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 Introduction
The Customer Care Center for Finance is a fully integrated call center that handle incoming customer calls related to all information from the Finance Department. The goal of the call center has been to establish a system of shared information throughout the Department of Finance that allows the most frequently asked questions to be answered with the first phone call or with the first call back. Through shared data among offices within the city, the Virtual Customer Care Center is the one telephone number where citizens can get information and ask questions about any of the services they receive from the city.
These Frequently Asked Questions were prepared to assist our citizens with questions related to the Finance Department. This guide is designed to help our citizens navigate more efficiently to the specific areas of information with which they have concerns. We welcome the opportunity to better serve the needs of our residents, so please feel free to contact us with any comments or suggestions you may have regarding our website.
Hours of Operation
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Assessment Office (LATA) Room 103
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7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Monday through Friday
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Collections Office Room 102
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7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Monday through Friday
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East District Initiative 701 North 25th Street
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8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Monday through Friday
(Closed from 1:30 – 3:00 Monday through Friday)
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Southside Community Service Center
4100 Hull St Rd
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8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Monday through Friday
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Delinquent Collections Office Room 100
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8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday
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Real Estate Office 8th Floor
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8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday
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Holiday Closings
Offices are closed in observance of the following holidays:
- New Years Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr's, Birthday
- Washington's Birthday
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving (Thursday & Friday)
- Christmas (Eve and Day)
Due Dates
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Bill from the City for Tax Audit(s)
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30 days from the date of the bill
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Notices or other bills from the City
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Due date as printed on the notice or bill
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Business (Furniture & Fixtures)
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May 1
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Individual (Vehicles)
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May 1
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Renewal
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March 1
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Business License second half payments due
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June 15
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Daily Rental Tax
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20th day of April, July, October, January following the quarter of the rental collection.
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Admissions Tax
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20th of each month following the month of collection
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Lodging Tax
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20th of each month following the month of collection
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Meals Tax
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20th of each month following the month of collection |
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Consumer's Utility Tax
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15th of the second month following the month of collection
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Fan Decals
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12-month period beginning July 1
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Parking Citations
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Click here for Information on Parking Citations
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Real Estate Taxes
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June 15
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Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly & Disabled re-certifications
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March 31
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Applications
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June 15
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State Income Taxes
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May 1
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Exception: Return due dates that are on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, are extended to the next business day.
Rates and Fees
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Individual Personal Property |
$3.70 per $100 of assessed value |
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Business Personal Property |
$3.70 per $100 of assessed value |
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Machinery and Tools Tax |
$2.30 per $100 of assessed value |
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Business License Tax |
If gross Receipts of the business are: Less than $5,000 = $0 fee Greater than $5,000 but less than $100,000 = $30 fee $100,000 = Tax Rate x Gross Receipts |
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Admissions Tax |
7% of admissions charge |
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Lodging Tax |
8% of lodging fee |
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Meals Tax |
6% of meal charge (6 % Starting on 1/1/04) |
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Daily Rental Tax |
1% of rental charge |
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Consumer Utility Tax |
Please contact the Finance Department regarding this information |
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Real Estate |
2007 to be determined in April 2007; 2006 rate = $1.29 per $100 of assessed value |
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Vehicle License Fee |
- $23 for full year; vehicle weighs less than 4,000 pounds.
- Vehicle with a weight greater than 4,001 pounds cost $28.00
- Prorated amount for part year decals dependent on period of residence
- Motorcycles - $15.00
- Boat Trailer - $6.50
- Utility Trailer - $6.50 - $22.00
- National Guard - $12.50
- Disabled Veteran - No Charge
- Antique Car - No Charge
- Heavy Trucks, Military, Rescue Squad - Please contact the Finance Department for further information
- Consult our license fee chart for more information.
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Payment Locations
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Audits |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC (See Description Below) |
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Business license taxes and fees |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC |
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Business personal property taxes |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC |
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Dog and Cat licenses |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC |
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Fan Parking permits |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC |
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Individual personal property taxes |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC |
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Parking citations |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC |
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Personal property & Real Estate taxes during filing season (Determined by tax due
date which is generally May 1 for property taxes and June 15 for real estate taxes) |
If no delinquent taxes are due: Suntrust and Consolidated Banks within the
Richmond City limits Suntrust does not issue decals, Consolidated does
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Real Estate taxes |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC |
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Recycling solid waste fees |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC |
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Utility bills |
City Hall Room 102, EDI and SCSC |
Drop Boxes can be found at the following locations:
- City Hall (Rm 102)
- EDI - East District Initiative (701 N. 25th St.)
- SCSC - Southside Community Service Center (4100 Hull St. Rd)
If your bill is past due, do not use the drop box as services may be interrupted due to processing time. Please pay your bill in person at one of the above-mentioned locations.
Payment Mailing Addresses (Lock Boxes)
Certain payments to Finance can be made by mail instead of bringing payments in person to City Hall or EDI. These payments can be mailed to City lock boxes that are located in Atlanta, Georgia at our processing facility.
Important Note:
Please attach a copy of the bill or parking ticket in order for the payment to be credited properly. Failure to do so can result in a misplaced payment causing additional fees to apply.
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Real Estate Taxes |
City of Richmond - Real Estate
P. O. Box 105304
Atlanta, GA 30348-5304 |
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Personal Property Taxes
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City of Richmond - Personal Property
P. O. Box 105371
Atlanta, GA 30348-5371
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Parking Tickets
(Uncontested tickets only) |
City of Richmond - Parking Tickets
P.O. Box 101696
Atlanta, GA 30392-1696 |
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Delinquent Personal Property Taxes |
City of Richmond - Personal Property
P.O. Box 101810
Atlanta, GA 30392-1810 |
Payment Method Types
Online Banking! Now Available in 2007!
Use your bank's online bill pay service to make your Personal Property and Real Estate tax payments!
| Cash |
Teller transactions only |
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Money Orders
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Teller transactions or Mail |
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Checks
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Teller transactions or Mail |
Credit Cards accepted:
- MasterCard
- VISA
- American Express
- Discover
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NOTE: The credit card company, as a cost for processing this transaction, adds a convenience fee of 2.5% (starting July 1st); that is paid by the customer. This fee is not assessed by the City of Richmond and the city in no way profits from the fee imposed.
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Telephone Payments
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Credit Card payments for Personal Property Tax only can be made by dialing: 1-888-2PAY TAX (1-888-272-9829) The Code for the City of Richmond is 1059.
- Customer must have bill readily available to use this payment method to provide
information as listed on the bill to the automated system.
- A 2.5% convenience fee will be charged.
- Note: Parking tickets cannot be paid over the telephone. Only by mail or in person.
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Payment Arrangements for Delinquent Taxes
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Contact Delinquent Collections at 646-5690.
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Vehicle License Fees
City decals are no longer required on vehicles registered with DMV as located in the City of Richmond. The vehicle license fee will continue to be assessed and included on the annual personal property tax bill. Vehicle license fees will be assessed and prorated as follows:
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January 1 - June 30
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License fee for full calendar year
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July 1 - December 31
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1/2 License fee for full calendar year
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January 1 - June 30
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1/2 of the license fee paid
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July 1 - December 31
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No refund
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How much is the city vehicle license fee?
- $23 for full year if vehicle weighs less than 4,000 pounds
- Vehicle with a weight greater than 4,000 pounds: $28.00
- Prorated amount for part year vehicle license fees dependent on period of residence
- Motorcycle: $15.00
- Boat Trailer: $6.50
- Utility Trailer: $ 17.00
- National Guard: $12.50
- Disabled Veteran:No Charge
- Antique Car : No Charge
- For Heavy Trucks, Military, Rescue Squad and all others not listed: Please contact the Finance Department for more information.
Is a decal required in order to drive on city streets?
No, beginning January 1, 2006. However, the vehicle license fee will be assessed and included on the property tax bill for each vehicle.
Vehicle Registration and Disposal
*DMV must be notified prior to City registration of a motor vehicle and upon disposal or moving a vehicle out of the City.
New Vehicles.
Must be registered with the City of Richmond and taxes paid within 60 days of registration date.
If you are moving into City.
Within 60 days of residence.
If you are moving out of City.
Notify DMV, the City, and new locality (if in Virginia) within 30 days
Disposed Vehicles (sold, junked, traded, stolen, destroyed, etc.).
You must notify DMV and City within 30 days; otherwise additional proof may be required to show disposal of the vehicle
Proof consists of Bill of Sale, salvage-yard receipt
Insurance records for theft or fire (Police report may be required)
Motor Vehicles
I received a bill for a car that I (no longer own, have junked, etc.) Why did I receive this bill?
*DMV must be notified prior to City registration of a motor vehicle, and upon disposal or moving a vehicle out of the City. If not, evidence must be provided to the City of Richmond identifying the status of the vehicle. Once that information can be authenticated, the Department of Finance can then adjusts the record of the customer.
Where do I register my motor vehicle?
Call or visit the License, Audit and Tax Assessment Office (LATA), Room 103. The number is 646-5700.
Where do I mail my payment(s)?
Use self-addressed envelope included in your statement or mail to the Collections Office, City of Richmond Room 102, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
What is the Personal Property Tax Rate?
The tax rate for personal property taxes is $3.70 per $100 of assessed value.
How much do I owe?
The amount owed to the city for personal property taxes is determined by a number of different factors. Please refer this request to a SME for research.
How much did I pay last year? (For tax purposes)
The amount owed to the city for personal property taxes is determined by a number of different factors. Please refer this request to a SME for research.
How is my assessment determined?
The City uses the "Trade-in Value" from the National Automobile Dealers Association(NADA) pricing guides.
What if I don't agree with my assessment?
You can request to have your assessment reviewed or corrected. A form can be requested from Room 103, City Hall. Call 646-5700 for more information.
Can I appeal my assessment after it has been reviewed?
Yes. Assessments can be appealed based on condition (high mileage or damage), or if the customer believes the assessment is incorrect for other reasons. All appeals can be filed with the assessment office (room 103). Further appeals can be filed with the Circuit Court.
What is Personal Property Tax Relief all about?
It reduces the individual personal property tax for most citizens on their vehicles.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is determined based on value and use of the vehicle.
Businesses are not eligible nor are trucks over 7,501 pounds (generally business-related work trucks.)
How does the plan work?
Due to changes in the 2005 General Assembly, the details of the 2006 program will not be certain until after March 2006.
Do I still have to pay a license fee if I owe no tax?
Yes, vehicle license fees are not included as part of the Personal Property Tax Relief plan.
Fan Parking Permit
What are Fan Parking Permits?
Fan Parking Permits are permits for persons residing in the area of the city most commonly referred to as the "Fan District". The permit enables residents and certain college students to park within this designated area without being ticketed or towed.
Fees for Fan Parking Permits
$25.00 : 1 year - July 1st through June 30th
In which areas of the Fan are decals needed?
Refer to the listing below for street names, directions and address ranges when customers call to see if their residence is included in the area covered by Fan parking requirements.
Boat & Trailer
Is the personal property tax due on Boats, also?
Yes. Personal Property Tax applies to Boats.
How is the value on my Boat determined?
Boats are valued based on original cost and date of purchase. The first year the value is 90% of cost. Each year thereafter, the value goes down 10% until it reached a minimum value of 20%, where it stays indefinitely.
What is the taxable date for boats?
The taxable date for boats is January 1st.
Are Boats prorated?
No, boats are not prorated. You are only taxed if you owned a Boat in the City on January 1st.
Where are Boats registered?
Boats are registered with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Business Licenses
What is a business license?
A business license is required for most individuals and or companies for the privilege of doing business in most Virginia localities.
Do I need to have a business license?
For most businesses, yes. However, a determination may need to be made if there are special circumstances. Please contact the Finance Department if you have specific questions or you think there may be circumstances where a business license may not be required.
How much does a business license cost?
The cost of the license depends on your gross receipts. The fee structure is as follows:
- Less than $5,000 - No fee
- Greater than $5,000 but less than $100,000 - $30 fee
- Greater than $100,000 - The gross receipts are multiplied by the tax rate
| Professional |
$.58 per $100 of gross receipts |
| Personal Services |
$.36 per $100 of gross receipts |
| Retail Merchant |
$.20 per $100 of gross receipts |
| Wholesale Merchant |
$.22 per $100 of purchases |
| Contractor |
$.19 per $100 of gross receipts |
| Peddler/Sidewalk Vendor |
$225 Flat tax |
| Restaurant |
$.36 per $100 of gross receipts |
| Repair Services |
$.36 per $100 of gross receipts |
| Itinerant Merchant |
$500 Flat tax |
| Beer and Wine |
$75 Flat tax |
| Mixed Beverage Seating |
1-100 = $200, 101-150=$350, Over 150=$500 |
| Business License Renewal |
March 1 |
| Property Taxes (Personal, Business, Machinery and Tools) |
May 1 |
| Public Service Corporation Taxes |
May 1 |
| Bank Franchise Tax |
June 1 |
| Real Estate Taxes |
June 15 |
| Second half business license tax payment |
June 15 |
| Decal display date |
June 30 |
| Worker's Compensation Certification |
December 31 |
| Consumer Utility Taxes (due the second month following collection) |
15th of every month |
| Admissions, Lodging, Meals Taxes (due the month following collection) |
20th of every month |
| Daily Rental Tax |
20th of every April, July October and January |
How long is the business license good?
All business licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed by March 1 of the following year to remain active.
What if I don't obtain a license before going into business?
Failure to obtain a license is a criminal offense, punishable by fine, imprisonment and/or closure of the business.
| Certificates of Zoning Compliance |
900 East Broad Street - Room 110 |
804.646.6340 |
$50 - $200 |
| Filing of Certificate of Assumed name and Partnerships - John Marshall Court Building (Clerk of The Circuit Court) |
400 North 9th Street, Room 4: Lower Level |
804.646.6530 |
$12.50 |
| Corporations and Certificate of Registration (State Corporation Commission) |
1300 East Main Street |
804.371.9733 |
None. |
| Federal ID Numbers (IRS) (www.irs.gov) |
400 North 8th Street |
866.816.2065 |
None |
| Contractor's Class A, B, & C State License (Contractor's Board) |
3600 West Broad Street |
804.367.8511 |
None |
| Health Permits (Environmental Health Department) |
900 East Marshall Street -- B-2 |
804.646.3120 |
$40.00 |
| Beer, Wine & Mixed Beverage Permits (Virginia ABC Board) |
2901 Hermitage Road |
North of the James River 804.213.4620
Southof the James River 804.213.4624 |
None |
Department of Public Safety Permits - Richmond Police Department
(Permits and Inspections Section) |
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804.646.3636 |
None |
| Virginia Department of Taxation - State Tax ID Numbers (http://www.tax.virginia.gov/) |
3600 West Broad Street |
804.367.8037 |
None |
| Virginia Agriculture and Consumer Services Department |
1100 Bank Street |
804.786.3520 |
None |
Must a person/company have a business license?
The Code of Virginia is very specific about business license requirements. Please feel free to contact the Finance Department with any specific questions you may have.
How do I get a Sidewalk Vendor's License?
- Determine the proposed physical location of vending stand or cart. Provide this information to the Business License Office (804) 646-5928 . This will be submitted to an enforcement officer for site inspection. Once the site is approved, proceed to step 2.
- Obtain commercial liability insurance for vending operation, with at least $300,000.00 in coverage limits. The City of Richmond must be named as the co-insured.
- Submit your completed permit application and business license applications to the Business Office, along with insurance certificate (and health permit (I) for selling food items). A representative from the Business License Office will assist in the preparation of these forms and will direct you to the cashier's office when completed to pay the necessary fees.
- Fees are as follows: $225.00 for initial vending operation, plus $50.00 for each additional stand or cart under the same license. Once all fees and requirements have been met, the Tax Enforcement rep will issue your license "plate(s)" number for operation and your ID Card. The ID cost is $3.00 .
After I get a Sidewalk Vendor's License, how long is it good?
A vendor's license is valid for one (1) year and expires on December 31st . Licenses are not prorated, so if your license is acquired in November, for example, it still expires at the end of the year and will have to be renewed.
Personal Property
What is the personal property tax?
The personal property tax is a tax that is imposed on certain types of tangible property, such as cars, boats, trailers and trucks. Most businesses must also pay the tax on furniture and fixtures as well as their machinery, tools, and computer equipment.
When is the tax due?
Returns and payments are both due on May 1st of the calendar year.
What is the tax rate?
- For individual and business property the rate is $3.70 per $100 of assessed value.
- For machinery and tools the rate is $2.30 per $100 of assessed value.
How is it determined?
The tax is determined by multiplying the assessed value of the property by the appropriate tax rate.
How do I determine the value of my property?
For vehicles, the City will determine the value using a recognized pricing guide such as NADA book, the reference that is considered the industry-wide standard for vehicle valuation. For business property other than motor vehicles, the cost of the property is used to determine the assessed value.
How do I know which property is taxable?
For vehicles, boats, trucks, trailers, and motorcycles, the tax is due on the property if it is located, parked, garaged or stored in the City during the tax year. You have 30 days from the date the property is garaged in the City to pay the tax. This does not include citizens that are new to the City for less than one year. These are individual billings that are mailed on a monthly basis.
For business property, the tax is due on any property that was located in the City on January 1st of the tax year.
Dog and Cat Licenses
Is a license required for my dog or cat?
Yes. This applies within the City limits.
When is the license fee due?
The license is due immediately for animals at least 4 (four) months old.
How much does a license cost and how long is the license good for?
The license is $10.00 and is good for one year. It runs annually from November through October.
What do I need to get a license for my dog or cat?
A valid rabies vaccination certificate signed by a Virginia Veterinarian.
Where can I purchase the license?
Dog and cat tags can be purchased at City Hall, East District Initiative or at one of the following locations:
| Dogma Grooming |
3404 W. Cary St. |
358-9267 |
| Boulevard Animal Hospital |
Belt Blvd. & Midlothian Tpke |
232-8951 |
| Broad St. Vet. Hospital |
3320 W. Broad St. |
353-4491 |
| Fan Vet. Clinic |
307 N. Robinson St. |
358-3779 |
| Richmond Animal Shelter |
1600 Chamberlayne Ave. |
646-5573 |
| Stratford Hills Vets |
6927 Forest Hills Ave. |
272-7544 |
| Animal Hospital |
2412 N. Lombardy |
321-7171 |
| 4100 Hull St. Rd. |
Richmond VA 23224 |
646-8983 |
| Dog & Cat Shoppe |
6952 Hull Street Road |
276-3558 |
| Beggars & Bones |
509 N. Meadow St. |
254-2663 |
| Church Hill Animal Hospital |
322 N 25th St. |
644-8200 |
Real Estate
What is the Real Estate Assessment?
Real Estate Assessments are levied on the assessed value of your home, or other eligible real property located in the City of Richmond
What is the effective date of the assessment?
January 1st.
What is the tax rate?
The 2006 Real Estate tax rate is $1.29 per $100 of assessed value. The 2007 tax rate will be established by council in April 2007.
For Example:
Real Estate valued at $100,000 is calculated by the following:
$100,000/100 = $1,000 x $1.29 = $1,290.00.
Who determines the rate?
The tax rate is determined by the City Council of Richmond.
Who values my property?
The City Assessor's Office.
Who sends me my bill?
Bills are mailed from the Collections Division of the Department of Finance.
Who collects the tax?
The Department of Finance Collections Division, or the Bureau of Tax Enforcement.
How is my property value determined?
There are several methods for determining property value:
- Market Date or Comparative Sales Approach
- Cost Approach
- Income Approach
Can I appeal my assessment?
Yes. There are three ways to appeal an assessment:
- Contact Assessor for date changes March 2nd plus other dates.
- Apply to the Board of Review (June 30th deadline) Be aware that this does not extend the due date!!
- File a petition with the Circuit Court (December 31st deadline)
Forms for the Assessor's appeal may be obtained from the Assessor's Office, on the Internet at www.richmondgov.com/ and click Assessor page. Forms are also available at fire stations and city libraries, East District Initiative Office, and the Southside Community Services Center.
Forms for the Board of Review may be also are obtained by calling (804) 646-7910. How is a building under construction valued?
Buildings under construction are valued based on similarly constructed properties. The value is based on the percentage of construction completed.
Buildings under renovation or remodeling are valued based on the contributory value of the improvements as of January 1st of the tax year. If not fully completed, the January 1st valuation is termed a partial assessment.
Contributory value is the actual amount a buyer will pay based on its contribution to value. Cost does not necessarily equal value.
Example:A $50,000 swimming pool may only bring a $10,000 increase in value to the overall property.
Does renovation or remodeling increase the value of my property?
Generally speaking, only repairs that enhance the value of a property or repairs that recapture lost value will increase the value of property.
Example:A new roof will not increase value because you must have a roof; replacing a worn roof is just an update. Painting the exterior only improves the maintenance.
How does demolition affect the assessment of my property?
The assessed value of all buildings that are being demolished, or are in the process of being demolished, is deducted from the total assessment and becomes effective on January 1st following the date on which the demolition was completed.
What is a sales ratio?
The sales ratio is the percentage of any property's assessed value to its recorded sales price. Example:The assessment is divided by the sales price - $90,000 (assessment) ¸ $100,000 = 90% of sale price.
What if the value of my building changes? Will I be notified?
Yes, the City will mail a new notice of assessment in January of the tax year.
Why do assessments go up?
Market activity (sales, the real estate market in general, inflation).
How often is real property assessed?
By law the property should be re-assessed every year.
Is information available about sales in my neighborhood?
Yes. That information is available in the Assessor's office, Room 802 in City Hall.
What about Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled?
Tax relief is available to qualifying individuals. To determine if an individual qualifies, an application must be completed and returned to the Department of Finance, Collections Division, Room 100, City Hall, 900 East Broad St. Richmond, VA 23219.
What about Tax Relief for rehabilitated structures?
Tax relief is available on certain qualifying structures. For additional information please call (804) 646-5227 or visit Room 110, City Hall.
Are there forms for appeal, tax freeze and tax relief?
Yes. You may obtain forms at your local Library branch or fire station. Forms are also available at the East District Initiative, City Hall, Southside Community Services Center, Council person, Assessor's Office, and DPU Room 115.
How can I change or delete a name from my property?
Any name changes or deletions from a deed are handled in Circuit Court. The contact number is (804) 646-6536.
Delinquent Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes
Is the City of Richmond going to take my home because I haven't paid my real estate taxes?
No. The City of Richmond currently doesn't sell occupied property for nonpayment of taxes until all other collection options are exhausted. We would like to help you get the taxes paid by offering you payment options. The city Payment Plan Options are described below.
Payment plans will be delinquent real estate taxes from June 30th through December 1st of each year. Payment plans must be completed by December 1st.
| $400-$3,500 |
10% down/ 6 equal payments |
| $3,500 and up |
20% down/ 6 equal payments |
Although the City does not advocate any particular method of securing funds to settle your tax delinquency, you may want to consider the following options:
- Homeowner can get equity line account through a bank
- Secure a personal loan from a bank, credit union or loan company.
- Assistance from the mortgage company.
- Pay the taxes with a credit card.
- Cash in insurance policies, certificates of deposit and bonds.
Why am I being billed personal property taxes for car(s) that I no longer own?
Taxes are assessed from information provided by DMV. If you didn't notify DMV you sold or disposed the car(s) in question an assessment is created based on the available information. You must notify License & Assessments office of any vehicles you no longer own and correct the records with DMV.
Can the penalty and interest be waived on my property tax bills?
The penalty and interest become a part of the taxes due, as stated in Tax Code of Virginia. The penalty and interest cannot be waived unless it is deemed the failure to file and pay was not the fault of the customer as defined in the Code of Virginia. All waiver requests must be appealed in writing to the Director of Finance.
What kind of payment arrangements can I make on my delinquent personal property tax bill?
We do not offer payment arrangements for delinquent personal property.
Although the City does not advocate any particular method of securing funds to settle your tax delinquency, you may want to consider the following options:
- Homeowner can get equity line account through a bank
- Secure a personal loan from a bank, credit union or loan company.
- Assistance from the mortgage company.
- Pay the taxes with a credit card.
- Cash in insurance policies, certificates of deposit and bonds.
Why do I owe penalty and interest on my tax bill?
The City Code states that a penalty of 10% will be added to any tax payment made after the due date. The interest begins to accrue the day after the due date at the rate of 10% per year on the sum of the tax and penalty.
Why do I have to pay the late charges and fees on a delinquent tax when the bill has been going to the wrong address for year(s)?
The Virginia State Tax Code states that you should inform the City of your new address within 5 days of your moving. We use DMV records to obtain information on our tax rolls. That is the only information we have available other than you to update addresses. Not receiving a bill does not relieve you of the obligation to pay.
My car is leased and the leasing company was supposed to pay my property tax bill?
Your agreement with the leasing company is a third party agreement between you and that company. The City of Richmond cannot administer the terms of your agreement; you need to contact the leasing company. They will be able to tell who is responsible for paying the personal property taxes on your car.
My spouse and I are divorced. Why am I responsible for paying the taxes?
Despite the divorce, your name may be still listed on the deed or title. As long as the property is deeded or titled in your name, you and your spouse are equally responsible for the delinquent taxes, whether you are still married or not.
I bought my house this year. Why do I owe taxes for a prior year?
The Virginia State Tax Code states that when ownership of property is transferred to another party, any liens on that property are also transferred. This means that when you purchased the property, you became responsible for any prior lien on that property. The liens on real estate in the state of Virginia are collectable for a period of (20) twenty years. If you purchased this property through a mortgage company, you probably have title insurance. Call your mortgage company to ask for the necessary information to file an insurance claim with the title insurance company.
The City of Richmond took my income tax refund to pay my tax bill in full. Why did I still owe delinquent taxes?
The City charges a $25.00 administration fee from your tax refund before it is applied to your tax bill. Also, the State of Virginia keeps 4% of the refund as an administration fee before any funds are sent to the City. This frequently leaves an amount due that is not paid by Set-Off Debt funds.
I have paid my taxes and I am still receiving delinquent bills. Why?
It may be that our records have not been updated. During the billing period, it may take longer for your bill to be processed due to the volume of payments that must be posted. If your payment was sent in more than 30 days ago, we will need a copy of the front and back of the canceled check or money order. Please send your copy to:
City of Richmond
Delinquent Tax Collection Division
900 East Broad Street
Room 100 City Hall
Richmond, VA 23219
A lien has been issued against my wages/bank accounts. How and where do I pay?
If the lien was issued to the correct employer/banking institution, you can make your payment in person to expedite the release of the lien. Mailing your payment will delay the release of the lien by as much as six business days. We will only accept certified funds (cash, money order, or cashiers check) to pay any lien account.
A personal check will not be accepted on any account that has a lien in place.
Deliver or mail your payment to:
City of Richmond
Delinquent Tax Collection Division
900 East Broad Street
Room 100 City Hall
Richmond, VA 23219
If you need a release of lien immediately you can pick it up if you pay in person or we can fax a copy of the release to the appropriate party, if you provide the fax number.
If your lien was issued to a previous employer for whom you no longer work or a banking institution you no longer use, you can mail or bring your payment to City Hall.
Delinquent accounts are subject to any, or all, of the collection actions listed below. Therefore, your account will be subject to the administrative fees for each of these collection actions, upon the reporting of your account to the respective agent, or agency, for collection. Generally, real estate accounts are outsourced to the City’s collection agent/agency once they are six months or more past due, except for those accounts in bankruptcy, those for which payment plans have been established or those that have entered the City’s tax sale process.
| Vehicle Registration Withholding (VRW) – your account will be referred to DMV and you will not be able to register any vehicle(s) until all taxes are paid |
$20.00 |
| Outsource attorney – your account will be outsourced to an attorney and subject to court action |
20% of balance due and up to $250 in additional fees |
| Taxation Debt Setoff – your account will be referred to the Department of Taxation and any tax refund due or lottery winnings will be withheld to pay off your tax liability |
4% of refund withheld and processing fee of $25 |
| Loss of Tax Relief – due to changes in state law, accounts with delinquent personal property taxes will lose any tax relief associated with the account (e.g., Car Tax relief), for tax years 2005 and earlier |
Up to 70% of the original tax due. Penalty and interest will be calculated on the total amount due on your account. |
Release of Customer Account Information
What information can be released concerning the taxes I pay to the City?
Real Estate - Only the information that is provided the Land Books.
Business License - Only the Licensee Name, Trading As name, the business address, and if the license is current.
Parking Ticket Questions
Why was my car towed?
If you have three (3) or more outstanding parking citations owed to the City of Richmond, your car may be booted or towed.
Do I have to pay the towing company?
Yes, It cost $60.00 to tow your car, after twenty-four (24) hours there is an additional $20.00 dollars per day storage fee.
Can I pay by check if my car is towed?
No. Payment is only accepted in the form of credit card or cash.
Where do I go to pay my parking tickets?
Online payments are accepted at www.richmondgov.com
Parking tickets can be paid by mail or by visiting:
City of Richmond
Department of Finance/ Collection
Room 102, 1st Floor
900 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Once my car is towed, how can I get my car back?
Once your car is towed, you must pay your entire outstanding delinquent parking tickets in full by a charge card or in cash by visiting City Hall. After you have paid in full, go to the side counter in room 102 at 900 East Broad Street, 1st floor. You will be given a release form and a green card to hang in your rear view mirror for twenty-four (24) hours so that your car will not be towed again for those citations.
After a certain amount of time, does my fine for my parking citation increase?
Yes. After fifteen (15) business days your fine does increase. A breakdown is listed below:
| $20.00 |
$40.00 |
$60.00 |
$100.00 |
| $30.00 |
$50.00 |
$70.00 |
$110.00 |
| An additional $10.00 penalty will be added for each 30 day period the citation remains outstanding until the penalty equals the amount of the citation. The maximum total amount due will be two times the original citation amount. |
How can I contest a parking ticket?
There are two possible options available to contest a parking ticket. The following web page contains information regarding both the Administrative Review process and the process to Contest a parking citation with the Richmond Traffic Court:
http://www.richmondgov.com/departments/publicworks/parking/parkinginfo.aspx#contest
Only the limited situations noted under Administrative Review may be reviewed by the City Administration and submitted to the Traffic Court for final disposition. The Virginia Code gives the Traffic Court final jurisdiction regarding the disposition of all contested parking citations.
If the conditions of your parking citation meet those defined under Administrative Review, you may select Administrative Review Form to complete the form on your computer or by hand. After completion, please follow the instructions on the web page for submitting the form for review.
If the conditions of your parking citation do not meet those of the Administrative Review process, you may contest your citation by completing the Contest Citation Form. After completing the form on your computer or by printing it off and completing by hand, please sign and date the form. The form may be submitted, as noted on the web site, in person, by fax or by mail. However, it is important to note, until you receive a copy of the completed form from the Parking Violation Unit in the Department of Finance with an assigned court date, you do not have a date in court to discuss your citation with the Traffic Court Judge. As noted below, all parking violation cases are heard at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday and Thursday in the Richmond General District Court, Traffic Division, 2nd floor, 400 North Ninth Street. Do not pay the parking citation if you are contesting it in court, unless payment of the citation is necessary to have your vehicle released from the tow lot or to have a “boot” removed.
You may also obtain and complete a contest form in person at City Hall, Room 102. If you wish to complete the contest form in person, please follow the following procedures:
- Bring the original parking ticket in person to City Hall.
- Do not pay the parking ticket.
- The customer service representative will set up a court date for you and you will receive a form for filing a contested parking ticket.
- Only the Judge can dismiss the parking ticket.
- Court dates are Wednesday and Thursday at 2:00 P.M. at the General District Court, Traffic Division, 2nd floor, 400 North Ninth Street.
- If you live more than twenty-five (25) miles from the City of Richmond you can contest your parking ticket by mail. Your must write a letter to the court explaining that you want to contest the ticket. Once we receive your request we will mail you a form to contest your parking ticket. Sign, date and return it with the original ticket to the address on the back of your ticket. Your will receive an answer from the court about the status of your ticket.
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