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Treasurer's Office - Main FAQ

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1. Personal Property Taxes - What are personal property taxes?

• Personal property taxes are assessed on cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, buses, mobile homes, motor homes, boats and aircraft.  The taxes are calculated based on the value of the property and the tax rate.


• The value of all personal property is determined by the Commissioner of the Revenue.


• The tax rate is determined by Hampton City Council during the annual budget process.


• Personal property taxes are collected by the Treasurer

2. Personal Property Taxes - How are vehicles assessed?

Please visit the Commissioner of the Revenue for more information.

3. Personal Property Taxes - What is the tax rate(s) for personal property?

Please visit our tax rates web page for the most current information.

4. Personal Property Taxes - When are personal property taxes due?

• Personal property taxes are billed on a calendar year basis and are due on June 5th and December 5th of each year.


• The taxes due June 5th cover the taxable period of January 1st through June 30th.  The tax bills are mailed on the last Friday in April of each year.


• The taxes due December 5th cover the taxable period of July 1st through December 31st. The tax bills are mailed on the last Friday in October of each year.


• Supplemental bills will be issued when a taxable personal property item is added to the tax rolls after the cutoff date for the regular billing periods.  Bills are mailed within 30 days of the due date and will be due on the 5th day of the month.


• In accordance with the Virginia Code, the Treasurer’s Office utilizes the United States Postal Service postmark to determine if a payment is received on time.  Payments received or postmarked on or before midnight of the due date will be considered on time. 


• Late payments will be assessed a 10% penalty. Interest will begin to accrue on January 1st at a rate of 9.6% per year.  Accounts that are not paid in full within 30 days of a delinquent notice will be assessed a $30.00 administrative fee and will be subject to collection action and additional fees.

5. Personal Property Taxes - What if I did not receive a personal property bill?

• Semi-annual tax bills are mailed on the last Friday in April for the June 5th due date and the last Friday in October for the December 5th due date.


• Supplemental bills are mailed monthly.  If you have moved to the City of Hampton or purchased a taxable personal property item and were not billed in June or December, a supplemental bill may be issued.  The Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office can assist in determining when you will be billed.  They can be contacted at (757) 727-6183 or by e-mail.


• If you do not receive a bill it is your responsibility to contact the Treasurer’s Office at (757) 727-6374 or by e-mail.


• In accordance with the Virginia Code, penalty, interest, and fees cannot be waived because a bill was not received.

6. Personal Property Taxes - What is the Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA)?

Please visit the Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) for more information.

7. Personal Property Taxes - What if I am an active duty military member?

For more information, please visit: http://www.hampton.gov/index.aspx?nid=571

8. Personal Property Taxes - What if I sold or traded my vehicle?

Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at (757) 727-6183 or by e-mail.

9. Personal Property Taxes - What if I just moved to the City of Hampton?

Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at (757) 727-6183, by email or register your vehicle online.

10. Personal Property Taxes - What if I moved to another city/county in Virginia or another state?

Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at (757) 727-6183 or by e-mail.

11. Personal Property Taxes - How do I change my mailing address?

Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at (757) 727-6183 or by e-mail or change your address online.

12. Vehicle License Fees - What is the vehicle license fee?

Hampton City Code requires that every owner of a motor vehicle, trailer and/or semitrailer normally garaged, stored or parked within the city limits shall pay a license fee on or before December 5th of the preceding license year, or within 10 days of purchasing a state license for such vehicle, or within 30 days of moving the situs of the vehicle to the city, whichever is sooner.

The vehicle license fee is assessed by the Commissioner of the Revenue and collected by the Treasurer.

13. Vehicle License Fees - When will I be billed for the vehicle license fees?

• The annual vehicle license fee will show on the December 5th personal property bill as a “License Fee.”


• When the Commissioner of the Revenue adds a motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer to the city tax rolls after the December 5th bills have been processed, a separate license fee statement bill will be mailed with a 30 day due date.

14. Vehicle License Fees - How much is the vehicle license fee?

For more information, please visit: http://hampton.gov/Index.aspx?NID=1015.

15. Vehicle License Fees - Are vehicle license fees refundable?

For more information, please visit: http://hampton.gov/index.aspx?nid=575

16. Boat License Fees - What is the boat license fee?

• Beginning in 2016, Hampton City Code requires the owner of a privately owned motorized boat or watercraft used for recreational purposes only and privately owned non-motorized pleasure boats used for recreational purpose only to pay an annual license fee on or before December 5th of the proceeding license year, or within 10 days of purchase, or within 30 days of moving the situs of the boat to the city, whichever is sooner. 


• The boat license fee is assessed by the Commissioner of the Revenue and collected by the Treasurer.

17. Boat License Fees - When will I be billed for the boat license fees?

• The annual boat license fee will show on the December 5th personal property bill as a “License Fee.”


• When the Commissioner of the Revenue adds a qualifying boat to the city tax rolls after the December 5th bills have been processed, a separate license fee statement bill will be mailed with a 30 day due date.

18. Boat License Fees - How much is the boat license fee?

For more information, please visit: http://www.hampton.gov/index.aspx?NID=2859

19. Real Estate Taxes - What are real estate taxes?

• Real Estate taxes are assessed upon the land and improvements for each real estate parcel located within the City of Hampton. The taxes are calculated based on the value of the property and the tax rate.


• The value of all land and improvements is determined by the Real Estate Assessor.


• The tax rate is determined by Hampton City Council during the annual budget process.


• Real Estate taxes are collected by the Treasurer.

20. Real Estate Taxes - How are land and improvements assessed?

For more information, please visit: http://hampton.gov/documentcenter/view/422

21. Real Estate Taxes - What is the tax rate for Real Estate?

For more information, please visit: http://hampton.gov/572/Real-Estate-Taxes

22. Real Estate Taxes - When are real estate taxes due?

• Real estate taxes are billed on a fiscal year basis and are due on December 5th and June 5th of each year. 


• The taxes due December 5th cover the taxable period of July 1st through December 31st. The tax bills are mailed on the last Friday in October of each year.


• The taxes due June 5th cover the taxable period of January 1st through June 30th.  The tax bills are mailed on the last Friday in April of each year.


• Changes to the value of a property will be billed as a supplemental bill and will be due on the December 5th or June 5th following the date of the value change.


• In accordance with the Virginia Code, the Treasurer’s Office utilizes the United States Postal Service postmark to determine if a payment is received on time.  Payments received or postmarked on or before midnight of the due date will be considered on time. 


• Late payments will be assessed a 10% penalty. Interest will begin to accrue on July 1st at a rate of 10% per year. Accounts that are not paid in full within 30 days of a delinquent notice will be assessed a $30.00 administrative fee and will be subject to collection action and additional fees.

23. Real Estate Taxes - What if I did not receive a real estate bill?

• Semi-annual tax bills are mailed on the last Friday in April for the June 5th due date and the last Friday in October for the December 5th due date.


• If you do not receive a bill it is your responsibility to contact the Treasurer’s Office at (757) 727-6374 or by e-mail.


• Real Estate tax information can also be found at http://webgis.hampton.gov/sites/ParcelViewer/Account/Logon.


• In accordance with the Virginia Code, penalty, interest and fees cannot be waived because a bill was not received. 

24. Real Estate Taxes - Does the City of Hampton have a Real Estate Tax Relief Program?

For more information, please visit:  http://hampton.gov/index.aspx?NID=581

25. Real Estate Taxes - How is my mortgage company notified when taxes are due?

• The Treasurer’s Office corresponds with mortgage companies prior to each billing cycle.  Each mortgage company is then responsible for providing the Treasurer’s Office with a listing of all properties on which they intend to pay the real estate taxes.  The real estate tax amount is provided to the mortgage company for the requested properties.  Most mortgage companies wire the tax payment to the Treasurer’s Office.  Monies received by wire are normally posted to the real estate accounts approximately two weeks prior to the due date.
  


• Most mortgage companies will also pay storm water fees, business improvement taxes (BID) and other taxes and fees that are listed on the real estate tax bill.  It is the responsibility of the property owner to check with their mortgage company to ensure all items billed will be paid by them.

26. Real Estate Taxes - What if I have a mortgage company but received a tax bill?

• Because the property owner is responsible for ensuring the taxes on their property are paid, a bill is mailed to every property owner during each billing cycle.
  


• If a mortgage company requested your bill for payment the following note will be located in the lower left hand corner of the bill you received.
  


• “A mortgage company has requested your real estate bill for payment.  If you have an escrow account with a mortgage company and they pay the total balance for you, you may keep this statement for your records.”
  


• If the bill you received does not contain the mortgage company statement you should contact your mortgage company.

27. Real Estate Taxes - How do I change my mailing address?

Contact the Real Estate Assessor’s Office at (757) 727-8311, by e-mail or by completing a Change of Mailing Address Request.

28. Real Estate Taxes - Can I view my property and tax information online?

Real estate and tax information is public information and can be viewed at http://webgis.hampton.gov/sites/ParcelViewer/Account/Logon.

29. Storm Water Fees - What are storm water fees?

• Storm Water Fees are assessed by Public Works and collected by the Treasurer.
  


• For more information regarding storm water fees please call (757) 727-8311, or visit http://www.hampton.gov/index.aspx?NID=2227.

30. Payment Methods - How can I make a tax payment?

• Payment can be made by mail, in person, by drop box or online.
• When paying by mail, please make checks and money orders payable to the Hampton City Treasurer and mail to P.O. Box 638, Hampton, VA 23669. 
• The Treasurer’s Office is located at 1 Franklin Street in the Ruppert Leon Sargent Memorial building in Downtown Hampton.  
• Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• In person, we accept payment by cash, money order, check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) and debit cards that have a Visa or MasterCard logo.  Payment by credit or debit card will be assessed a 1.25% convenience fee.
• We do not accept rolled coins as a form of payment.
• Payments received or postmarked by midnight of the due date will be considered as on time. All late payments will be assessed penalty, interest and fees in accordance with the Virginia Code.
• Payments received from a banking institutions’ online banking service must be received in the Treasurer’s Office on or before the due date. Contact your banking institution to determine the processing time required to ensure your payment is received on time. 
• The Treasurer’s Office drop box is located at the entrance of the Ruppert Leon Sargent Memorial building on the corner of Franklin Street and Queens Way. Please make checks and money orders payable to the Hampton City Treasurer. Payments placed in the drop box up until midnight of the due date will be considered as on time.
• Payment by check or by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover can be made online. A convenience fee of $1.00 will be assessed for payment by check and a fee of $1.00 plus 1.25% of the total transaction will be assessed for all online credit card payments. Payments with a time stamp up to midnight of the due date will be considered as on time. 
• Credit and debit cards, both in person and online can only be accepted for tax payments.

31. Payment Methods - Why do I pay a convenience fee for credit/debit card payments?

• All merchants who accept credit/debit cards pay a fee to do so. In a retail or service environment, the merchant can absorb the fees in the cost of goods or services.


• Treasurer’s Offices in Virginia do not have the ability to absorb the fees through the cost of goods or services. 


• State law and credit card acceptance rules allow a government agency to pass the fee to the customer for tax related payments.


• Due to the demand for credit/debit card acceptance, the Treasurer’s Office offers the ability to pay by credit/debit card and passes the associated fees to only those customers who chose this payment option.


• The $1.00 fee for online payments is paid directly to the vendor who provides the Treasurer’s Office secure online payment site.  

32. Payment Methods - What if I was notified by my bank that my check was returned for insufficient funds etc..?

• A $35.00 returned check fee is assessed on all personal and business checks that are returned for any reason. 


• A $6.00 returned check fee is assessed on all online checks that are returned for any reason.


• When a returned check is received, the payment associated with the check will be reversed and any applicable penalty, interest, and fees will be due by the account holder.


• The Treasurer’s Office will send notice to the account holder. If payment in full is not received within 30 days, collection action may be taken.


• The Treasurer’s Office has the right to refuse payment by check for up to five (5) years.

33. Delinquent Collections - What if I am delinquent?

• The Treasurer’s Office mails personal property and real estate delinquent notices in January and July time frame each year.


• All accounts that are not paid in full within 30 days of the delinquent notice mailing will be assessed a $30.00 administrative fee and will be subject to collection action.


• In accordance with the Virginia Code, the Treasurer’s Office utilizes several methods for the collection of delinquent taxes and fees owed to the City of Hampton. 


• Collection action may include but is not limited to a 100% lien of your wages or bank account, distress of property, withholding of your state income tax refund or vehicle registration renewal with the Division of Motor Vehicles.


• Payment by cash, money order, cashier’s check or credit card is required for an immediate release of any collection action that has been taken.


• Payment by check, in person, by mail, or online will require a 10-day hold prior to the release of any collection action that has been taken.

34. Delinquent Collections - What if I received a Notice of Lien and Demand for Payment?

• The Virginia Code gives the Treasurer the authority to take collection action without first obtaining a judgment. A Notice of Lien and Demand for Payment can be issued to any third party that has in their possession monies belonging to or owed to the debtor such as wages, bank accounts, rent, etc…


• The notice you received is a copy of the Notice of Lien and Demand for Payment that has already been mailed and/or faxed to your employer, banking institution or other third party as indicated on the notice.


• In accordance with §58.1-3952 of the Virginia Code the amount listed on the lien will be deducted from your disposable earnings, your bank account or by the third party at a rate of 100% until the amount owed to the City of Hampton is paid in full.


• By law, your employer, banking institution or the third party, is required to take immediate action upon receipt of the Notice of Lien and Demand for Payment. You will need to contact your payroll department, banking institution or third party to determine when payment will be forwarded to the Treasurer’s Office.


• Your account will not be considered paid until the monies have been received and posted by our office.


• After contacting your employer, banking institution or the third party listed, if you choose to make payment directly to the Treasurer’s Office, payment must be made by cash, money order, cashier’s check or credit card for a lien release to be issued. 


• Payment by check, in person or online, will require a 10-day hold before a lien release will be issued.


• You must provide a fax number for a lien release to be faxed to your payroll department, banking institution or third party.  If a fax number is not provided, the lien release will be mailed to the address listed on the Notice of Lien and Demand for Payment. 


• A lien release could take up to 2 business days to process and will not guarantee that your employer, banking institution or the third party will be able to stop or prevent any deductions from occurring.


• Any payments received from an employer, banking institution or third party, after an account(s) has been paid in full, will be returned or refunded to the payee.

35. Delinquent Collections - What if I received a Distress Warrant on my vehicle?

• The Virginia Code gives the Treasurer the authority to take possession of goods and chattels belonging to the debtor and found within the Commonwealth of Virginia to satisfy delinquent taxes and other charges owed to the City of Hampton.


• When a vehicle has been distressed, the license plates are removed until which time the account(s) of the debtor(s) are paid in full.


• Any person who fraudulently sells, pledges, encumbers, removes, destroys, receives or secretes any property that has been distrained or levied upon, with intent to defeat such distress or levy, shall be deemed guilty of larceny thereof, which many constitute a felony under Virginia law.   


• If the account(s) are not paid in full in a timely manner, the vehicle may be towed and sold at auction. The monies from the sale of the vehicle(s) will be applied to the delinquent amount owed and other collection actions may be taken to satisfy any remaining delinquent balances.


• The Treasurer’s Office may also place a wheel lock on a vehicle(s) that has been distressed.


• In order for a distress to be lifted and for the license plates and/or vehicle(s) to be returned, all delinquent accounts owed must be paid in full by cash, money order, cashier’s check or credit card. Payments by check, in person or online, will require a 10 day hold.

36. Delinquent Collections - What if I received a notice from DMV that I have a DMV Stop?

• Under Virginia law the Treasurer can authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to withhold your vehicle registrations on all vehicles owned or co-owned by you until all delinquent personal property taxes and/or parking fines owed to the City of Hampton have been paid in full.
• A $25.00 DMV Stop Fee will be assessed against each vehicle owner. This fee is collected by the Treasurer’s Office and paid directly to the DMV upon release of the stop.
• In order to have a DMV Stop released immediately, payment in full must be made by cash, money order, cashier’s check or by credit card.

37. Delinquent Collections - What if I received a notice that my state income tax refund is being held?

• Under Virginia law the Treasurer can file a Debt-Set Off claim to hold your state income tax refund to satisfy delinquent taxes and/or fees owed to the City of Hampton.


• If payment in full is made within 30 days, by cash, money order, cashier’s check, or credit card, we will release the claim. Your refund should be received from the state within 10 to 14 days of the release.


• If payment in full is not received within 30 days, the Treasurer’s Office will finalize the claim, which authorizes the state to send your state income tax refund to the City of Hampton to be applied to your delinquent account(s).   


• After finalizing a claim, it may take up to 60 days for the monies to be received by the Treasurer’s Office. 

38. Delinquent Collections - Can I make payment arrangements?

• If you are unable to pay your delinquent accounts in full, you should immediately contact the Treasurer’s Office to inquire about a formal payment arrangement.


• In order to qualify for a formal payment arrangement, financial disclosure will be required. After a review of your financial obligations and income, a short term payment plan may be authorized.


• Once the Treasurer’s Office has taken collection action, payment in full must be received before the action will be released.


• Please contact the Treasurer’s Office at (757) 727-6374 or by e-mail for additional information.

39. Delinquent Collections - Does the Treasurer’s Office take collection action on accounts owed to other city departments?

• The Treasurer’s Office collects various delinquent fines and fees on behalf of the City of Hampton.  


• Delinquent accounts such as court fines, library fines, ambulance fees, fire inspection fees, returned checks, business licenses, and other accounts receivables are subject to additional fees and collection action.

40. Animal Licenses - What animals must be licensed?

All dogs and cats four (4) months of age or older are required to be licensed.

41. Animal Licenses - How much is an animal license?

• Beginning in 2018, residents have the option of purchasing an annual animal license or a lifetime animal license. The license tax for a male or female dog or cat is $10 for an annual license and $20 for a lifetime license. The license tax for a dog or cat that has been spayed or neutered is $4 for an annual license and $10 for a lifetime license (proof of spaying or neutering is required).
• The Treasurer’s Office also issues kennel licenses for any establishment in which five (5) or more canines, felines, or hybrids of either are kept for the purpose of breeding, hunting, training, renting, buying, boarding, selling or showing. 
• A City of Hampton Kennel License Application must be completed annually.
• A kennel license for 10 or fewer dogs or cats is $30, 11 to 30 dogs or cats is $40, and 31 to 50 dogs or cats is $50.

42. Animal Licenses - How can I purchase an animal license?

Animal licenses can be purchased by mail, in person or by drop box.

43. Animal Licenses - What do I need to purchase my animal license?

• A copy of your animal’s current rabies certificate is required and proof of spaying or neutering, when applicable. The rabies certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian. 
• If purchasing by mail or drop box, please do not send your original rabies certificate with payment. Mail a copy of your rabies certificate with payment to P.O. Box 638, Hampton, VA 23669. Make check or money order payable to Hampton City Treasurer. Once payment is received and processed, your animal license will be mailed to you.
• When purchasing your animal license by mail or drop box please indicate if you are purchasing an annual license or a lifetime license. You can note this in the memo section of your check or money order or on the copy of the rabies certificate.

44. Animal Licenses - How long is an animal license valid?

• An annual license expires on Dec. 31 of the year in which the license was issued. Renewal notices for annual licenses are typically mailed in the last week of November.
• A lifetime animal license is valid for the life span of the dog or cat for whom the license was issued and only as long as the owner resides in the City of Hampton and the animal’s rabies vaccination is kept current. Upon expiration of a rabies vaccination, the lifetime license is not valid and the animal is considered to be unlicensed and in violation of Chapter IV of the Hampton City Code. The lifetime license will once again be valid upon renewal of the animal's rabies vaccination.
• Animal licenses are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another animal. 

45. Animal Licenses - When is the deadline for purchasing an animal license?

• Animal licenses for the upcoming license year are available on November 1st of each year. 


• The deadline to purchase an animal license is January 31st of the license year.

46. Parking Fines - Who collects parking fines?

• The Treasurer’s Office collects parking fines that are written by the Hampton Police Department for all parking violations.


• The Treasurer does not have the authority to void or waive a parking fine. 


• All questions regarding the issuance of a parking fine should be directed to the Hampton Police Department.  

47. Parking Fines - How long do I have to pay a parking fine?

A parking fine is due within 30 calendar days of the date the parking fine was written.

48. Parking Fines - How can I pay a parking fine?

Parking fines can be paid in person, by mail, drop-box or online.

49. Parking Fines - Can I dispute a parking fine?

• To dispute a parking fine, the owner of the vehicle that was ticketed must appear in person at the Treasurer’s Office to request a summons. 


• A summons can only be issued on unpaid parking fines and must be requested within 30 calendar days of the date the parking fine was written.


• The Treasurer’s Office will issue a summons to the vehicle owner for him/her to appear at the Hampton General District Court on a stated date and time.


• In accordance with Hampton City Ordinance, a summons cannot be issued after 30 calendar days of the date the parking fine was written.

50. Parking Fines - What happens if I do not pay or dispute the parking fine within 30 days?

All unpaid parking fines will be assessed a $30.00 administrative fee and will be subject to collection action.

51. Passport Services - Where can I get a passport?

For more information on how to obtain a passport, please visit: http://hampton.gov/index.aspx?nid=1014.

52. DMV Select Services - Where can I find DMV Select Services?

For more information, please visit http://hampton.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/29.