COURTHOUSE – The drive-through tax appeals tent is bringing people hoping to save on their personal property tax bill to the municipal center, though this year the operation is in a new location — 2581 George Mason Drive near where the drive meets Nimmo Parkway.
A number of signs are up around the municipal center directing people to the new spot. People seem to be finding their way there, and there were two lines going at once.
“We’re doing over 600 a day now,” Commissioner of the Revenue Phil Kellam said during a recent visit to the lot, where a number of cars waited for members of Kellam’s staff to check mileage and look at vehicles.
“I’m allowing folks to come out and say, ‘I have higher mileage,’” he said, as an example of an element that may lower a bill. Outside damage to the vehicle also might mean a lower assessment. Without seeing the vehicle, he noted, “I have no way of knowing that.”
The average adjustment was about $38 this past year.
Chuck Brisbin of Cromwell Park was there that day. “We put a lot of miles on the car,” he said. “I take this retirement stuff seriously.”
Brisbin said the adjustment usually buys lunch every year. This year’s adjustment was about $103. “That will buy lunch,” Brisbin said a moment later. “Heck of a deal.”
The operation will be up an running through Friday, June 9, though citizens should keep in mind that their personal property tax bill is due on Monday, June 5. Adjustments made after the fifth will result in a refund if there aren’t delinquent or outstanding taxes.
Reach the revenue commissioner’s office at (757) 385-4487 for more information.
© 2017 Pungo Publishing Co., LLC