If the Assessor sends you a BPS, the law requires that you complete, sign, and return the statement to the Office of the Assessor during the period specified. Any business that owns personal property and/or fixtures having a total combined cost of $100,000 or more is required to file a BPS, even in the absence of a request for filing by the Assessor.

You were sent a BPS because our records indicate that you were in business on the Lien Date (January 1). The Assessor assesses any taxable business personal property in your possession on that date.

Yes. Even if someone other than you is the owner of the real property where your business is located, you must file the BPS because it is used to report business personal property (equipment, supplies, etc.) that you own. You must also complete any related schedules that apply to your business. If someone other than you is the owner of the real property where your business is located, completion of Schedule B, columns 1, 3, and 4 is nonobligatory. If you own or have added any tenant-owned improvements, report their costs in column B-2 (see official instructions for the 571-L).

Yes. Please note those facts on the BPS, or an attachment to it, and return the signed BPS to the Office of the Assessor. This will help prevent an improper assessment.

Yes. Please note those facts on the BPS, or attachment to it, and return the signed BPS to the Office of the Assessor. This will prevent an improper assessment.

Yes, if you have received a statement. Please note those facts on the BPS, or an attachment to it, and return the signed BPS to the Office of the Assessor. Include the name of the company you work for and its mailing address with your notes. This will prevent an improper assessment.

Yes. The taxable personal property of a closed business is subject to assessment. For example, let’s presume that on the Lien Date (January 1) a new pizza parlor is under construction and nearly ready for its grand opening. Even though the pizza parlor was closed for business on the Lien Date, taxable business personal property (such as furniture, ovens, and supplies) was in the owner’s possession on the lien date, and the Assessor is required to assess it.

Yes. The law specifies that all taxable personal property must be assessed at 12:01 am on January 1, regardless of what transpires after that date. Even if closed shortly after the Lien Date, a business must file a BPS and pay taxes for the coming fiscal year on any taxable property they owned on the Lien Date. You will owe the entire personal property tax bill.

Yes. Anytime a person receives a BPS from the Assessor, the BPS must be signed and returned - whether the business is operating or closed. Include a note indicating that the business has closed. Otherwise, the Assessor may continue to assess the property.

Yes. Any equipment used for a home business is considered to be business personal property and must be reported on the BPS.

If you are using any ‘personal’ equipment in your business, then it must be reported. People who work from home must report personal desks, computers, calculators, etc., if those items are used in their businesses.

Yes. In this case, write a remark about that circumstance on the BPS, or an attachment to it. Also, fill out Part III (Equipment Belonging To Others) of the form, and then sign and return it to the Office of the Assessor. If you own any small equipment, such as a printer, copier, supplies, etc. that you are using in the business, report these costs under Part II of the BPS.

Yes. According to Revenue and Taxation Code Section 441(a): Each person owning taxable personal property (other than a manufactured home subject to Part 13, commencing with Section 5800) having an aggregate cost of $100,000 or more for any assessment year shall file a signed property statement with the Assessor. Every person owning personal property that is exempt from the filing of a property statement shall, upon request of the Assessor, file a signed property statement. An assessment is rendered as valid even if the Assessor fails to request or secure the property statement. Your statement will be reviewed by a staff member in our exemptions unit if you have filed a welfare or religious exemption with our office to determine the value to be exempt.

Yes. Please state the person/entity and mailing address to whom you lease your land.

Yes. Please report zero (0) for equipment.

VISIT US
Office of the Assessor
44 N. San Joaquin Street, Suite 230
Stockton, CA 95202

Phone (209) 468-2630
Open 8:30- 4:30 weekdays, except holidays

MAIL TO
Personal Property Division
Office of the Assessor
44 N. San Joaquin Street, Suite 230
Stockton, CA 95202