Commissioner of the Revenue's Office

Commonwealth of Virginia

City of Salem Ordinance

Changes have been made by the Virginia General Assembly that will change the car tax relief program. These new changes mark an end to the relief program that has been in place for several years. The following are some of the ways it will affect citizens of the City of Salem.

• The State of Virginia will establish a fixed amount to be paid to all localities for tax relief. Once this is established City of Salem will receive the same amount of reimbursement for 2006 and future years.
• The proceeds from this reimbursement must be used to provide tax relief to the owners of qualifying vehicles.
• The Salem City Council shall establish how the relief is to be distributed.
• As a result of this new program the benefits of the state relief will shrink over time since City of Salem continues to grow and add vehicles eligible for the relief.
• Taxpayers whose bills remain delinquent for prior years after funds are depleted or September 1, 2006 whichever comes first may be billed at the full amount of their original levy without regard to the “old” 70% relief that was paid to the City by the Commonwealth

If you should have any further questions, please call our office at (540)375-3019.