What is Personal Property?

According to Nevada Revised Statutes, all property that is not defined or taxed as "real estate" or "real property" is considered to be "personal property." Taxable personal property includes manufactured homes, aircraft, and all property used in conjunction with a business. Personal property is taxable whether it is owned, leased, rented, loaned, or otherwise made available to the business. The taxation of business personal property has been in effect since Nevada became a state in 1864. Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 360-361, provide for the taxation of all property unless specifically exempted by law.

What Types of Personal Property are Exempt from Taxation?

Examples of property that are exempt from taxation includes business inventory held for resale, consumable supplies, livestock, boats, and personal household belongings. The exemption of household goods does not extend to personal property or furnishings rented or leased to another party or rented in conjunction with the rental of a dwelling unit. Motor vehicles required to be registered with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety are exempt from the property tax, though subject to a governmental service tax.
 
Who Must File a Personal Property Declaration with the Assessor?

All businesses having assets within Clark County must complete and file an annual declaration which lists any personal property that is used in conjunction with the business as of the lien date, which is July 1. The declaration is due by July 31, or within fifteen days of receipt of notification, whichever is later. New businesses should contact the Clark County Assessor at the same time the business license is acquired, or prior to opening the business. Please remember, the responsibility of keeping the Assessor informed of any changes to the business address, mailing address, or location is that of the taxpayer.

What is the Purpose of the Declaration?

The completed declaration provides most of the information needed to determine the taxable value of the personal property. All personal property used for the business should be listed completely and accurately. The cost and year of acquisition should be listed on the declaration. The cost is defined as the purchase price of the item, including any applicable shipping and installation charges. The year of purchase or acquisition is needed so that the value of the property can be reduced by any applicable depreciation. The depreciation factors are based on expected life schedules prescribed by the Nevada Department of Taxation through the Personal Property Manual.  

2023-2024 Personal Property Manual
(These manuals define how Personal Property is assessed in Nevada.)

2023-2024 Unsecured Roll Depreciation Schedule

What is a NAICS Code?  

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is a Federal indexing system for classifying businesses.  The declaration form requests a NAICS code or a brief description of the type of business.  The official 2012 U.S. NAICS Manual includes definitions for each industry, background information, and a comprehensive index that can be retrieved using the website link.
North American Industry Classification System

When May a Business Expect a Personal Property Tax Bill?

Though the declaration may be completed and returned to the Assessor in July, the personal property tax billing may be calculated and sent any time between the time it is received by the Assessor and the following April 30. The returned declaration will be processed by the appraisal and billing staff as the declaration is received. The appraisal staff may conduct field verifications of any data on the completed declaration. Taxes are subject to a 10% penalty if payment is not received within 30 days from the billing date.

How is the Tax Amount Computed?

In Nevada, property taxes are based on "assessed value." In the case of personal property tax, a "taxable value" is arrived at by reducing the original or acquisition cost by the applicable depreciation factors that may be found in the schedules which are linked above. Assessed value is computed by multiplying the taxable value by 35%, rounded to the nearest $1.00.

To calculate the tax on your personal property that does not qualify for the tax abatement, let's assume you have a business with the following equipment in the City of Las Vegas with a tax rate of $3.50 per hundred dollars of assessed value.

To determine the tax see the example below:
Office furniture was purchased one year ago at a cost of .................. $1,200
The taxable value after depreciation is 1,200 x .87= ..........................$1,044
A computer was purchased year ago at a cost of  ............................ $1,000
The taxable value after depreciation is 1,000 x .33 = ........................... $330
The total taxable value for above equipment is 1044 + 330 = ............. $1,374
The assessed value for the above equipment is 1,374 x .35 =................$ 481
The tax on the equipment would be 481 x. 035 = ............................. $16.84  

The tax rates vary by district.  Learn more about the tax abatement.

Personal Property Declaration Filing Requirement
If you are a business owner, you should receive a postcard in early July as a courtesy reminder that pursuant to NRS 361.265, you may be required to file a business personal property declaration by no later than July 31.  Your postcard will include information on how to access your account and file a declaration online.  If you do not receive a postcard by July 15, please call us at (702) 455-4997.  Our main office is located at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, 2nd Floor, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89155.  If you have questions regarding the declaration, or the online filing process, please call us at (702) 455-4997.  Our State certified property appraisers are available to answer your questions by phone, or schedule a convenient time to meet with you at your place of business.  The Assessor's Office offers classes instructing business owners on how to complete the declaration.  If you are unable to attend a class, a pdf version is available here for your convenience.  Real and Personal Property Appraisers must be certified by the State of Nevada, and are required to maintain the certification through a program of continuing education.