Personal property is all movable furniture, fixtures, machinery, farm equipment and supplies used by an individual, partnership, corporation, or association that own or possess personal property. Existing accounts receive a new Personal Property Listing each January showing equipment that was reported and assessed the prior year. Businesses update their accounts and return them by April 30. The county does not grant extensions for filing a personal property listing after the due date. However, if the listing is filed late for just cause, the Assessor can waive the late filing penalty.
New accounts are discovered through field checks, telephone directories and a report provided by the Department of Revenue. Once the equipment is assessed, the current and future year's taxes must be paid before it is sold or moved out of the county.
If you have a new or existing business in Clark County, you are required to establish a personal property account. To have a personal property account number assigned, please email us at Personal.Property@clark.wa.gov . You will also need to complete a Personal Property Listing.
Many types of personal property are exempt from taxation. These include household goods and personal effects for personal home use. However, such items, if used in a business, would be eligible for assessment and taxation. Other personal property exempt from taxation includes: custom software, livestock, inventories held solely for resale, motor vehicles licensed for road use, and intangible personal property. Additional personal property exemptions are allowed by the state.
Additional information is available in the publications Personal Property Tax and Personal and Industrial Property Valuation Guidelines prepared by the Washington Department of Revenue. See also Personal Property Forms.
