Workers at the Lyon County appraiser’s office are encouraging individuals and businesses to file their personal property tax information online, instead of in person or by mail.
About 100 people took advantage of the service, which became available this year, according to Stephanie Christlieb, who has taken over the personal property manager’s job that had been held by Tammy Vopat. Vopat was elected Lyon County Clerk in the general election on Nov. 4.
Pre-enrollment and passwords have been incorporated into software security measures for on-line filers, Christlieb said.
“All they have to do is e-mail me, requesting that they want to do online filing,” she said.
She will provide a password by return e-mail for each to log on to access personal property information and make any changes or additions necessary.
People who prefer to file by the traditional methods may continue to do so. Property owners need to file before the March 15 deadline to avoid penalties.
Renditions will be mailed to property owners after the first of the year.
Personal property includes a broad assortment of goods, such as mobile homes, boats, trailers, heavy and non-highway vehicles, mopeds, golf carts, and other property.
The new online option has proven to be convenient for those who took advantage of it, Christlieb said.
Several participants took time to write the appraiser’s office about the time and effort that had been saved by filing online.
“I felt it was much more accurate because you could easily see exactly what was reported,” a car dealership employee reported. “It was simple to remove the items no longer in service and add new items.”
For one group of personal property owners, there is no need to report property.
Because state law has changed for commercial property, owners of new businesses do not have to report their business equipment, Christlieb said. Existing businesses do have to report the businesses’ personal property, if it is already on the tax rolls. When equipment is replaced, existing businesses are accorded the same benefit as new businesses.
“If they buy new items, they’re completely exempt,” Christlieb said. “They don’t have to report them to us any more.”
For more information, call Christlieb at 341-3232 or e-mail her at schristlieb@lyoncounty.org.
The personal property Web site is www.lyoncounty.org/pps.