Personal property is subject to the same levy rates as real property. Business property owners are required to file an annual listing of Personal Property used in the conduct of a business by April 30 each year. Personal Property affidavits must list all taxable property located in the county as of 12:00 noon on January 1 of that year. Business property owners are required to file a separate affidavit for each business location in Pierce County. This is because we must, by law, allocate assessed values to the taxing district in which the property is located.
Each year, after a personal property account is established, property owners will be mailed an affidavit at the beginning of each calendar year. By April 30, the property owner must certify that the list is correct, make any adjustments necessary, sign and return the affidavit to the Assessor-Treasurer's office. By law, property owners are responsible for filing the personal property affidavit every year. This is true even if the property owner does not receive an affidavit in the mail. The penalty for failing to file a personal property affidavit is 5% of the tax due per month, up to a maximum penalty of 25% on the total assessed tax.
Affidavits are available by calling the Assessor-Treasurer's office at (253) 798-7130.
We also offer classes March and April which give instruction on how to fill out the personal property affidavit. You may register by calling (253) 798 -7130 or 1-800-992-2456 ext. 7130 or filling out our on-line form.
