Unsecured Property Tax in California??? Is this legal?

Question

I have a small business. I recently received a tax statement assessed by my county for "unsecured property tax", which includes tax on just about anything I use for my business. When I read this I could just not believe it. Is this legal? How can they tax me on my property, like my desk, or my car that I use for personal use and work? Isn't it enough that I paid taxes on all that stuff when I BOUGHT it, and the fact that I pay income taxes as well? Where do they get this stuff????

I guess what I wanted to know is- How far have we gotten away from the constitution of the United States here? I mean, when the government can tax me on a desk not only when I buy it but for years after I buy it, isn't that really kinda wrong? Next thing you know, they'll be taxing me every time I fart...a "Fart Tax". I mean, get real! Taxing me on "stuff" that I own, just because I have it? Cummon!

Answer 1

It's a Personal Property Tax. At least in CA it's only levied on businesses. Move to MO and see what they do here. Cars, boats, trailers, campers, airplanes, cattle, hogs, sheep, farm machinery, tractors, brush hogs, etc., yadda yadda are all subject to personal property taxes here.

FYI, The Constitution explicitly grants the right to levy taxes to the government. Virtually every state constitution grants the state government the same right in one form or another. If you don't like your state's taxes, contact your elected representatives or move to a more tax-friendly state for your situation.

Answer 2

It's call "Business Personal Property Tax" and, yes it is perfectly legal and very common. Many states (but not all) have it.

In California it is usually just over 1% of the assessed value of your business personal property annually.

Answer 3

It's call Personal Property Tax. Businesses are required to pay it based on property they own in different localities.