Assessing Information

Assessment Methods for Personal Property

Chesterfield County levies a tax each calendar year on personal property with situs in the county. All property must first be registered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The exception to this is boats, which must first be registered with the Department of Wildlife Resources or the U.S. Coast Guard and then must be registered with the Commissioner of the Revenue.

All property is taxable, based on ownership. Proration is the method of taxation monthly for the portion of the calendar year personal property is owned and/or located in the jurisdiction. Personal property taxes on automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, low speed vehicles and motor homes are prorated monthly. Boats, trailers and airplanes are not prorated. For questions regarding mobile homes, please contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at 804-748-1281 or email the Commissioner's Office.

Assessing Information

Personal Property tax is based on the value of motor vehicles, motorcycles, boats and trailers that are stored, garaged or parked in Chesterfield County using various pricing guides.

All personal property is taxable, even unlicensed and/or inoperable vehicles. This property must be filed on or before the first business day of March, each year, for as long as you own it.

Pricing Guides

The following pricing guides are used to determine your assessed value:

• NADA - National Automobile Dealers Association Official Guide, as of Jan. 1
• CPI - Collectible Vehicle Value Guide, as of Jan. 1
• ABOS - Marine Blue Book-Low Trade-In

High Mileage Process

Chesterfield County provides an assessment discount to vehicles that qualify as high mileage. The qualification is based on NADA mileage tables. The discount does not apply to motorcycles, motor homes, large trucks or trailers.

• Mileage tables change each year. Taxpayers must file annually until the mileage of the item reaches 245,001 miles
• One of the following must be provide as proof of mileage at or near Jan. 1 of each tax year state inspection receipt, oil change receipt or repair bill
• High Mileage Discount Tax Year 2023 Application (PDF)

Condition Process

Chesterfield County provides an assessment discount to vehicles that qualify under condition. The qualification is based on proof of condition (visual inspection/repair estimate) dated on or before Jan. 1 of the tax year. If noted on title by DMV, it will indicate salvage, rebuilt or water damage, a reduction of 10% of the NADA value will be issued.

• Vehicle Condition Discount Application (PDF)
• Vehicle Condition Certification Form (PDF) - required to be filed yearly
• Boat Condition Certification Form (PDF) - required to be filed yearly