Ohio County Sheriff: Pay Second-Half Vehicle Taxes in 2024 To Get Rebate From State of West Virginia
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Ohio County Sheriff Tom Howard reminded the Ohio County Commission on Tuesday that personal property tax bills mailed to residents this week will include a significant increase regarding the value of their vehicles.
Following the meeting, Howard said in some cases, depending on the value of one's vehicle, the bill could increase by $80 or $100. He said this is due to the state of West Virginia using the most recent NADA values for used vehicles. During COVID, the state used old values to give people a break on their bills. However, now that they are catching up and using the new values, the tax bills will appear with a bigger increase.
"With used cars, when everything jumped up right after COVID and they had those really high prices, that's what the new tax value is on the cars," Howard said. "So your cars are going to show a higher value which in turn increases your tax."
Howard said, however, that though this will be a shock to some people, there is a way to get half of that money back.
He advises residents to pay only the first half of the personal property taxes, which are due before Oct. 1, instead of the entire bill all at once. Then, by paying the second half next year, before April 1, they will receive a rebate attached to their state income tax refund in 2025 when they file their income taxes for 2024.
Howard noted the only way to get that rebate is the make sure one pays their taxes on time and that the second half due is paid in 2024 before April 1. If someone pays their entire bill this year they will not receive the rebate.
"A lot of people like to run in and pay their full tax bill. If they pay their full tax bill this year they will not be able to deduct it for their (2024) income taxes," he said.
"We want everyone to get their money back. ... Pay your first half and pay it timely."
Howard told the commissioners that he anticipated receiving phone calls from residents concerned about the bill. He said his tax office workers are prepared to answer people's questions and explain it to them. He warned commissioners that they might get some calls about it, too.
In other matters, commissioners approved renewing terms for six Ohio County Development Authority members: Jim Murray, Eriks Janelsins, Tanner Russell, Randy Russell, Mary Pockl and Commissioner Zach Abraham. Abraham abstained from voting on himself being renewed. The terms last three years. The other sitting OCDA members include Commissioner Randy Wharton, Glenn Elliott, Jeffrey Doyle, Raymond Helbling, Erikka Storch, Commission President Don Nickerson, John McCullough, Robert Smith, Eran Molz, John Olejasz, Mark Griffith and John Gearry.
The commission also rescheduled a public hearing regarding a second TIF district adjacent to The Highlands for 6 p.m. Aug. 1, which is also their next meeting date. The new district will incorporate areas of Middle Creek Road.