| Program Initiatives for 2008 - 2011
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Tax Administration System - Increased Efficiency for All Customers! We are replacing the old, fragmented tax administration systems with an integrated “Taxpaying Entity” design. A unique customer identification number will be utilized, similar to the system used in the banking industry, with a list of accounts (personal property, business property, real estate, parking tickets, utilities, and others) registered in the computer system. When you contact the office, staff will call up your customer number and view all your accounts. This will greatly enhance the service and speed at which we provide information to all Arlington’s taxpayers. You will also be able to access your tax information online.
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Biz Online - Expediency for Business Owners! As promised in my 2003 program, we are currently testing Biz Online. This program will provide our existing business customers the ease and convenience of filing their business tax returns online and submitting their tax payment electronically. Customers will access a secured website, pull up their account, enter the relevant data, and the system will calculate the tax. The return will be electronically submitted to the Commissioner’s office while the payment will be transmitted to the County’s bank account and posted to the customer’s tax records. If the business so desires, it can still print and mail its tax return with a check.
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Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled - Customer Convenience! Elderly and disabled customers arrive at the Treasurer’s Office seeking relief of their real estate taxes. Currently, we must send the customers several blocks away to the Department of Human Services (DHS) at 3033 Wilson Blvd to participate in this program. I will work to return the program to the Commissioner’s office, since it is a tax program, not a welfare program. Moreover, the County would be eligible for a reimbursement from the State if the program is administered by the Commissioner’s office.
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Virginia Car License Tax - Increased Compliance! Approximately 4,500 owners of vehicles with out-of-state license plates are registered with the County, pay the local car tax and decal fee, but have not yet registered with the DMV. These vehicles are not in compliance with Virginia law which requires DMV registration within 30 days of arrival in the state. If the County adopts a local ordinance, we would be able to assess a license tax of $100 per vehicle, unless the owner registers the vehicle with the DMV and purchases VA license plates. This program is designed to encourage compliance with Virginia law, and DMV registration can be completed at the Commissioner’s office.
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