SD13 - Coordination of Collection of Local Personal Property Taxes and Local Vehicle License Fees with the State Registration of Motor Vehicles

  • Published: 1994
  • Author: Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 250 (Regular Session, 1993)

Executive Summary:
From time to time in recent years, discussion has arisen in connection with the feasibility of State coordination and collection of local personal property taxes and local motor vehicle license fees in Virginia. In that there is a close relationship between the state registration of motor vehicles, local licensure of motor vehicles, and local personal property taxes on motor vehicles, several letters have been written by citizens to their respective Delegate or Senator suggesting that it might be cost-effective and beneficial for the Commonwealth to initiate such a coordinated tax collection system. Generally, these proposals are suggesting ways to streamline the process for the citizen as well as the enhancement of customer service.

Senate Joint Resolution 250 was initiated by Senator Charles L. Waddell as a result of correspondence from a constituent suggesting changes in the collection process.

The Joint Resolution requested the Department of Motor Vehicles, with the assistance of the Commission on Local Government, the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Counties, the Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia, and the Treasurers' Association of Virginia to study coordination of collection of local personal property taxes and local motor vehicle license fees with State registration of motor vehicles. The study committee was requested to examine all relevant factors including differences in tax years, varying lengths of registration periods and multi-year registration periods, possible lack of uniformity of data collection and record-keeping systems, etc., to determine the desirability and feasibility of providing a consolidated mechanism to handle these functions.