The City of Harrisonburg, Virginia, levies an annual tax on tangible personal property owned by individuals and businesses. This includes assets such as vehicles, machinery, furniture, and business equipment. For example, a resident would owe this levy on a car registered in the city, and a business would pay based on the value of its office furnishings and equipment located within city limits.
These revenues provide crucial funding for essential city services such as schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and parks and recreation. This form of taxation has a long history in Virginia, reflecting a tradition of local governments maintaining a degree of fiscal autonomy. Stable and predictable revenue streams generated through this levy allow the city to plan and deliver essential services effectively, contributing to the overall quality of life and economic vitality of the community.