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I Own Investment Property in New Hanover County. Why Did New Hanover Send Me a Tax Bill for My Personal Property?

This catches a lot of owners off guard and it’s very common.

Audience: property owners in New Hanover County who received a tax bill for “personal property” and are confused because they already pay real estate taxes.

The short answer is: this tax is separate from real estate tax and applies to certain items inside your rental property, not the property itself.

Here’s what’s going on.

FAQs ❓

Is this the same as my property tax bill?
No. This is a personal property tax, not a real estate tax.

Why am I getting this if I don’t live there?
Because the tax applies to income-producing property, not owner occupancy.

Does MoveZen cause or control this tax?
No. This is issued directly by the county.

Can I ignore it?
No. Like other county taxes, it must be addressed.

What “Personal Property Tax” Means in New Hanover County ✔️

In New Hanover County, personal property tax applies to:

  • Furniture

  • Appliances

  • Equipment

  • Other tangible items used to operate a rental

This is different from:

  • The land

  • The structure itself

Those are covered under real estate tax.

Common Items That Trigger Personal Property Tax 🧾

For rental properties, taxable items may include:

  • Refrigerators

  • Stoves

  • Washers and dryers

  • Furnishings (if provided)

  • Owner-supplied equipment

Even unfurnished rentals may still include taxable items.

Why Rental Owners See This More Often ⚖️

Personal property tax is most often assessed when:

  • The property is income-producing

  • The county identifies business use

  • Assets are reported or estimated

Once a property is classified as a rental, this tax becomes more likely.

How the County Determines the Amount 📊

The county typically:

  • Requests a personal property listing

  • Assesses value based on reported items

  • Applies depreciation schedules

If no listing is returned, the county may estimate often higher than necessary.

What Owners Should Do When They Receive This 📋

Owners should:

  • Review the bill carefully

  • Confirm which items are listed

  • Ensure values are reasonable

  • Respond to any listing requests promptly

Ignoring the notice can result in penalties or estimated assessments.

How This Relates to MoveZen 🧠

MoveZen:

  • Does not generate or bill this tax

  • Does not receive the funds

  • Does not control county assessments

However, your Owner Statements can help identify:

  • Which appliances are owner-owned

  • Replacement timelines

  • Asset history

Related article:
https://know.movezen360.com/how-to-read-owner-statement

Is This Tax Deductible? 💡

In many cases:

  • Personal property tax related to rentals may be deductible

  • Treatment depends on your tax situation

Your tax professional can advise on proper handling.

Related article:
https://know.movezen360.com/are-repair-expenses-and-management-fees-deductible

A Helpful Owner Perspective 🤔

Instead of thinking:

“Why am I being taxed twice?”

Reframe it as:

“This is a separate tax on rental-related assets, not the property itself.”

That distinction makes it much clearer.