There is a nominal fee associated with using credit cards (10 cents plus 2.4% of the amount of the transaction).  There is no fee associated with e-check.

All cities and counties in Virginia have a personal property tax.  The City of Poquoson taxes cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor homes, trailers, semi-trailers, and boats.  This tax is assessed by the Commissioner of the Revenue while taxes are paid to the Treasurer.

Vehicles registered in the City of Poquoson will be taxed.  Vehicles not registered with Virginia State Department of Motor Vehicles or the City of Poquoson are also subject to tax if the vehicle is normally garaged, stored, or parked in Poquoson, with the exception of those exempted by law.

Virginia personal property tax is assessed by the Commissioner of the Revenue.   Assessments are based on the average value of similar vehicles as listed in pricing guides such as the N.A.D.A. (National Automobile Dealers Association) used car guide.   Personal property tax rates are set annually by the City Council as part of the budget process.

Bills on vehicle tax accounts for the first half of the calendar year are due June 5.  Tax bills for the second half are due December 5.  Personal property tax bills are applicable to the calendar year in which issued, or on a pro-rated portion of that year. The 2004/2005 rate is $3.85 per $100 of the assessed value.

There is a penalty required by the Virginia State Tax Code for late payment of taxes.   This penalty is 10% or $10, whichever is greater, but not to exceed the ASSESSED amount of the tax.  The Treasurer of Poquoson is also required by Code to collect interest at an annual rate of at least 10% until payment is made.  Please note, that this is on the ASSESSED amount which includes the state portion of personal property tax relief.  Please take this into consideration before paying late!

Anyone who owns personal property or acquires additional personal property should receive a tax bill approximately four weeks prior to the June 5 due date and by mid-October for the December 5 due date.  If you do not receive a bill, contact the Treasurer's Office before the due date at (757) 868-3015.   The appropriate information can be given over the telephone.   It is preferable, but not necessary to have the bill or a copy of the bill in order to make payment.

 Virginia law requires that the Treasurer mail bills for taxes due at least two (2) weeks prior to the due date.  If a bill is not delivered on time, the taxpayer is not relieved of the penalty and interest charge required by law for the late payment.   This is true whether the cause is Post Office error, a mistake in address information at the Treasurer's Office or any other such case.  The law is clear that the taxpayer is required to know the due date, to determine the amount owed and to pay it on time, even when a bill is not received by the taxpayer.

You must report all errors that appear on your tax bill to the Commission of the Revenue.  That office is responsible for the assessment of tax and is the only office that can correct errors on tax assessments.

All Personal Property Tax Must Be Paid Before You Can Purchase City Vehicle Decals.