TAX LISTING TIME

As before, all owners of taxable personal property except tagged motor vehicles, must submit a listing to the Tax Assessor during the month of January. Also anyone making improvements or changes to real property this past year must report those changes to the Tax Assessor during the month of January. Failure to submit a timely listing will result in penalties in addition to the taxes owed.

Listing forms will be mailed the end of December and listings will be accepted beginning January 1st. Listing forms will only be sent to those individuals who listed personal property the previous year. New business owners or anyone not receiving a listing form who has personal property to list or changes in real property to report may obtain a form at the Tax Assessor’s office. All listing forms must be returned to the Assessor’s office or postmarked by January 31 to avoid a 10% late listing penalty.

Any person or business that needs an extension of time to complete their tax listing must request an extension by January 31, 2006. Such a request must be in writing and extensions will be granted for no longer than April 15, 2006.

For anyone needing assistance in listing, you may come to the Tax Assessor’s office Monday-Friday between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., or call 219-2554. The Assessor’s office is located in suite 2200 of the new Courthouse in Jefferson.

Persons who are either at least 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled, may apply for an exemption which will be the greater of 50% of the appraised value of their residence or $20,000. To qualify you must be a permanent resident of Ashe County and your disposable income must not exceed $19,700. If you are totally and permanently disabled a doctor’s statement is required. If you have already applied and are receiving this exemption another application is not necessary unless your residence, income, or disability status has changed. If you need to apply you may obtain an application at the Tax Assessor’s office. The deadline for this application is June 1, 2006.

REMEMBER

--Real property is no longer required to be listed annually. Only improvements or changes to real property must be reported.

--All taxable personal property except tagged motor vehicles must be listed in January as before.

--Forms will only be sent to those who listed personal property the previous year.

--New business owners that do not receive a listing form should contact the Assessor’s office for instructions.

--Anyone with questions may call 219-2554, or come by the Assessor’s office in the new Courthouse.

--Return or postmark all forms by January 31st to avoid a late listing penalty of 10%.

Keith Little
Tax Administrator
Telephone (336)219-2554