Personal tangible property taxes: A basic guide for home & business owners

by Jackie Davis 02/09/2025

Personal tangible property is a tax term referring to physical property used in running your commercial or rental business. While general property taxes concern the actual land and buildings, personal tangible property taxes are related to equipment, furnishings, vehicles and more. If you own a business or rental property, it's important to understand how these taxes work. Here is some basic info to know:

Examples of tangible personal property

Tangible personal property is any asset used for your rental or commercial business. To qualify as tangible personal property, the assets must have a physical existence. Therefore, important assets like copyrights or patents do not count. Here are some examples of common forms of tangible personal property:

  • office furniture
  • equipment and machinery
  • computers, cell phones and other digital devices
  • delivery vehicles

Some other examples of tangible personal property can include:

  • jewelry
  • collectables
  • sports & hobby memorabilia 

How tangible personal property is taxed

Tangible personal property is taxed in a similar way to land or building property. Landlords and companies must determine the value of their business assets and report them in a separate tax return. Depending on the state, the value might be dependent on the purchase price, assessed value or appraisal. Assets are taxed based on a percentage of their value. Depending on the asset, you may have to pay taxes on personal tangible property annually or only once.

If you're a property or business owner, it's important to be aware of what qualifies as personal tangible property. If you're not sure if your assets qualify, you can consult with your local tax authority to find out the specific requirements of your state and municipality.

About the Author
Author

Jackie Davis

Welcome to Jackie Davis and Company. If you have navigated this far, we thank you and would like to share how we differ from other teams and agents. We work tirelessly and are committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. We recognize, listen, value, and appreciate your goals as you move towards listing or selling your home. As Listing Agents we continuously integrate new and advanced technology to promote your biggest asset. Our strong negotiation skills are invaluable for getting you the best price for your home. As the Buyer's Agent we pride ourselves on being fully educated in our local markets. While focusing on integrity and honesty we will provide you with the highest level of professionalism and analysis. We are proud that this hard work has earned us recognition as top 1% both company and state wide in the industry. Achievements * 1st Quarter 2017 Leading Sales in Fairfield * 2017 February Leading Sales Team * 2017 March Leading Sales Team * Chairman's Elite representing the Top 1% Agent at William Raveis Nationwide & Fairfield County * Over $45 million Listed & Sold in 2016 * Over $30 million Listed & Sold in 2015 * 99% List to Sales Ratio (higher than market average) * 75 Average Days on Market (less than market average) * Jackie Davis Promoted to Sales Vice President 2016 * Raveis Award of Excellence every year * Exceptional Customer Service Award every year * Top Units Sold Team October 2016 * Top Customer Service October 2016 * Top Mortgage Support September 2016 * Top Selling Team January 2016 * Top Mortgage Support August 2015 * Top Selling Team Feb 2014 * Top Producing Team Jan 2014 * Top Selling Team Dec 2013 * Top Selling Team Nov 2013 * Top Producing Team Nov 2013 Professional Specialty Innovative Marketing and Technology equals proven sales. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to serve. We handle: Sellers & Buyers Exceptional Properties Investors Waterfront & Beach Area Homes Country & Equestrian Properties New Construction & Land Relocation Professional Association National Association of Realtors Connecticut Association of Realtors Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors Consolidated Multiple Listing Service Community Involvement PTA committee member for past 14 years from elementary through high school PTA Board Member for 4 years Shoff Darby Advisory Scholarship Board member past 5 years Committee member for Cancer Care of Norwalk past 10 years Volunteer Habitat for Humanity Operation Hope coordinator for elementary and middle schools, last 3 years Volunteer for a variety of town sports teams, that my daughters participate in The County Assemblies Board Member The b-Cause Foundation Board Member- a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children to recognize neighbors in need in our local community. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club- Fundraising Committee Member Committee Member for Cancer Couch Fundraiser the Cancer Beat 2016 Near and Far Aid Volunteer Education BA from Merrimack College Personal Fairfield resident for 39 years Currently reside in Fairfield Beach Area Married 27 years Four daughters currently in & have graduated Fairfield Public School system Areas Covered Fairfield Southport Westport Weston Norwalk Trumbull Easton Stratford Shelton Milford Stamford Bridgeport