax rate, which is used to tax mobile homes, is $.61.
Is Amherst County a pro-rating locality?
No. Amherst County taxes all property as of January 1st.
When are personal property taxes due?
Personal property taxes are due December 5th.
If I sell a vehicle or purchase a new vehicle what office do I need to notify of this change?
You need to contact the Commissioner of the Revenue Office within 30 days.
I purchased a new vehicle; do I need to purchase a County decal?
Amherst County no longer issues decals; however, the County charges a license fee on all vehicles that are state licensed. The fee for vehicles is $25.00 - motorcycles is $11.00 - and trailers is $8.00.
How do I obtain a business license in Amherst County?
To obtain a business license you need to do the following: * Obtain a zoning permit from the Office of Planning and Zoning. (434) 946-9303 * If you plan to use an assumed name (any name other than your own) you must first register the name with the Amherst County Circuit Court. (434) 946-9321) * Make application and pay the applicable business license tax with the Commissioner of the Revenue Office. First time applicants must appear in person with proper identification. (434) 946-9310 Businesses located in the County of Amherst, except for retail and wholesale businesses are required to obtain a Business license. The license tax is based on 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.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A felony is a major crime that may be punished with a minimum sentence of one-year in jail and a maximum of life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crime committed. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that is punishable by confinement in the city jail for no more that one-year, a fine of not more than $2,500, or both. Felony cases may require multiple court appearances whereas misdemeanor cases generally require a single appearance in court.
Why am I a witness if I didn't see the crime happen?
Witnesses are not limited to "eyewitnesses". Witnesses may be called because they actually saw or heard a crime occur, but they also may know something about a piece of evidence, or may possess information that contradicts another witness' testimony. You might think that what you know about the case is insignificant but sometimes small pieces of information are required to determine what really happened. If you want to know why you are testifying in a particular case, ask the prosecutor or your victim/witness assistant; there is probably a good reason. Please keep in mind that your presence and willingness to testify may be the deciding factor in determining what will be done in the case. Many defendants often hope that you or other witnesses will not show up. Sometimes your mere presence at the courthouse before the trial may be enough for the defendant to plead guilty.
What if the Defense Attorney contacts me?
In representing his/her client, a defense attorney may contact you and want to talk about the case. You may discuss the case with the defense if you wish, but you are not required to do so. Please remember that if you do choose to talk to anyone about your case, you should always request proper identification and an explanation of the interview's purpose.
I was issued a subpoena for court. What happens if I don't show up?
If you have not been excused from your court appearance by the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, an unexcused failure to appear on your court date could result in your being fined or jailed for contempt of court. Please contact the Victim/Witness Office in advance if you cannot come to court on the date required.
What if my employer won't let me come to court?
If you are lawfully subpoenaed to court, an employer cannot prevent court attendance. When appropriate, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office will contact your employer to discuss the importance of your role as a witness. We can also provide you with a note confirming the days/hours when you were in court.
What is a preliminary hearing and do I need to be there?
A preliminary hearing is a legal process where the judge decides if there is enough evidence to send a defendant's charges to the Grand Jury. The judge, defendant, defendant's attorney, the prosecutor, and any necessary victims or witnesses are present at the proceeding. The prosecutor must prove to the judge that there is enough evidence to show that a crime has been committed. This involves putting on a minimal amount of evidence, in other words, enough evidence to justify further proceedings. If the prosecution establishes sufficient evidence, the case is certified to the Grand Jury.
What is an advisement date and why does the victim/witness NOT have to be present?
An advisement date is a date for the defendant to appear before a judge to be informed of any charge/charges brought against him/her and to be advised of his/her right to have a trial. The judge will also advise the defendant of the right to have an attorney, and if the defendant cannot afford to hire a lawyer, the judge will appoint one for him/her. The defendant is the only person that needs to be present for the advisement hearing. There will be NO evidence heard by the judge at this court event; therefore, the victim and/or witnesses do not need to be there.
Do I have to testify in front of the defendant?
Yes. The defendant must be present in court to hear what all witnesses have to say about him/her.
Who will be with me in court?
You may bring friends or relatives with you to court, and they can probably sit in the courtroom while you testify, unless they are also witnesses. A victim/witness advocate may also be with you, at your request, for support purposes.
How long will I be in court?
Your courtroom time, actually testifying, may not take very long. Most of your time will probably be spent simply waiting for your turn to take the witness stand. You are encouraged to bring a book or magazine to read while you wait.
How do I know if my case has been "called off"?
The Victim/Witness Office will make every attempt to contact you if you do not have to attend a court event. Witnesses and other interested parties should always call 434-946-9347 during regular office hours to confirm that a case is still on the court docket.
I am a domestic violence victim. My spouse or significant other promised to never lay a hand on me again. Can I drop the charges?
No, you cannot drop the charges. The only person who can request the court to drop charges is the prosecutor assigned to your case. The Amherst County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office has a no-drop policy for domestic violence cases. This is to protect you against further violence and to document the violence that has already occurred.
What if someone threatens me?
Concerns about your well-being and safety after being victimized or witnessing a crime are normal. If you have any fears or receive any threats concerning your involvement in a case, you should immediately contact the police department or the Victim/Witness Office. In an emergency situation, call 911. Any person who threatens or harasses you during the prosecution of a case, or even beforehand, is obstructing justice and has committed a crime, and the prosecutor handling your case should be contacted immediately.
I can't afford to pay the medical expenses that resulted from this crime. What compensation is available to me?
Victims of crime who suffer from physical injuries as a result of a crime may be eligible for state compensation to cover medical expenses, psychological counseling, partial loss of earnings, or funeral expenses. For assistance in filing your claim or to obtain a Criminal Injuries Compensation Form call the Commonwealth's Attorney's Victim/Witness office at 434-946-9347.
I am the victim in a criminal case. How do I find out who will be prosecuting my case?
If you would like to find out who will be prosecuting your case you may call the Amherst County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office (434-946-9316) and set up an appointment to talk about your case.
I feel that a crime has been committed. What should I do? Do I report the crime directly to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office?
The appropriate law enforcement agency, not the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, investigates crimes. If you need to report a crime in progress, call 911 immediately. If you want to report a crime that has happened in the past, please call the police department or sheriff's office in your jurisdiction: Amherst County Sheriff's Office: 434-946-9300 Town of Amherst Police: 434-946-7885 Virginia State Police: 434-582-5116 It is the law enforcement agency's responsibility to investigate crime and issue any arrest warrants, if evidence suggests that a crime has been committed.
Can I talk to Mr. Carver? I think he is the person working on my case since his name appears on my court documents.
Mr. Carver is the Amherst County Commonwealth's Attorney, so his name appears on most criminal court documents as well as any correspondence from our office, however, he may not be the person handling your case. Please call our office at 434-946-9316, if you would like to know the name of the prosecutor in charge of your case. If you still have questions or concerns, you may reach Mr. Carver at the number listed above.
Does the Commissioner take into consideration high mileage on a vehicle?
Starting January 1, 2012 high mileage will be taken into consideration if a copy of the inspection receipt prior to January 1 is provided.
I was the victim of a crime, will a prosecutor be assigned to my case?
Prosecutors are assigned to every felony case and for misdemeanors when the defendant is represented by an attorney. If you have further questions, please contact our office.
Can I apply online for benefits?
Yes! You now can apply for Medicaid, SNAP (food Stamps), TANF, Energy Assistance, and Child Day Care Services at www.commonhelp.dss.virginia.gov. Once you have applied online you will be able to check the status of our benefits, renew your application online and make changes to your benefits!
Are my SNAP (food assistance) benefits going to change October 1, 2013?
Yes, SNAP recipients may see two changes in their benefits during this fall: o First, benefits will increase slightly for most households on October 1 to reflect changes in the cost of living. o Then, most families may see their benefits decrease on November 1, 2013, if the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expires.
What do I need to know about the Energy Assistance Program?
My case was nolle prosequied, or nolle prossed. What does that mean? Is my case done?
When a case is nolle prosequied, the Commonwealth's Attorney has determined that they are unable to proceed with your case at a given moment in time. This could be because of a problem with evidence, a witness's unavailability, or another reason. The case is not dismissed or dropped and may be refiled at a later date if the Commonwealth determines that the case should proceed.
Results 1-31 of 31