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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.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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 and the structure itself, which 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, or 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, and does not control county assessments.

However, your Owner Statements can help identify which appliances are owner-owned, replacement timelines, and asset history.

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.

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.