Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a Surry County business license?

If the business is being operated in or from the Towns of Claremont, Dendron or Surry you will need to apply to that town for a business license; otherwise apply at the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office. 

You may need to obtain approval from Planning and Zoning to operate your business at your chosen location. You may also be required to file your Fictitious Name at the Surry County Courthouse.

Show All Answers

1. How is personal property assessed?

Motor vehicles are assessed using the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) guide. Boats are assessed using the ABOS Marine Blue book. Any personal property not listed in a recognized pricing guide will be assessed based on a percentage of the cost. Business property and machinery and tools are assessed using a percentage of the cost.

2. Am I eligible for a deduction if my vehicle has high mileage?

Motor vehicles having over 100,000 miles as of January 1, of each year may be given a high mileage deduction, Provided proof (copy of inspection slip, oil change record, etc.) is submitted to the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office on or before May 1 of each year. Proof must include the vehicle identification number (VIN) and mileage. 

The proof must be submitted each year in order to be given the current high mileage discount listed in the mileage table of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) book. The discount does not apply to motorcycles, motor homes or large trucks and will not exceed 40% of the current NADA value.

3. Does my vehicle qualify for personal property tax relief?

View the Tax Relief/Exemptions page for information.

4. What if I move taxable personal property out of Surry County or sell it during the tax year?

You will need to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as well as the Commissioner of the Revenue. Surry County does not prorate personal property, so you will still be liable for the full year's tax. Per Virginia Code Section 58.1-3511 "the situs for vehicles with a weight of 10,000 pounds or less registered in Virginia but normally garaged, docked or parked in another state shall be the locality in Virginia where registered."

5. What if I move taxable personal property into Surry County or purchase it during the tax year?

You will need to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as well as the Commissioner of the Revenue. Surry County does not prorate personal property, so you will not be liable for taxes for the year you move into Surry County or purchase a vehicle during the year. If you were in another Virginia locality on January 1 of the year you may be taxed by that locality for the year.

6. I am an active duty member of the military. How is my personal property taxed?

View the Active Duty Military Personal Property Tax page for information.

Show All Answers

1. Who determines the tax rates for the county?

All of the tax rates are set by the Surry County Board of Supervisors, usually in May or June of each year when the annual budget is adopted.