(Port Orchard ) - As required by Washington State Law, all business owners must file their personal property listings with the Kitsap County Assessor by April 30th to avoid penalty. This is an annual requirement of every sole proprietorship, corporation, association, partnership, trust or estate operating a business in Kitsap County.

The Assessor uses the information reported to update existing accounts or establish new ones and determine the assessed value of the personal property applicable to each business. Shortly following receipt, the owner will be sent a notice of the established value. This value will be the basis for personal property taxes to be paid in 2011.

All items used to operate a business are considered "personal property". These include, but not limited to, office furniture and equipment, computers, software, store equipment and fixtures, manufacturing equipment, signs, communication equipment, professional libraries, rental videos, farm machinery and small tools.

If an account has already been established this reporting can be done on-line, accessible through the county website at www.kitsapgov.com/assr/. The online system is fast and efficient for both taxpayers and the county, reducing cost and paperwork. As of April 20th, 808 businesses have filed online using this system.

If a listing was not received in January, one can be obtained from the Assessor's website or office. Business owners are responsible for filing even if a listing was not received. Failure to file will result in a monetary penalty.

For more information, visit www.kitsapgov.com/assr/ or call 360-337-7160.

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