Dateline: March 27, 2008

April cutoff for car tax exemption

The deadline is fast approaching for self-employed individuals in Donley County to file for a refund of the 2007 personal property taxes on their vehicles.

Thanks to action taken by Texas voters last fall, some self-employed taxpayers are able to exempt their vehicle from being subject to personal property taxes. Taxes already paid for 2007 may be eligible for a refund.

Citizens must fill out an application to receive the exemption, and people who want that exemption to apply for the 2007 tax year must fill out the form at the Donley Appraisal District office by April 1, 2008.

The law allows for one vehicle tax exemption per individual, so appraisal district officials say a husband and wife who both work for their own small business could exempt two vehicles total.

Certain situations are not eligible. People who used their vehicle to commute to and from work are not eligible. A retired person with no production of income is not eligible. A vehicle that is registered in a business’ name and is used exclusively for business is not eligible.

People who fill out an approved exemption form for 2007 and who have already paid their 2007 taxes will be issued a refund of that portion of their taxes in about 30 days.

For taxing years 2008 and beyond, exemption applications must be filed between January 1 and April 30 each year. It is not automatically renewed. 

Application forms are available at the appraisal district office at 307 S. Sully Street in Clarendon.