Personal Property : Personal Property : Arlington, Virginia

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Personal Property

All cities and counties in Virginia have a personal property tax. Arlington County taxes cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor homes, trailers, semitrailers, boats and aircraft. This tax is assessed by the Commissioner of the Revenue and collected by the Treasurer.

Vehicles Taxed in Arlington

Vehicles registered in Arlington County will be taxed. Vehicles not registered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or Arlington County are also subject to tax if the vehicle is normally garaged, stored, or parked in Arlington, with the exception of those exempted by law.

Vehicle Personal Property tax is assessed by the Commissioner of Revenue (based on the personal property tax rate established by the Arlington County Board). For more information on VPP tax assessments, click here.

The Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) provides tax relief for vehicles locally registered within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The manner in which PPTRA relief is applied is subject to change every year. Click here for current information about PPTRA.

County Decals

Most cities and counties in Virginia (including Arlington) require a county decal to be displayed on the front windshield of each vehicle next to the State inspection sticker. Arlington County Police will ticket all vehicles garaged, stored, or parked in Arlington County that do not display a valid county decal. All personal property taxes and outstanding parking violations must be paid before a decal is issued for any vehicles registered to that owner.

An Arlington decal is required to be displayed within 60 days of the vehicle's entrance into the county or within 60 days of purchasing the vehicle to be located in the county. New vehicles/vehicles that are newly located in Arlington must be registered with the Commissioner of Revenue's office. Upon payment of the decal fee (as well as all outstanding Arlington County personal property taxes and parking tickets), a decal will be issued.

The Treasurer's Office will begin issuing the next year's decals in the summer, but all vehicles must display the new decal by November 15 each year.

Personal Property Tax Due Dates

Bills on vehicle tax accounts established with the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue during the period December 16 to July 15 are due October 5. Tax bills for vehicles registered with the County between July 16 and December 15 (inclusive) will be due within 60 days of registration. Personal property tax bills are applicable to the calendar year in which issued, or on a pro-rated portion thereof.

There is a penalty required by the Virginia State Code for late payment of taxes. This penalty is 10% or $10, whichever is greater, but not to exceed the amount of the tax. An additional 15% penalty is assessed on personal property taxes (both vehicles and business tangible) which are not paid within 60 days of the due date. The Treasurer of Arlington is also required by the Code to collect interest at an annual rate of at least 10% until payment is made.

Office of the Treasurer
2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 201
Arlington, Virginia 22201