GIFT OF DOCUMENTS DEPT. Commonwealth of Virginia REPORT of the Joint Committee on Tax Revision 1914 Richmond UJl J Virginia :2U_ i Letter of Transmittal. November 1, 1914. To the Honorable HENRY C. STUART, Governor of Virginia. We have the honor to transmit herewith the report of the Special Joint Committee on Taxation, in accordance with an act of the General Assembly of Virginia, approved March 24, 1914. Respectfully submitted, EDWARD ECHOLS, Chairman; HILL MONTAGUE, Secretary; Jos. B. ANDERSON, B. P. BUCHANAN, JNO. W. CHALKLEY, STEPHEN R. DONOHOE, A. C. HARM AN, THOMAS WALKER PAGE, D. H. PITTS, AUBREY G. WEAVER. 296202 Ratio of Assessed Value to Selling V; - \ ^X' CRAIG _ ' x * F-RA.NKl.lN '' / of Real Estate in Counties and Cities ' r \ A / ~I *"*' ; <"-- V^S?^ / BUCKINGHAM P PMHATAN /// 5 ^ /--'I .41 1_ T I / - *t t V I MECKLENBURG / 3 . CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION : PAGE. Act Creating the Committee 1 Membership of the Committee 4 Organization and Methods of Work 4 Adjustment of the Tax Rate 5 The Tax System Recommended by the Committee 6 CHAPTER I. THE TAXATION OF REAL ESTATE IN VIRGINIA: Importance of the Real Estate Tax in our Revenue System 8 Undervaluation of Real Estate 8 Harmful Results of Unequal Valuation 9 1. Inequality Among Individuals 10 2. Inequality Among Localities 11 3. Lack of Basis for Adjustment of Other Taxes 13 Explanation of Failure of Assessment Methods 13 Necessary Reforms in Methods of Assessment 16 (a) Transcript of Transfers 17 (b) Tax Maps 18 Local Equalization of Assessments- 19 State Tax Commission 20 A Bill to Amend Sections 437, 441, 448 of the Code 22 A Bill to Amend Sections 459, 460, 461 of the Code 24 A Bill to Ascertain Actual Consideration in Deeds 26 A Bill to Provide Local Boards of Review of Assessments 27 ASSESSMENT OF MINERALS AND MINERAL LANDS: The Present Law 29 Suggested Changes in Method of Assessment 29 Assessment of Mineral Lands Tables 31-33 Suggested Changes in the Law 34 A Bill to Amend Section 437-a of the Code 35 DELINQUENT TAXES 39 A Bill to Provide for the Collection of Delinquent Taxes 41 CHAPTER II. THE TAXATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY: Tangible Personal Property 46 Assessed Value and Census Value Table 48 Intangible Personal Property 49 Difficulty of Taxing It 50 Injustice of the Present Tax 53 Bad Effects of the Present Tax 54 Methods of Reform in other States 55 1. Stringent Administration 55 2. Exemption from Direct Taxation 56 3. A very low Tax Rate 56 Proper Tax Rate for Virginia 57 Tax on Money Deposits 58 Tax on Municipal Securities 58 vi Contents. PAGE. Tax on Mortgages and Deeds of Trust 59 Administrative Reforms 60 Segregation of Intangible Property for State Taxation A Bill Providing for the Review of Assessments 62 A Bill Providing for Taxing Credits Secured by Deeds of Trust 64 A Bill to Amend Sections 494-6-7-8 of the Code 67 A Bill to Amend Sections 8 and 9 (Schedule C) of Tax Bill 71 CHAPTER III. LICENSE LAWS AND TAXES: License Taxes 75 Merchants' Licenses 76 Other Licenses 78 Consecutive Sections of the "Tax Bill," including the Sections which it is proposed to amend 79 CHAPTER IV. PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATIONS: Railroads and Canals , 128 Railroad Taxes compared with Taxes on Real Estate 131 Defects in the Present Law 133 The Franchise or Gross Receipts Tax 134 Change in Method of Assessment 137 Street Railways 153 Water, Heat, Light and Power Companies 156 Telegraph and Telephone Companies 157 Sleeping and Parlor Car Companies 157 Express Companies and Private Car Companies 157 Other Car Service Companies 158 Steamboat Companies 158 FACTS RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF RAILROADS IN VIRGINIA: Table 1 140 Table 2 141 Table 3 142 Table 4 143 Table 5 144 Table 6 145 Table 7 146 Table 8 147 Table 9 148 COMPARISON OF RAILROAD TAXES AND REAL ESTATE TAXES: Table 10 149 Table 11 150 ASSESSED AND TRUE VALUE OF RAILROAD PROPERTY: Table 12. 151 Table 13 152 A Bill to Amend Section 27 (Railroads and Canals) of Tax Bill.. 160 A Bill to Amend Tax on Water, Heat, Light and Power Companies, 167 A Bill to Amend Section 29 (Express and Car Service Companies) of Tax Bill 172 A Bill to Amend Section 33 (Pullman Car Company) of Tax Bill. . . 175 Contents. vii CHAPTER V. PAGE. THE TAXATION OF INSURANCE COMPANIES 176 Defects in our Present Method 178 Remedies for Present Defects 180 Classification of Companies and Tax Rates 181 A Bill to Amend Sections 23, 24 and 26 of Tax Bill 184 A Bill to Amend Sections 5 and 6 of An Act to Define Sick Benefit Companies 188 A Bill to Amend two Sections of Act concerning Bureau of In- surance 190 A Bill Providing a Tax on Underwriter's Agencies 191 CHAPTER VI. THE TAXATION OF BANKS AND OF TRUST AND SECURITY COMPANIES: The Inequality of Local Rates 192 Apportionment of a Uniform Tax 193 The Discrimination against Banks 194 The Rate of a Uniform Bank Tax 194 The Yield of the Proposed Tax 195 Legality of the Proposed Rate 195 A Bill to Amend Sections 17 to 22, inclusive, of Tax Bill 199 CHAPTER VII. MISCELLANEOUS RECOMMENDATIONS : Income Tax 202 Inheritance Tax 205 Stock Transfer Tax 205 Fish and Oyster Tax 205 Tax on Recordation of Deeds 206 Administrative Reforms 207 A Bill to Amend Section 13 of Tax Bill 208 A Bill to Amend Section 10 (Schedule D) of Tax Bill 203 A Bill to Amend Section 603 of the Code 210 CHAPTER VIII. A TAX SYSTEM INVOLVING PARTIAL SEGREGATION 211 Features of the Segregation Plan 213 A Bill Creating such System 216 CHAPTER IX. A STATE TAX COMMISSION: Organization of a Tax Commission 219 Powers and Duties of the Tax Commission 222 In Relation to the Real Estate Tax 222 In Relation to the Personal Property Tax 224 In Relation to Licenses 226 In Relation to Corporations 226 A Bill Creating such Commission ' , 228 viii Contents. APPENDIX. PAGE. REAL ESTATE TAXATION: Table I. Computed True Value of Lots and Improvements 233 Table II. Computed True Value of Lands and Improvements 235 Table III. Computed True Value of All Real Estate 237 Table IV. Tax Levies and Tax Rates on Real Estate 238 TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXATION: Table V. Assessed Value and Census Value of Live Stock 242 Table VI. Assessed Value and Census Value of Farm Machinery.. 250 Table VII. Assessed Value and Census Value of all Property Listed in "Schedule B" 251 Table VIII. Total Assessed and Estimated True Value of all Tangible Personal Property Listed in "Schedule B" 253 INSURANCE TAXATION: Table IX. Insurance Taxes 254 Table X. Insurance Taxation by Companies 258 THE TAXATION OF BANK STOCK: Table XI. Taxes Paid by Banks 261 EFFECT OF SEGREGATION ON LOCAL REVENUES 277 Table XII 278 Table XIII 282 Table XIV 286 Table XV 288 Table XVI 290 RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS DURING THE YEAR ENDING SENTEMBER 30, 1914: Exhibit "A" 292 Exhibit "B" 293 Exhibit "C" 294 Exhibit "D" 297 INTRODUCTION. \ Act Providing for Committee on Tax Revision. An act to provide for a Joint Committee on Tax Revision was passed by the General Assembly at its last session and approved by the Governor on March 24, 1914. The act is as follows: CHAP. 212. An ACT to provide for the appointment of a Joint Committee on Tax Revision to consider and report on all questions pertaining to the assessment and collection of taxes, and the method of appropriating and expending the revenue of the State, and to provide compensation to be paid said committee and such clerks, stenographers and experts as may be employed by said committee and other necessary expenses. Approved March 24, 1914. Whereas, in the -judgment of the General Assembly, it has become necessary that there be a careful and thorough revision and amend- ment of the existing laws for the assessment and collection of taxes, and other revenues of the Commonwealth; and it is seriously ques- tioned whether the present system of taxation is the one best adapted to the conditions as they now exist in the Commonwealth; and, Whereas, it is practically impossible at the present session of the General Assembly (having due regard to the other subjects of pressing importance demanding its present attention which must be considered by it) to give to the subject of taxation the thorough consideration which its importance demands; therefore, 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That a Joint Committee, consisting of ten, four of whom shall be appointed from the House by its Speaker and three from the Senate by its Pres- ident, and three by the Governor, and to be known as the Special Joint Committee on Taxation, be, and the same is, hereby created and charged with the duty of fully considering the whole system of taxation which is now in force in the Commonwealth, and also of the existing statutes for the assessment and collection of taxes and other revenues for the Commonwealth, and the method of ap- propriating and expending the .revenue and reporting to a special session of the General Assembly, to be hereafter called, what changes,, if any, in the present system of taxation will be advisable, and within the constitutional power of the General Assembly to adopt; and also what changes, if any, shall be made in existing statutes- for the assessment and collection of taxes and other public revenues, appropriating and expending the revenue so as to make them more- equitable, just and fair in their operation, or better adapted to the purposes of raising the revenue necessary for the support of the government. Report* of'tibirintitiee on Tax Revision. 2. The said Committee shall, immediately upon the adjourn- ment of the present session of the General Assembly, or as soon there- after as practicable, organize by the election of one of its members as Chairman and another of its members as Secretary, and proceed, with all convenient haste, to make the inquiry and report herein provided for; and shall thoroughly consider the whole subject of taxation by the Commonwealth, and prepare and report to a special session of the General Assembly, to be hereafter called, two or more general systems of taxation, one upon the present lines of taxation, as set out in the existing statutes, one upon the lines of segregating certain subjects of taxation, and sources of revenue for State pur- poses only, and other subjects for county, city or local subjects only, And upon such other line or lines as they may deem proper, with their recommendation for the adoption of such system as they may consider best for this State; and the said Committee shall submit by report alternative schemes of tax reform for the General Assem- bly to consider, together with such bills as may be necessary to put . the same in effect. The Committee shall hold its sessions in any place or places in the State by it deemed advisable', and may from time to time, as circumstances demand, change the place of its meetings. 3. The said Committee shall have power to employ a sergeant- at-arms, such clerks, stenographers and experts as may be necessary to enable them to discharge in the best manner the duties hereby imposed, and to pay such clerks, stenographers and experts and sergeant-at-arms such reasonable compensation as may be thought proper out of the appropriation made by this act, such payments to be made upon the warrants of the Chairman of said Committee, countersigned by its Secretary, drawn upon the Auditor of Public Accounts, and payable by said Auditor out of any funds that may be appropriated for the purpose of carrying this act into effect; the said Committee is authorized to obtain from any officer of this State any information or aid which it may require, but in no event shall the said committee incur any debt for, or impose any obligation upon, the Commonwealth over and beyond such amount of money as may be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the pro- visions of this act. Said Committee is authorized to obtain and purchase such books, documents and written information as it shall deem necessary or desirable for a study of any question or questions of taxation, and is authorized to distribute copies of same to all members of the General Assembly should it be deemed advisable so to do. 4. The members of said Committee shall be entitled to compen- sation for their services at the rate of eight dollars and thirty-three and a third cents per day for each and every day they are engaged in making the inquiry herein directed, and mileage as provided by law, such compensation to be paid by the Auditor of Public Accounts out of any money appropriated for the purpose, upon the warrant Introduction. of the Chairman of said Committee,, countersigned by its Secretary; but in no event shall the said members of the Committee be entitled to any pay or compensation over and beyond the amount, or amounts,, of money which may be appropriated for the purpose of carying this act into effect. 5. The said Committee, as soon as it has prepared its report as to the systems of taxation to be recommended, and the necessary bills to carry the same into effect (which report shall be prepared not later than November first, nineteen hundred and fourteen) shall report the same to the Governor ; and the Governor, upon the receipt of said report, is hereby requested to call a special session of the General Assembly to meet not later than the first Wednesday in January, nineteen hundred and fifteen, to consider the said report and enact such laws as may be necessary, or expedient, for the pur- pose of carrying the same into effect, or for the purpose of making such amendments and alterations in the then existing laws of taxa- tion as may to the said General Assembly seem for the interest of the Commonwealth. 6. That said Committee shall, through its Secretary, at the time it shall report its conclusions to the Governor, cause a copy of said report and bills recommended by them, to be mailed to all mem- bers of the General Assembly, State officers of the Commonwealth, including therein each judge of a court of record, each clerk of a court of record, each Commonwealth's attorney, each member of the board of supervisors of the counties, each commissioner of the revenue and treasurer of the counties and cities, each mayor and city attorney of the cities, each member of the councils of cities of the first and second class, of the Commonwealth, to the end that publicity may be given to said report before the special session of the General Assembly, which the Governor is hereby requested to call. 7. That the sum of thirty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necesary be, and the same is, hereby Appropriated, to be paid out of any funds in the treasury of the Commonwealth, not otherwise appropriated, to carry out the purposes of this act. 8. In case any vacancy should occur in the Joint Committee by refusal to serve or from any other cause, then the vacancy may be filled by the same authority who made the 'original appointment. 9. An emergency existing by reason of the great importance of the subject of tax revision and the short time available for the deliberations of the Joint Committee, this act shall be in force from its passage. Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Membership of the Committee. In compliance with this act, the following appointments to the Com- mittee were made: By the Governor : Joseph B. Anderson, of Danville. Stephen Roszell Donohoe, of Fairfax. Thomas Walker Page, of the University. By the Lieutenant Governor: Senator B. F. Buchanan, of Smyth. Senator Edward Echols, of Staunton. Senator A. C. Harman, of Richmond. By the Speaker of the House: Hon. John W. Chalkley, of Wise. Hon. Hill Montague, of Richmond. Hon. D. H. Pitts, of Albemarle. Hon. Aubrey G. Weaver, of Warren. Organization and Methods of Work. On April 13th, immediately after being notified of their appointment, the members of the Committee met at the Capitol, and elected Senator Edward Echols as Chairman, and Hon. Hill Montague as Secretary. From that date to the completion of its work the Committee was in almost continuous session. Throughout its existence the Committee has held steadfastly to the determination that it would state no conclusion and make no recom- mendation that was not based on facts ascertained at first hand to be true at the present time of this Commonwealth. It has carefully studied the practices and policies of other States that faced problems similar to those in Virginia; it has heard with open mind opinion and sug- gestion from very many of our own citizens, both in public and in private life, whom it believed qualified by experience and thoughtful observation to throw light on fiscal matters ; it has met and taken counsel freely and frankly with representatives of all interests that would be concerned in a possible change of our tax system; it has gone through a great mass of documents, reports, papers and other materials descriptive of past and of present conditions in this State and in others. It has sought from these and all other available sources to broaden its vision and to quicken its judgment. But the Committee presents in this report nothing based upon past investigations, because conditions may have changed; nothing based upon opinion, because it may be prejudiced; nothing based upon the successful policy of other States, because conditions in Virginia may be different. The Committee wishes it to be distinctly understood that its recommendations rest absolutely upon information gathered by it and known by it to be true. Whenever through lack of time or for other reasons it could not procure the necessary informa- Introduction. tion, it has noted the fact in the report and refrained from making specific recommendations at all. Eealizing the very large amount of work that had to be done, the chairman at an early date appointed sub-committees to investigate par- ticular fields and to present to the full Committee the facts ascertained and tentative deductions from those facts. Mr. W. C. Williams was appointed official stenographer and assistant to the secretary. To take charge under its supervision of the necessary statistical work the Com- mittee was fortunate in securing Mr. A. E. James, who brought to his duties many years of experience and a trained judgment in conducting investigations relating to taxation. But all information, whether col- lected by its individual members or by its assistants, was scrutinized by the Committee and its significance determined after mature deliberation and debate. As a result of its methods the work of the committee pro- gressed rapidly and entirely without friction or misunderstanding among its members. The Committee wishes here to direct attention to two important mat- ters for which there appears to be no appropriate place in the chapters that follow. Adjustment of the Tax Rate. The State for more than a decade has maintained a tax rate of 35 cents on the $100 of the assessed value of all taxable property. The constitution provides that the tax rate shall be prescribed by law; but, although assessments have grown enormously since the constitution was adopted, there has been no change in the rate. This has resulted, of course, in a very great increase of revenue, and a surplus in the treasury has been no unusual phenomenon with us. In the meantime, however, expenditures have grown to keep pace with the revenues, and a surplus has never outlived the biennial appropriations. It is true that the con- stitution provides that: "No other or great amount of tax or revenue shall, at any time, be levied than may be required for the necessary expenses of the government, or to pay the indebtedness of the State." But opinion as to what constitutes "necessary expenses" will depend in large measure on revenue found to be available, and the necessities of the government have appeared to increase with every increase in the means at its disposal. In the judgment of this Committee the appropriations hitherto made have been wise and beneficial to the whole Commonwealth, and the Committee wishes by no means to criticise unfavorably the purposes to which the General Assembly has devoted the revenues that have been collected. But it does wish to call attention very emphatically to the widespread fear among our citizens, a fear based upon the experience of the last twelve years, that higher assessments will inevitably mean heavier taxes. It is very necessary that this fear be set at rest, for it presents the chief obstacle to the enforcement of the law that all prop- erty should be assessed at its "fair market value." Unless assessments are equal, and they cannot be made equal except at the true and actual Report of Committee on Tax Revision. value of the different classes of property assessed, it will be impossible to distribute evenly the burden of taxation. In order, therefore, to accomplish the equalization that is desired, it will be necessary to adjust the rate on assessments after they are known, so as to make the revenue equal the "necessary expenses," and not to adjust the "necessary ex- penses," as has hitherto been done, so as to make them equal to the revenue brought in by an unchanging rate. Such an adjustment of the rate is easily possible in the case of local governments. After the assessments are known and the necessary ex- penses are agreed upon, a rate is usually fixed that will yield the amount of money that is needed. But this method is more difficult for the General Assembly, for the reason that it meets only once in two years and must complete its appropriations before it can know the assessed value of certain classes of property from which a portion of the revenue must be derived to cover those appropriations. Under such circum- stances the General Assembly hesitates to lower the rate for fear assess- ments will not come up to expectations; while the citizens, on the other hand, object to proper assessments for fear the rate will not be cor- respondingly reduced. This Committee recommends that the General Assembly at its ap- proaching special session shall make it clear that the purpose of tax revision is not to increase the revenues, but only to equalize the tax burden. There will be a reassessment of real estate in 1915, and if the valuation is increased, as it ought to be, the present tax rate will bring in an enormously greater revenue and impose a great and unneces- sary burden upon our citizens. The Committee is of the opinion that the present revenues are abundantly sufficient for the present necessary expenses; and it believes, therefore, that the State tax rate levied upon the new assessments can be, and should be, materially reduced. The exact degree of reduction, however, cannot be determined until the result of the reassessment is known. That information will be available when the General Assembly meets in regular session in 1916, and it can then fix the rate for the two succeeding years at which taxes are to be levied on the assessment that is made in 1915. The Tax System Recommended by the Committee. The act creating the Committee requires that the Report shall include a "recommendation for the adoption of such system as they may consider best for the State." Two general systems of taxation are submitted; and the Committee is unanimous in the belief that each one of them is the best of its kind that can be devised to fit the conditions in the Com- monwealth. One of them, in compliance with the law, is a tax system involving partial segregation. This system is recommended by: B. F. Buchanan, S. R. Donohoe, Aubrey G. Weaver. Introduction. The other system involves the establishment of a State Tax Com- mission, and it is recommended by: Joseph B. Anderson, John W. Chhlkley, Edward Echols, A. C. Harman, Hill Montague, Thomas Walker Page, D. H. Pitts. CHAPTER I. THE TAXATION OF REAL ESTATE IN VIRGINIA. Importance of the Real Estate Tax in Our Revenue System. In Virginia the tax on land is now and seems likely long to remain the basic tax of any revenue system that rests upon property and not upon income. Land is fixed in situs and amount, and though its value is sub- ject to very great fluctuations, yet its variations are not so sudden nor the causes of them so obscure as in the case of other kinds of property. The land tax, therefore, is relatively easy to assess and difficult to evade. For that reason, among others, consciously or unconsciously, we commonly de- termine the justice of the rates at which other kinds of property are taxed by comparing them with the tax on land. It is true that motives of public policy may lead to heavier taxation of particular kinds of prop- erty, or to their partial or total exemption; but when considerations of revenue alone prevail, it is the land tax that furnishes the standard for measuring and adjusting all others. It is evident, then, that if Virginia wishes to reform her revenue sys- tem, and is not prepared to abandon property as the basis of it, she must begin by reforming her method of taxing land. Undervaluation of Real Estate for Taxation. The chief defects at present are found in the appraisal of real estate. Undervaluation is practically universal. This would not be so serious if the degree of undervaluation were known and were everywhere the same ; but this is notoriously not true. Real estate in some counties is assessed at more than fifty per cent, of its selling value ; in other counties at less than twenty per cent. Indeed, there is reason to believe that considerable parcels and tracts are escaping the assessors altogether, for in 1910 there were put on the books many thousands of acres that had not pre- viously been taxed, and we have no means of knowing whether the assessors found all that had been escaping. And not only does undervalu- ation vary in degree from county to county and from city to city, for within the limits of the localities inequalities are even more gross and unjust. It thus happens that some citizens of Virginia are paying in taxes many times more than other citizens on lands of the same value. In order to ascertain the degree of undervaluation our committee pro- cured a list of all the recorded sales of real estate in Virginia during the year beginning February 1, 1912, and ending January 31, 1913, the year that is midway between the last preceding and the next approaching assessment. It is proper for us to say that we do not regard the ratio of assessments to selling prices as an infallible indication of the degree of Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate. undervaluation. The appraisal of all real estate cannot be made merely by a study of sales in any community. The work of the assessor, as ex- plained below, is by no means so simple. It should be remembered in studying our tables that many sales are induced by exceptionally high offers,, and would not occur at all at the "fair market value." It is true, on the other hand, that some sales are made under necessity at prices below the value of the property, but sales of this class are less numerous than the others. Therefore, the real degree of undervaluation of all the real estate in any county or city is without doubt somewhat less than the ratios in our tables indicate. For making comparisons, however, of assess- ments in one locality with those in another, we regard the tables as entirely trustworthy, since the same motives for selling at any price at all would apply broadly in all our counties and cities. For obvious reasons many of the sales threw no light on the true value of the property. Some were mere trading transactions ; others were clearly shown on the face of the record to be arranged among relatives so that other considerations than money were likely to be involved. Such trans- actions were eliminated from our list, as they were apt to be misleading. There were likewise excluded all sales made by commissioners and other officers of the court, sales to public service corporations and sales to the government, whether Federal, State or local. Our purpose was to include only fair voluntary transactions, made after reasonable advertisement, where the seller was under no compulsion to sell and the buyer under no compulsion to buy. We frankly admit that motives not strictly economic may, without our knowledge, have affected the price paid in many of the sales retained in our list, but we are convinced that such motives would weigh as much on one side as on the other, and that they would not appre- ciably affect the average for the State as a whole, or for any county or city. Our final list, thus purged of doubtful transactions, contained 16,263 sales in the counties, and 4,431 in the cities. With the price paid at each sale we compared the assessment on the property transferred. The results in tabulated form are shown in the Appendix to this report. By this comparison of assessments with prices actually paid in bona fide sales, we found that the average assessment of real estate for the hun- dred counties of Virginia is thirty-three and a half per cent, of its "fair market value," and for the cities the average assessment is fifty-three per cent. In every county and city we found wide differences in the ratio of assessment to selling price among individual owners. Some properties were assessed at a very high rate, a few were above their selling price; others, on the contrary, were sometimes assessed in the same neighbor- hood at less than ten per cent, of what they sold for. Harmful Results of Unequal Valuation, Under such circumstances, who can say what the land tax in Virginia is ? The rates of the tax, both State and local, are easily ascertained ; but these rates are levied on the basis of assessments so arbitrary and capricious 10 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. that the burden the}' impose on the citizen seems often only remotely con- nected with the true value of his property. 1. Taxes Unequal Among Individuals. Out of the widespread abuse of unequal valuation many serious evils arise. The most obvious is that some land owners are making in propor- tion to their ability much larger payments to the government than are others. A peculiarly striking feature of this evil is that the chief sufferers from it are the smaller land owners. The true value of their small and little-improved holdings is much easier to ascertain than is that of the rich man's large estate. The poor man, furthermore, usually has for his protection little influence, either personal or political. Finally, the poor man is ignorant of the means of correcting an unfair assessment or finds that he cannot afford it; he is usually ignorant even that the assessment is unfair, since in this State no way is provided for him to find it out. He therefore pays the tax the government demands without knowing that in proportion to the value of his land he is sometimes paying five or ten times as much as his rich neighbor. This becomes clear from the following table, which shows for all the counties of the State the ratio of assessment to selling price on large and small properties : VALUE OF PROPERTY. Number of gales Total Assessment Total Selling Ratio Price Total 16 362 $ 7 929 415 $ 23,666,730 33.5 Under $500 7 683 718,187 1,536 634 46.7 $500-$!, 000 2 965 776,978 1,992,607 39.0 $1,000-$2,500 3,219 1,791,904 4,924,387 36.4 $2,500-$5, 000 1,574 1,714,282 5,241.605 32.7 $5, 000-S10, 000 635 1 285,946 4.127,999 31.1 Over $10 000 286 1 642,118 5,843,498 28.1 The following table shows the ratio of assessment to selling price on large and small properties for all the cities of the State : VALUE OF PROPERTY. Number of sales Total Assessment Total Selling Price Ratio Total _ _ 4 431 $ 6 475 4 30 $ 12,215,456 53.1 Under $500 921 143 974 241,443 59.8 $500-$!, 000 835 335 129 575 904 58.2 $1,000-$2,500 ._ . . 1,280 1,173,217 2,080,856 56.5 $2,500-$5,000 856 1 555,122 2.776,501 56.0 $5 000 -$10 000 361 1 263,713 2.383,685 53.0 Over $10,000 .. 178 2,004,271 4,157,067 48.2 It is evident from these tables that the average small country tract is Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate. 11 assessed at nearly half its value, while the average country estate of ten thousand dollars and upward is assessed at little more than a fourth of its true value. The average owner of the small property pays in taxes, therefore, nearly twice as much in proportion to its worth as the average owner of the large estate. But this is not the worst, for many individuals are above and many below the average. Thus, for every dollar paid into the State treasury by the owner of a small property in Brunswick, the owners of large properties pay in Henrico seventeen cents, in Alleghany twelve cents, in Campbell nine cents, and in Franklin four cents. 2. Taxes Are Unequal Among Counties and Cities of State. A second evil, equally as obvious as the first, but entailing less direct hardship on the individual, lies in the unequal taxation of real estate in the sub-divisions of the State. When we compare counties with counties, cities with cities, counties with cities, or sections with sections, we find inequalities that would be absurd if they were not fraught with such serious consequences. It is true that inequalities as between such sub- divisions of the State affect only the State tax, which is seldom more and usually less than a third as high, as the local tax. The injustice, there- fore, done to a man who lives in a county where all assessments are high is less oppressive than it would be if he lived in the same locality with men whose assessments are lower than his own. The ratios of assessment to true value in the counties and cities are as follows : Average for the counties 33.5 per cent. Accomac 29.0 Chesterfield 36.2 Albemarle 30.1 Clarke 26.7 Alexandria 31.5 Craig 16.5 Alleghany 35.3 Culpeper 36.8 Amelia $3.2 Cumberland 48.2 Amherst 34.3 Dickenson 22'.3 Appomattox 35.7 Dinwiddie 41.7 Augusta 32.3 Elizabeth City 41.8 Bath 35.6 Essex 33.7 Bedford 33.1 Fairfax 37.9 Bland 20.7 Fauquier 39.7 Botetourt 36.5 Floyd 18.5 Brunswick 57.9 Fluvanna 19.0 Buchanan 33.9 Franklin 27.1 Buckingham 48.2' Frederick 26.1 Campbell 21.9 Giles 25.2 Caroline 50.8 Gloucester 33.8 Carroll 12.5 Goochland 44.8 Charles City 31.5 Grayson 19.1 Charlotte 50.0 Greene . 40.9 12 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Greensville 35.0 Halifax 38.9 Hanover 50.6 Henrico 28.0 Henry 35.5 Highland 43.5 Isle of Wight 43.8 James City 46.4 King George 37.0 King and Queen 37.7 King William 27.7 Lancaster 44.6 Lee 27.4 Loudoun 42.0 Louisa 37.1 Lunenburg 29.5 Madison 31.0 Matthews 29.7 Mecklenburg 31.5 Middlesex : . . . 24.9 Montgomery 2'2.9 Nansemond 39.5 Nelson . . . .T.".' 26.7 New Kent 34.4 Norfolk 42.3 Northampton 23.7 Northumberland 35.0 Nottoway 43.3 Orange 41.5 Page 27.4 Patrick 29.3 Pittsylvania 32.6 Powhatan , 36.2 Prince Edward 44.7 Prince George 42.9 Princess Anne 28.3 Prince William 36.3 Pulaski 23.1 Rappahannock 33.9 Richmond 50.3 Roanoke 30.1 Rockbridge 36.3 Rockingham 39.7 Russell 17.2 Scott -26.0 Shenandoah 30.9 Smyth 24.4 Southampton 42.9 Spotsylvania 41.7 Stafford 25.2 Surry 57.2 Sussex 56.4 Tazewell 21.2 Warren 32.4 Warwick 56.0 Washington 29.2 Westmoreland 50.2 Wise 29.7 Wythe 29.9 York . 32.0 Average for the cities ." 53.1 per cent. Alexandria 51.8 Bristol 47.2 Buena Vista 59.9 Charlottesville 49.2 Clifton Forge 46.6 Danville 63.8 Fredericksburg . . 76.5 Lynchburg 56.2 Newport News 70.2 Norfolk . 51.3 Petersburg 62.9 Portsmouth 46.7 Radford 59.7 Richmond 54.8 Roanoke 48.8 Staunton 47.2 Suffolk 47.4 Williamsburg 69.9 Winchester . 44.9 The gravest result of these sectional inequalities is not so much the weight of the burden unjustly imposed on a part of the people, but rather the encouragement they give to sectional jealousies and suspicions. Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate. 13 So long as they continue, it is inevitable that public matters of import- mce will be viewed from the standpoint of the locality and not of the State. Bickerings as to what regions really provide the State's revenue, )r what localities receive more from the State treasury than they pay nto it will continue to excite rancor and bitterness. Persistent and in- creasing effort will everywhere be made to reduce assessments still further, ^ith the result that all taxation will be thrown into confusion and our ^hole system will fall into disrepute greater, if that be possible, than at 3resent. This is not the place to dwell on the part that has been played n the past by sectional and local jealousies in retarding the development )f this State, but we confidently assert that they can never be healed so ong as the present unequal taxes are collected by the State government, [n this connection, we accuse no section, we exonerate none. It would DC invidious to specify the measures for the public good that have been lefeated or hampered by sectional influences. We believe that members )f the General Assembly, to which our report will -be addressed, will -eadily appreciate the gravity of this evil without concrete examples of t being required from us. 3. There Is No Basis for the Adjustment of Other Taxes. Yet another harmful result of our present unequal valuations we find n the fact that when the real estate tax is uncertain and unjust, there exists no sure basis for our system, no standard, no measure by means of vhich other taxes may be fairly adjusted. Not a few of our citizens be- ieve that the railroads and other corporations are not contributing their Droper share to the State's revenue. But what is a "proper share?" Obviously, it is one that bears upon the corporations with the same veight that the land tax bears upon the owners of land. So long, then, is this tax is altogether uncertain, there is no way of making a fair idjustment of the tax on corporations. Again, many merchants in Vir- ginia are convinced that their taxes are higher than is right, meaning ;ha they are higher than those of the farmers and owners of city real estate. Whether in this the merchants are mistaken or not, they can lardly be blamed for at least cherishing suspicion, so long as the real estate tax is in its present chaotic condition. In short, the owners of >ach class of property feel justified in evading their taxes to as great extent as is possible without incurring a legal penalty, because they lave no means of knowing whether the demands of the government are ust and proportional to its demands on the owners of other classes. Con- cealment, evasion, and all other evil practices possible to taxpayers will )revail as long as the fundamental tax in our system remains as it is. Explanation of the Failure of Our Assessment Methods. The Constitution requires that land and improvements shall be as- 14 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. sessed at their "fair market value/' and to ascertain this once in five years assessors are appointed by the judges of the circuit and corpora- tion courts. We consider the interval between assessments to be .too long, but it is fixed by the Constitution, and reform in this particular must, therefore, be postponed. Our first need is to have the work prop- erly done at the regular quinquennial periods. Many things combine to cause the low and unequal assessments that disgrace our revenue system. 1. In the first place, the work of valuing real estate is difficult and hard to learn. Land is not bought and sold with the frequency of other commodities, nor is it so uniform in quality that the price paid for one tract or parcel exactly measures the value of others. Real estate value is the result of a multitude of influences, the most potent of which are often the most obscure. To estimate correctly the force of these in- fluences requires an accuracy and extent of knowledge, a length of expe- rience, and a sanity of judgment that no man is born with, and few acquire. Men that possess this rare equipment are apt to be the busiest men in the communities where they reside. Our judges hesitate to call them away from their important pursuits; and even when the call is made, it does not always succeed. We wish by no means to reflect on the general ability and character of our assessors. But we do mean that too often they are woefully lacking in experience and training for the technical and difficult work they are set to do; and they themselves are usually the most ready to admit it. 2. In the second place, the importance of the work is not appreciated. The remuneration offered is little more than the wages paid for the most unskilled labor, and it very often fails to cover the actual costs that are incurred. An appointment, far from being an honor, is rather a bur- densome imposition. Performance of duty is a thankless task, displeas- ing to friends and satisfying to no one. There is no other kind of public service in this State more distasteful, worse paid, and less respected. Few men that have once attempted it can ever be induced to serve again. In consequence, such experience as is gained at one quinquennial assess- ment is of no use whatever at the next. 3. Even if our assessors possessed a high degree of experience and fit- ness, the lack of any co-operation among them and of supervision by any co-ordinating authority would be bound to result in inequalities. The as- sessments are made by several hundred men acting singly or in small groups, each without knowledge of the ideas and standards of the others. How could it be possible for their standards to agree? If a dozen well- informed men are asked to value, without consultation among them- selves, a single piece of property, their estimates. will be far apart. How much wider must their judgments diverge when they deal with many properties subject to very different influences ! Indeed, the estimates of a single man, when left to himself, will vary with his moods. No means is now provided for holding the army of assessors to a common standard. Each man goes his own way and applies his own theories and interpreta- Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate. 15 tion of the law. Under such conditions it is obvious that inequalities are unavoidable If assessments are to be uniform throughout the State, it is necessary that they be made by as few men as possible, and that these men work by standards and measurements that are the same for all. 4. In this connection we call attention to the fact that outside of a few of OUT cities, the assessors are furnished with practically none of the aids, tools and equipment that are necessary to standardize their work and ascertain true values. Just what aids we consider desirable for this purpose will be stated later. The lack of them reduces the re- ports of the assessors to something little better than moderately intelli- gent guesswork. Absolutely free scope is given for caprice, whim, favorit- ism or malice. 5. With a contemptibly low remuneration and no prospect of per- sonal, advancement, with very little training, experience or equipment, with no supervision, no encouragement, no support, the assessors are subjected to terrific pressure from the most powerful influences that exist Every owner of real estate, whether individual, partnership, or corporation, has a pecuniary interest in keeping down his own assess- ment for taxation, and their combined influence upon the assessor is well-nigh irresistible. In yielding to this pressure the assessor risks nothing but his own self-respect, and even that he is generally able to defend by his knowledge of palliating circumstances. In other States there have been sensational exposures of collusion between property owners and assessors, by which they shared between them large sums saved out of taxes by low assessments. We have found no traces of such graft in Virginia. We believe that it does not exist among us. It is not for money that the assessors so frequently fail to conform to the law. Each assessor is convinced that all others will endeavor to favor their own localities. He regards it as a higher duty to protect his neighbors against unequal taxation than to enforce a law upon them which is almost universally ignored elsewhere. In this he wins the whole-hearted approval of his neighbors, and nobody but the State Auditor is found to blame him. But the trouble is that when once he leaves the standard fixed by the law, and makes assessments that he knows to be below the "fair market value," all sorts of inequalities creep into his work; and thus it happens that there are few localities that do not present glaring instances of unequal assessments among taxpayers. It is a curious thing that men whose integrity in other respects is above reproach, yet in any matter relating to taxation will resort to subterfuges, evasions and mental reservations that they would abhor in their ordinary business transac- tions. And what recourse have those citizens whose assessments, though lower than the market value, yet are much higher than those of their neighbors ? Since we have no agency for equalization in this State, they must take their grievances to court. And how can a man come into court when his only plea is that in a theft from the government he got a smaller "rake-off" than others? "The glaring truth is," as the Minne- 16 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. sota Tax Commission says, "that the individual taxpayer is at the mercy of the local assessor, who is the most important official in the whole scheme of ad valorem taxation." Necessary Reforms in Methods of Assessment. Such is substantially the explanation of the chaos that now prevails in our taxation of real estate. No citizen of the Commonwealth can fail to see that the only possible remedy for the injustice and hardship now prevailing lies in correcting our unequal assessments. To that end we recommend, and have drawn bills to carry out, the following meas- ures: 1. The commissioners of the revenue should serve as assessors not only of personal property, but also of real estate. There has never been any sufficient reason for having a different set of men to assess these different classes of property. On the contrary, it is eminently fitting that the same man should assess both, since it will obviously promote uniformity of assessment on the two classes. Moreover, it is very important that real estate should be assessed by men who are familiar with values, and who have experience in appraising property, and the knowledge and experience of every commissioner of the revenue should be made available for this work. No one is in a position to learn more about the value of real estate in a community than the man who makes the annual assessment of personalty, and whose thought and observation year after year are directed chiefly to the ascertainment of values and the forces that fix them. In fact, our commissioners are even now required to keep the land books up to date and to assess all buildings and improvements that are constructed be- tween the quinquennial assessments. They are not free, however, to alter real estate assessments nor even to assess new improvements in accordance with the knowledge they have of their real value, because they feel bound to assess them at a rate in keeping with that previously fixed on similar properties in the community by the quinquennial land as- eessors. 2. There should not be more than one commissioner of the revenue in any county or city. The number of commissioners is fixed not by the Constitution, but by act of the General Assembly, with the result that while all the cities and many of the counties have only one, there are other counties that have four or five commissioners, and some have as many as six. In the latter counties the number seems to have been fixed with no regard to the amount of work to be done, and merely with a view to providing places for as many men as possible. The advantage in limiting the number is two-fold. In the first place, there should be no more men assessing property than is absolutely necessary; for the greater the number of assessors, the greater the diffi- culty in maintaining uniformity and equality. Different men, acting in- dependently, are not going to assess property in the same way except by Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate. 17 accident In the second place, the more the work is divided up the more the office of commissioner loses both in pay and in dignity. When his district is small, the commissioner cannot afford to give much atten- tion to his office. His chief interest and concern are bound to remain with his private affairs, and he will perform his public duties in as hurried and perfunctory a way as is compatible with the merest decency, constantly subject to such frequent interruptions and distractions as. will make thoroughness and uniformity well-nigh impossible. 3. The law should require that the assessors of real estate be fur- nished with certain materials that are not now available. We have drawn no bill to this effect, because it would be impossible to furnish the materials before the assessment, which begins next February, but we wish to call attention to them in the hope that the General Assembly may provide for them before the assessment of 1920. (a) Transcript of Transfers. It is impossible for any man, no matter how intelligent, by means solely of his general knowledge, to assess accurately and uniformly all the tracts, parcels, lots and buildings in a county or city. At present, however, aside from such suggestions and information or misinforma- tion as they may get from their neighbors, our assessors have at hand no other aid than a list of deeds of conveyance. In this list are given the date of the deed, when admitted to record, the names of grantor and grantee, the quantity of land conveyed, a description for the identifica- tion of it, and "the specified value thereof." The list is prepared an- nually and furnished by the clerk of the court to the commissioners of the revenue, and until this year a copy was also to be sent to the Auditor of Public Accounts. Unfortunately, at its last regular session, the General Assembly repealed the requirement of a copy for the Auditor. We emphatically recommend that this action be reconsidered. These lists should be available at some central office from every county and city in the Commonwealth. ^ T o other single guide is so useful in an attempt to ascertain the true value of real estate. Hitherto the land assessors do not appear to have made much use of these lists of sales. This is due in part to the fact that in very many deeds the "specified value" is not the true value at which the sale was made. We recommend, therefore, the passage of an act requiring the grantor to recite in full in the deed of conveyance the true consideration received. Such a requirement has been enforced with success in other States, and we do not see how it can injure any legitimate interest. Even when the true consideration is known, the assessor should discard from his list all transactions between near relatives, such as involve an exchange of properties, all deeds given in full or part satisfaction of an encumbrance on the property, conveyances to charitable or religious in- stitutions, to public service corporations and to the government, and deeds in fulfillment of a contract more than four vears old. The lists 2-TO Report of Committee on Tax Revision. thus purged, while by no means an infallible guide, will become an im- portant aid in determining the value of real estate. (b) Tax Maps. In addition to the list described above, the assessor of real estate should be furnished wi.th a tax map of his county or city. Such maps, like others, show lakes, mountains, water courses, public roads, railways, etc., but the peculiar feature of them is that they show the boundaries of every separate tract, lot or parcel of land and the location of buildings on it. Every tract is numbered, and the map should be drawn to a scale sufficient to show the owner's name, the acreage of the tract or the number of feet in a city lot, and the assessed value at different dates. The map should be accompanied by a card index; that is, on cards numbered to correspond with the tracts or lots on the map should be recorded all data having a bearing on their value. Thus the card would contain the price, if it can be ascertained, and the dates at which the land has changed hands, the name and address of the present owner, a description of the land, the whole number of acres and the number as nearly as may be estimated of each class of land contained in it, the number, character and value of buildings, etc. To the assessor the usefulness of such maps and data is too obvious to require comment. They would likewise be useful to the taxpayer. They would make it easy to compare assessments on different properties, and thus inequalities would be readily detected, whereas from our present rolls, with their alphabetical arrangement, detection is very difficult. They would also make it possible to check up accurately the work of the assessors, thus insuring the putting on the rolls of such parcels as had been accidently omitted, and of all tracts at their full acreage. The only objection that can be made to tax maps is their cost. This is sometimes serious, but not prohibitive. It was estimated by the recent Kentucky Tax Commission that they could be prepared for that State at a cost of one dollar per hundred acres. For the State of New York, with 49,170 square miles and a much more minute subdivision of land than in Virginia, an eminent authority has put the cost of a complete. series of tax maps at $25,000. The United States topographical maps by photographic enlargement and the drawing in of property boundaries, etc,. can be admirably adapted to the purpose of tax maps at an almost insig- nificant expense. Some of our cities are already using tax maps, and their scale could be increased and their accuracy checked at little ex- pense. For a number of counties not yet covered by the United States topographic survey, we have very excellent maps that would serve equally as well. We mention as examples Hotchkiss' map of Augusta and Massie's map of Albemarle. Since it is impossible to provide tax maps for the next assessment, we present no bill relating to them, but if a Tax Commission should be created in any form, one of its first duties should be the prepa- Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate. 19 ration of specifications and details, together with an estimate of costs for presentation to the general assembly. 4. The duties discharged by the present official known as a land assessor should be modified so as to make them similar in the main to the duties of the assessor of mineral lands. Like the latter official, he should be associated with the commissioner of the revenue, and they should co-operate in procuring all information necessary to a proper and just assessment. They should be required to view all the properties to be assessed, to confer together and to make the assessment jointly. In the event of a disagreement the question at issue should be referred to a local board of review of assessments, for the creation of which we have prepared a bill. There should be no more than one or two land as- sessors in any county or city, and they should be selected with a view to their special fitness for the work, and should be given respectable remuneration. Local Equalization of Assessments. We turn to a consideration of the review and equalization of assess- ments. Virginia appears to differ from nearly all other States in making no pretense of equalizing. But the difference is in appearance only, for so far as we have been able to discover no effective agency has ever yet been devised in any State for equalizing assessments after the as- sessor's rolls have once been made out. The only remedy for bad work in the first place is to do it all over again. If an experience lasting through generations, and reaching the same result under the widely differing conditions of many States, teaches anything, it is the futility of relying on a board of equalization to straighten out a crooked assess- ment roll. How could it be otherwise? Properly to readjust the values fixed by the assessors requires a careful and prolonged investigation, facility in handling and interpreting records and other materials, dis- cretion and good judgment in accepting statements in short, a painful retracing by men mostly untrained for it of all the steps the assessors were required to take. The impossibility of this is so obvious that no sensible board ever attempts it. Such boards meet sometimes for a few hours, sometimes for a day or two, very seldom for a longer time. They pass on a few complaints that aggrieved individuals thrust upon them, sign up the books and adjourn. Commissioner Woodbury, of $Tew York, said in 1911, that in his State the county boards were mostly a failure, because it required the spending of time, money and labor to learn the facts. He added that personal and political influences still further de- moralized their work. The Minnesota Tax Commission said in 1912' that examination of the books in any county auditor's office showed that only in a very few isolated cases were any changes made by the boards of equalization. Eeports from other States are almost unanimous to the same effect. In Virginia the law requires the circuit and corpora- tion judges to charge the grand juries to examine the books of assessment 20 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. returned by the commissioners of the revenue. The purpose of this law was only incidentally to equalize assessments and mainly to prevent the escape of property from taxation. It is notorious that it was a dead letter until the present State Auditor two years ago made special efforts to have it enforced. In spite of his urgency, some judges failed to charge the juries at all; many grand juries "retired into their room, and after some time ( ! ! ) returned into court and reported that they had care- fully examined the books and found no errors therein"; while in some localities they made great sacrifice of time and labor, and though they did not pretend to a general equalization, they made large additions to the assessments. The Richmond grand jury, after months of investiga- tion, that added nearly seven million dollars to the city's assessments, said : "We are aware that our work has not begun to cover all of the inadequate returns, but it was impossible for business men to give the time required for so great a work, unless they entirely neglected their own affairs." In the words we italicize lies a sufficient explanation of the weakness of attempts at equalization. We admit our inability to solve a problem that has puzzled experts and theorists so long. It appears to us that the only trustworthy safe- guard of the public welfare is to have assessments made right in the first place. It does seem, however, a monstrous departure from demo- cratic ideals to subject the owners of property to the discretion of two or three men, and give them no recourse except a costly and tedious appeal to the courts. We believe, therefore, although we despair of general equalization, that some simple and inexpensive way should be provided for presenting grievances and getting relief in aggravated cases of in- justice. To that end we recommend for the adjustment of inequalities among individuals of the same locality that there be created for each county and city a board of review of assessments of three members; that the members be appointed by the State Tax Commission, or if there be no such Commission created, by the circuit or corporation judge; that after each quinquennial assessment the board be required to remain in session for a reasonable time, and that notice of the time of its meet- ing be properly published We further recommend that as soon as the work of assessment be completed, the assessment books be made accessible to the taxpayers, showing the assessment on each property in the locality, that the owners of real estate be notified to that effect, and that a reason- able time be allowed for the examination of the books before the meeting of the board of review. 6. Finally, if the Commonwealth, continues to tax real estate for State purposes, we recommend the creation of a State Tax Commission. The organization and functions of such a commission are described elsewhere. We need not, therefore, discuss here its duties in connection with the assessment of real estate. Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate. 21 We are convinced that the injustice now arising from unequal assess- ments cannot be ended except by some agency to support and guide assessors and commissioners of the revenue in their work. It is in- tolerable that a small landowner in Brunswick should be taxed six times as heavily as a large landowner in Henrico. Something must be done to assist the local officials to do their work properly, and relieve them from the terrific pressure that now hampers their efficiency. Such aid and relief can come only from a State Tax Commission. 22 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. A BILL To amend and re-enact section 437 of the Code of Virginia, relating to assessors of real estate, as amended and re-enacted by an act ap- proved December 10, 1903; to amend and re-enact section 441 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the assessment of lands and im- provements, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved Decem- ber 10, 1903; and to amend and re-enact section 448 of the Code of Virginia, relating to commissioners of the revenue, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved February 25, 1892, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved January 22, 1894, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved April 2'0, 1903. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That section four hundred and thirty-seven of the Code of Virginia, relating to as- sessors of real estate, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved De- cember tenth, nineteen hundred and three; section four hundred and forty-one of the Code of Virginia, relating to the assessment of lands and improvements, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved December tenth, nineteen hundred and three, and section four hundred and forty-eight of the Code of Virginia, relating to commissioners of the revenue, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved February twenty- fifth, eighteen hundred and ninety-two, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved January twenty-second, eighteen hundred and ninety- four, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved April twentieth, nineteen hundred and three, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows : Sec. 437. Assessors of real estate; appointment. It shall be the duty of the Virginia tax commission, on or before the first day of January, nineteen hundred and twenty, and every fifth year thereafter, to ap- point from among ten freeholders to be recommended by the judge of the circuit, corporation or hustings court of the county or city wherein they are to serve, proper persons to co-operate with the commissioner of the revenue in assessing the value of all lands, lots and the improvements thereon, within their respective counties and cities, the assessment of which is not otherwise specifically provided for by law; and for each county and city the number of such assessors of real estate shall be either one or two, as the Virginia tax commission may deem most expedient, except for cities of the first class, where the said tax commission may appoint three. And before any person thus appointed shall enter upon the duties of his office, he shall take the oath and execute the bond pre- scribed by law. Sec. 441. Assessment of lands and improvements. Immediately after qualifying the assessors of real estate shall proceed, together with the commissioner of the revenue of their respective counties or cities, to examine diligently all the lands and lots assessable by them, with the Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate. 23 improvements thereon. The said assessors and commissioners of the revenue shall confer together about the assessment of such lands,, lots and improvements, and shall co-operate in procuring all information neces- sary or proper to a just assessment. All lands, lots and improvements shall be assessed at their fair market value, which value shall be taken to be the price that the property under consideration would bring at a fair voluntary sale, made after reasonable advertisement, where the seller is under no. compulsion to sell and the buyer under no compulsion to buy. The assessment shall be made jointly by the assessors of real estate and the commissioners of the revenue, and in ascertaining the fair market value they shall make, for purposes of uniformity, such classification of lands, lots and improvements, and shall follow such written or printed instructions in respect to their duties as to the tax commission shall seem judicious. In case of disagreement between or among the assessors of real estate and the commissioners of the revenue the question at issue shall be re- ferred to the board of review of assessments. The several commissioners of the revenue shall, on or before the first day of September, in the year nineteen hundred and fifteen, and every fifth year theseafter, certify the assessments made as above and equalized by the board of review of assessments, of lands, lots arid improvements in their respective counties or cities to the Virginia tax commission in such form and detail as the said commission shall prescribe. And if, upon examination of such report of assessments, it shall appear to the tax commission that the assessments in any .county or city are above or below fair market values in such locality, then and in that .case the said commission may apply in the name of the Common- wealth to the circuit or corporation court of the county or city to order a complete or partial reassessment, and if upon the evidence produced the court shall be of opinion that the said property in such county or city has .been assessed above or below its fair market value, it shall have power to order a reassessment of said property in said county or city, or any district or ward therein. Sec. 448. Commissioners of the revenue ; number ; election ; assist- ants. Upon the expiration of the terms of the commissioners of the revenue now in office there shall be one commissioner of the revenue . for each county and one for each city in the Commonwealth, to be elected by the qualified voters of the county or city wherein he is to serve. Each commissioner of the revenue shall appoint such assistants and other employes as may from time to time be approved by the Virginia tax commission; and he shall fix the term of service^ the duties and the compensation of such assistants and employes, with the advice and con- sent of the said commission. 24 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. A BILL To amend and re-enact sections 459, 460 and 461 of the Code of Virginia, as heretofore amended. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That sections four hundred and fifty-nine, four hundred and sixty and four hundred and sixty-one of the Code of Virginia, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows : Sec. 459. The clerk of every circuit or corporation court shall annu- ally, before the fifteenth of January, make out a list of all deeds for the partition and conveyance of land, other than deeds of trust and mortgages, made to secure the payment of debts, which have been admitted to record in the clerk's office of such court within the year ending on the thirty-first day of December next preceding, which list shall state the date of the deed, when admitted to record, the name of grantor and grantee, whether the grantee is white or colored, the quantity of land conveyed, the specified value thereof, and a description of the same. This list shall, on or before the fifteenth day of January, be delivered by the clerk to the commissioner for his county or corporation ; or, if there be more commissioners than one, the clerk shall deliver to each a copy, or at least so much thereof as relates to lands within his district, and the clerk shall also forward a copy of said list to the auditor of public accounts; and the said clerk shall also make out, on a separate sheet, a list of all deeds of trust and mortgage on land, as well as deeds of trust on personal property made to secure the pajnnent of debts, which have been admitted to record in the clerk's office of such court within the year ending on the thirty-first day of January next preceding, and such list shall sta,te the date of the deed of trust or mortgage, when admitted to record, the name of the grantor, the name of the creditors, and the amount of the debt to each creditor secured by the deed of trust or to the mortgagee in the mortgage, and the amount of debt secured thereby and the property conveyed in such deed of trust or mort- gage. Copies of this last-mentioned list shall be furnished by said clerk on or before the fifteenth day of February to commissioners of the revenue for his county or corporation, and not to the auditor of public accounts, the object of said last-mentioned list being simply to give to the commis- sioners of the revenue the amount of debts secured, so that the same may be listed for taxation in the manner provided by law. Sec. 460. The clerk of every circuit or corporation court shall make out a list of all judgments and decrees for the partition or recovery of lands which have been rendered, and of all lands devised by will, which have been recorded in such court within the year ending on the thirty-first of December next preceding, which list shall state the date of the decree, the land which is the subject of the partition, and between whom and in what proportion it is divided, and the date of the will containing the devise, when admitted to record, the names of the devisor and devisee, and the Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate. description of the land devised, and such clerk shall deliver said list to the commissioner for his county or corporation on or before the fifteenth day of January in each year. Sec. 461. If any clerk fail to perform the duties required of him in either of the two preceding sections he shall forfeit to the Common- wealth the sum of one hundred dollars, and it shall be the duty of the judge of each circuit and corporation court wherein or before whose clerk deeds are admitted to record or wills are probated, to ascertain at the term of his court next succeeding the fifteenth of February of each year whether the clerk of such court has performed the said duties, and if it shall appear that the said clerk has failed to perform the said duties, in the manner and within the time prescribed, the judge shall issue a rule against said clerk, returnable within five days, to show cause, if any, why judgment shall not be entered against him for the penalty herein imposed. 26 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. A BILL To require the actual consideration to be stated in all transfers of prop- erty by deed or other conveyance, or to be furnished to the clerk of the court, before any such deed or other conveyance is admitted to record. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That in order to secure an accurate statement of the actual consideration in all trans- fers of property in this State by deed or other conveyance, no clerk of a court of record in this State shall receive for record any deed or other conveyance of property, wherein the actual consideration is not stated, unless the same be accompanied by a written statement made by the grantee, or his agent, sworn to before a notary public, or some person authorized to administer oaths, setting forth the actual valuable considera- tion in such deed or other conveyance, which statement shall, at the request of the grantee, or his agent, be kept by such clerk as a sealed document, subject only to examination by the commissioner of the revenue or other tax officials. 2. The collection of current revenue being affected, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this act shall be in force from its passage. Chapter I Taxation of Real Estate, 27 A BILL To create county and city boards of review of assessments ; to define their powers and duties ; to fix their compensation., and to provide for the payment thereof. Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That on or before the first day of June in every year the Virginia tax commission shall appoint three persons from a list of ten intelligent,, discreet free- holders furnished by the judge of the circuit, corporation or hustings court of each county or city, to compose a board of review of assessments for said county or city; and before entering on the duties of their office such appointees shall take the oath of office prescribed by law for county and city officers. And if it shall appear to the Virginia tax commission that any person thus appointed cannot, or for any reason will not, perform the duties required of him by law, the said tax commission shall appoint another in his place from the said list. The said board of review shall organize by electing one of their num- ber as chairman. The clerk of the circuit, corporation or hustings court shall be ex-officio clerk of said board of review, and shall attend all meet- ings and keep a record of the proceedings thereof in a separate book to be provided for that purpose, which shall be preserved and kept on file in his office as clerk of such court. The said board of review shall hold sessions at such dates and of such length as the Virginia tax commission shall prescribe; provided, that its sessions shall be for not less than two (2) days nor more than fourteen (14) days in any one year, and reasonable notice of the date of its ses- sions shall be published in advance. The compensation of a member of the board of review of assessments shall be four dollars ($4.00) per day for each day that he shall be neces- sarily employed, to be paid one-half by the Commonwealth and one-half by the county or city where he serves. The accounts for such compensa- tion shall be made out and verified by affidavit of the member before the clerk of the circuit, corporation or hustings court in which shall be stated that the time for which said per diem is claimed was necessarily employed ; and when said accounts shall be so made out and verified they shall' be paid out of the State and county or city treasury, in equal proportions, out of any money in such treasury not otherwise appropriated. Sec. 2. Duties of Board of Review of Assessments. Each board of review of assessments shall have power, and it shall be its duty : (1) To direct the commissioner of the revenue "to enter in the assess- ment roll any property, whether real or personal, which is found to have been omitted. (2) To direct the commissioner of the revenue to correct any entries found to be erroneous, and to cancel duplicate assessments. (3) To hear and determine the complaints of all taxpayers who appear 28 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. and claim to be aggrieved by unequal or unjust assessment, and direct such corrections on the assessment books with reference thereto as may be determined. In all such hearings the officers who made the assess- ments shall be present and testify; provided,, that no taxpayer who has failed, refused or neglected, without cause shown, to file with the commis- sioner of the revenue a sworn statement of his property shall be entitled to be heard, nor shall his assessment be reduced. (4) To keep minutes of its meetings, and to enter therein all orders made, and to transmit promptly a copy of such orders to the commissioner of the revenue, who shall make the corrections on the assessment rolls as directed thereby ; provided, however, that no order made by said board shall prevent the taxpayer from applying to the proper court for correc- tion of any erroneous assessment in the manner now provided by law. (5) In the year of a quinquennial assessment of real estate such board of review shall devote special attention to grievances and complaints with regard to the assessment of real estate ; in all other years it shall make no changes in real estate assessments, save and except of lands, lots or im- provements not previously assessed. Chapter I Assessment of Minerals and Mineral Lands. 29 ASSESSMENT OF MINERALS AND MINERAL LANDS. The Present Law. Section one hundred and seventy-two of the Constitution of nineteeu hundred and two directed that "the general assembly shall provide for the special and separate assessment of all coal and other mineral land." Complying therewith, the general assembly passed an act, section four hundred and thirty-seven (a) of the Code, amended several times, now acts nineteen hundred and twelve, page one hundred and sixty-two, where- under this assessment instead of being made once in five years, as on other land, is annually "made jointly by the commissioner of the revenue and special assessor employed by the corporation commission." The local commissioners are required early in each year to certify a copy of the mineral assessments so made with taxes extended to the State Corporation Commission for its review and judgment as to the justice of such assess- ment. The Commissioner has the further right to appeal to the courts for an increase in any mineral assessment; and no owner aggrieved by the assessment made against him can appeal to the courts for a correction without giving this State Commission thirty days' notice. Furthermore, the Commission is given "power to summon and compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and the giving of information and the pro- duction of such maps, books and papers as it may deem necessary" before it or its expert assessor. Therefore, as to this class of property, we already have very full par- ticipation in and control over local assessments by a State commission in the interest of equalization and the Commonwealth's revenue. This method has resulted in a much higher assessment of mineral lands in proportion to value than that placed upon agricultural lands in the same counties; but it has also tended strongly to an equalization of assessments of mineral lands in the several counties. In 1906, the 956,155 acres of mineral land then assessed in the Com- monwealth bore an average assessment of $8.13 per acre. In 1911, 2,4:38,887 acres were assessed at $11.51 per acre, an increase of 42 per cent, in the valuation. In 1906, the 27,061,617 acres of other lands bore an average assessment of $4.89 per acre. In 1911, 23,724,016 acres were assessed at $6.26 per acre, an increase of 28 per cent, in the valuation. Furthermore,' the greater part of the land transferred to the mineral land books during this period was cheap land. Suggested Changes in Method of Assessment. Many citizens, including some coal land owners, urged upon us methods other than the ad valorem property tax now in vogue. They particularly commended a tonnage, or annual output, tax for deriving revenue from minerals and mineral lands. We have carefully considered their argu- 30 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. merits as well as all available reports from other States and other discus- sions of the subject. In addition to the inequality as among mineral land owners and other defects involved in such system, we are forced to the conclusion that neither the Commonwealth nor the mineral counties can now afford to submit to a change from the ad valorem property tax. Both would undoubtedly lose large amounts of stable revenue, as these lands are now assessed higher than any other in proportion to their productive value. In Virginia the maximum royalty or sale value of her chief mineral product, bituminous coal, in the ground ready for or under development, together with the timber on the land to develop it, is 10 cents per ton. A thick vein acre will produce 5,000 tons. For the year 1913, by charging the entire output of the Commonwealth shown in the report of the Commissioner of Labor against the 2,190 acres under development in the six coal counties, the average acre produced 3,323 tons, worth to the land owner $332.30. The Auditor's report for the same year shows an average assessment of the coal alone in this 2,190 acres at $483.12 per acre, or 145 per cent, of its value, in addition to an assessment for improvements, fixtures and machinery, and yet another assessment at $9.40 per acre for the land. Only one acre in 592 assessed as mineral land in these six counties is under development. The average assessment of the mineral land not under development therein is $10.10 per acre. These lands have little or no value other than their mineral value and usually produce no other income. Many unfavorable conditions work against the development and competitive sale of Virginia coal. In the view of the most optimistic, under the most favorable conditions, not one-fifth of it can be mined in the next fifty years. The average period will be very much longer. The average State and local tax rate borne by these lands is near two dollars on the one hundred dollars. The owners of this non-producing land, in addition to the interest on the investment and other costs, pay an annual average tax of 20 cents per acre until the coal is mined, and then, when developed, the only year of its real production, pay on an assessment of nearly one and one-half times its total productive value. Therefore, under our general property tax system, the mineral when produced pays on an assessment greater than its value and the undeveloped land out of all proportion to its productive value. Any other system should obviously take no more tax from the mineral, and would necessarily give up all or nearly all of the tax upon undeveloped land. Nevertheless, the counties and even the Commonwealth cannot forego some assessment against these lands. The following tables, compiled from the Auditor's Report, show the assessment of mineral lands for the year 1913 : ASSESSMENT OF MINERAL LANDS. LANDS UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND LANDS NOT UNDER DEVELOPMENT. COUNTIES. Acres VALUE OF Total Value. Land Minerals Imp., fixtures and machin- ery Albemarle 10,686 159 125,167 1,314 7,749 1,625 61,981 90,964 10,105 60,924 98,703 677,960 7,242 5,292 32,338 1,112 6,922 77,339 1,681 7 224,060 541 28 5,736 3,609 1,889 590 7,856 44,846 9,308 5,908 4,661 10,780 2,263 1,780 2,913 44,044 79 3,282 914 830 24,394 13,505 617 10,067 9,676 3,426 7,359 660 61,259 1,392 4,933 44,771 45,287 43,795 44,948 24,134 21,996 4,124 1,125 37 100 61,644 606 4,100 244,602 51,387 25 2,385,156 $ 78,348 12,775 292,258 4,630 31,928 7,075 69,378 293,740 30,110 66,036 154,797 1,792,235 '7,820 35,597 62,229 7,910 118,365 170,608 7,780 2,000 651,107 12,845 340 35,570 9,559 3,875 2,414 5,860 70,684 76,307 8,180 8,974 74,168 28,860 5,970 46,160 137,320 550 20,880 2,020 5,732 58,207 58,870 2,402 12,175 14,871 15,374 44,657 4,297 81,335 1,300 33,370 57,028 49,505 114,791 112,569 23,028 92,322 13,250 3,608 250 1,250 136,239 4,270 35,015 1,398,816 195,560 12,500 $ 7,049,853 $ 11,442 23,085 281,187 2,550 10,605 1,110 59,342 86,420 22,210 58,964 213,098 2,261,458 171,939 32,535 117,656 570 27,875 240,282 2,020 2,800 2,420,610 10,335 7,290 5,215 7,481 2,460 1,215 3,080 48,635 14,941 6,642 10,806 23,531 21,740 6,265 21,260 399,635 550 156,520 500 126,818 80,857 69,305 848 7,380 12,809 28,260 6,325 9,831 74,595 420 23,290 41,247 40,405 620,289 64,526 8,783 295,496 23,060 2,382 1,150 1,000 1,538,476 9,350 171,635 2,752,109 185,910 100 $ 12,992,515 $ 111,250 600 554,918 12,480 8,947 975 654,820 451,000 36,520 $ 201,040 36,460 1,128,363 19,660 51,480 9,160 783,540 831,160 88,840 125,000 611,980 4,053,693 230,390 100,860 193,800 10,380 191,960 502,640 13,700 6,000 3,149,630 35,280 9,780 52,960 24,400 6,960 4,760 26,840 134,120 107,410 15,180 21,300 178,422 72,800 14,078 74,920 984,790 4,600 303,180 7,620 188,320 1.33 ,8HJ 675,270 3,920 49,420 32,580 83,980 65,940 44,560 329,040 1,720 89,620 137,860 117,560 1,010,480 215,987 81,120 609,260 42,260 11,340 2,800 3,000 1,906, F50 30,840 271,170 6,501,500 581,520 80,001 $ 27,476,239 Alexandria Alleghany Bath Bedford Bland Botetourt -- 244,085 Buchanan - 30,631 32,728 13,915 1,900 45,720 91,750 3,900 1,200 77,913 12.100 2,150 12,175 7,360 623 1,131 17,900 14,801 16,162 358 1,520 80,723 22,200 2,443 7,500 447,835 3,500 130,780 5,100 55,770 44,822 247,095 670 29,865 4,900 40,346 14,958 30,432 173,110 Craig -- Dinwiddie Fairfax - Fauquier -- - - Floyd Fluvanna -- -- -- Franklin Frederick Giles Goochland -- Halifax - Isle of Wight Lee - - Madison Mecklenburg : Nelson Patrick Prince William Pulaski Rappahannock Roanoke -- -- 32,960 39,585 27,650 275,400 38,892 49,309 221,442 5,950 5,350 1,400 750 231 ,835 17,220 64,520 2,350,575 200,050 67,400 $ 7,433,871 Rockbridge - Rockingham Russell Scott Shenandoah Smyth _ _ Spotsylvania _ -_ Stafford Surry _ Sussex _ _- Tazewell Washington __ Wise - Wythe _ _ Bristol city Total Report of Committee on Tax Revision. 533888 in'co" rH't-Tw" IM MAGH' siis g S g 34 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Suggested Changes in Law. 1. If, under a system of segregation, the Commonwealth releases to the counties and cities real estate for purposes of taxation, the office of State mineral assessor should not be abolished because of the importance *of maintaining equality among all the owners of this class of property. If a State Tax Commission is established, he should be transferred to -its jurisdiction. 2. Section 437-a of the Code, governing the whole subject, should %e amended so as to define land to be assessed as "under development 7 ' H be "such land as will be under development during the current year," in accordance with court construction. In one county, at least, in 1913, land was assessed as "under development" which could not be mined for several years. This section should also be amended so as to define "mineral land" as "land containing a workable seam or vein of mineral of commercial value." Thousands of acres of land are assessed as mineral land which carry HO mineral of any present or future workable or commercial value. It should not be taxed on alleged or suspected but non-existent value. We have prepared amendments covering these changes. Chapter I Assessment of Minerals and Mineral Lands. 35 A BILL To amend and re-enact section 437-a, of chapter 23, of the Code of Vir- ginia, relating to assessments of mineral lands and the improvements, fixtures and machinery thereon, as enacted by an act to amend and re-enact chapter 23 of the Code of Virginia, in relation to the assess- ment of lands and lots, approved December 10, 1903, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved March 17, 1906, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved March 12, 1908, as amended and re- enacted by an act approved February 19, 1910, as amended and re- enacted by an act approved March 7, 1912. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That section four hundred and thirty-seven (a) of chapter twenty-three of the Code of Virginia, relating to assessments of mineral lands and the improvements, fixtures and machinery thereon, as enacted by an act to amend and re- enact chapter twenty-three of the Code of Virginia, in relation to the assessment of lands and lots, approved December tenth, nineteen hundred and three, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved March seven- teenth, nineteen hundred and six, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved March twelfth, nineteen hundred and eight, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved February nineteenth, nineteen hundred and ten, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved March seventh, nine- teen hundred and twelve, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows : Sec. 437-a. The several commissioners of the revenue of this State shall, on or before the fifteenth day of May of each year, specially and separately assess at the fair market value all mineral lands and the improvements, fixtures and machinery thereon, and shall enter the same on the land books of their respective districts separately from other lands charged thereon, and shall extend the taxes upon said lands, improve- ments, fixtures and machinery at the rate fixed by law upon tangible property. The commissioner, in assessing mineral lands, which are hereby de- fined to be lands containing a workable seam or vein of mineral of com- mercial value, shall set forth upon the land book the area and the fair market value thereof, first, of such portion of each tract of mineral land as is improved and under development, or such portion thereof as will be under development during the then current tax year; second, the fair market value of the improvements, fixtures and machinery upon each tract; and, third, the area and the fair market value of such portion of each tract of such mineral land as shall not be under development or will not be under development during the then current tax year. If the surface of the land is held by one person, and the coal, iron and other minerals, mineral waters, gas or oil under the surface be held by another person, the estate therein of each and the relative fair market 36 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. value of their respective interest, shall be ascertained by the commissioner or assessor. If the surface of the land and the coal, iron and other min- erals, mineral water, gas or oil under the surface be owned by the same person, the commissioner shall ascertain the fair market value of the land, exclusive of said coal, iron, other minerals, mineral waters, gas or oils; and also ascertain in addition the fair market value of the said coal, iron, other minerals, mineral waters, gas and oils, and shall assess each at such ascertained values, stating separately, however, in every case the value of the surface of the land and the value of the said coal, iron, other min- erals, mineral waters, gas and oils under the surface. The several commissioners shall, on or before the fifteenth day of May in every year, certify a copy of such assessments made in their respective districts of mineral lands and mineral rights as aforesaid to the , with the name and postoffice address of each person, firm, or corporation, in whose name any such lands or interest therein shall have been assessed upon the land book of his district with the amount of tax extended thereon. Upon receiving the copy aforesaid, the shall examine into the justice of any such assessments, and if it shall appear to the that any tract of land, or any part thereof, or the improvements, fixtures or machinery thereon, or any right or inter- est in the same, or any part thereof, has not been assessed at its fair market value, the said shall direct the attorney for the Commonwealth for the county or corporation wherein such land or interest therein so assessed is situated, or any other special attorney it may desig- nate, to apply in the name of the Commonwealth to the circuit court of the county or corporation court of a city to have said assessment cor- rected, which court shall have jurisdiction for the purpose. Any person feeling himself aggrieved by the assessment of his lands or interest therein hereunder may, at any time prior to the first day of February next succeeding, apply to the circuit court of the county or cor- poration court of the city in which the land lies to have said assessment corrected. Said application may be made by filing a petition in the clerk's office of said court, setting forth the lands or mineral rights on which the assessment complained of is made, praying that said assess- ment may be corrected ; and the said court, at its next term after filing of said petition shall hear the said cause and enter such judgment as to it shall seem proper, according to the provisions of sections five hundred and sixty-eight and five hundred and seventy-one of the Code of Virginia as amended and re-enacted by an act approved December twelfth, nineteen hundred and three. At the hearing of any such motion the Commonwealth may move the assessment be raised, either on the items embraced in the motion or on any other item 'not embraced in the motion, either on the land embraced in the motion or any other mineral lands in the name of the complainant in the county or city in which the motion is made. The Commonwealth's attorney and the commissioner of thje revenue, who made the assessment, shall be made defendants to such petition or motion, and written notice Chapter I Assessment of Minerals and Mineral Lands. 37 shall be served upon them at least ten days prior to the day fixed for the hearing of such motion or petition. Continuances of the hearing of said motions or petitions may be granted for good cause. The proceedings, upon any such application, shall conform to section four hundred and forty-four of the Code of Virginia, and all amendments thereof, except so far as in conflict herewith ; provided, that the Commonwealth and the person whose property is assessed shall have the right to appeal from the decision of said circuit or corporation court to the supreme court of appeals. The is authorized to employ for the pur- pose of this act, at the time in each year when assessments of lands are being made, such person, or persons, as may be necessary to make, with the commissioner of the revenue, such inquiry into the value, and such examination of the property and interests required by this act to be separately assessed, and of the improvements, fixtures and machinery thereon, as it may deem necessary. Such person or persons, who shall be duly sworn to faithfully and honestly perform their duties, and the re- spective commissioners of the revenue shall confer together about such assessments and co-operate in procuring all information necessary or proper to a just assessment of such property, improvements, fixtures and machinery, and shall carefully examine all sales of mineral lands and mining rights recorded in the clerk's office of the several counties and municipalities in their respective assessment districts, and shall report the information obtained to the . The assessment shall be made jointly by the commissioner and the special assessor em- ployed by the ; and in case of disagreement be- tween the two, the question at issue shall be referred to the circuit or corporation court wherein the land is situated, either in term time or vacation, after not less than ten days' notice from the mineral assessor to the commissioner of the revenue or from the commissioner of the revenue to the mineral assessor, and the clerk of the court shall summon such witnesses as required by the commissioner of the revenue, the min- eral land assessor, attorney for the Commonwealth or the owner of the property in question, and the shall direct the Com- monwealth's attorney,' or any special attorney they may employ, to repre- sent the interests of the Commonwealth at any such hearing. After hear- ing the evidence the court will enter such order as it deems proper, but nothing contained herein shall prevent the or the owner from making a motion to correct the assessment after the land books are made up, and to appeal to the court of appeals as herein pro- vided. The person, or persons, employed by the under this act may be required to give aid to the Commonwealth's attorney, or any special attorney that may be employed by the said in prosecuting or defending any application for a correction of any assess- ment under this act by obtaining and giving information of facts, names of witnesses or otherwise. Power is hereby given the to summon and compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and 38 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. the giving of information and the production of such maps, books and papers as it may deem necessary, either before it or before the assessor or commissioner of the revenue, and the person or persons employed by it when considering the assessment of any property hereunder. In case any person be aggrieved at the assessment made by the com- missioner and the special assessor, and take an appeal in the manner here- inbefore authorized, such appeal shall not be heard until thirty days' notice thereof be served by the clerk of the court in which the appeal shall be heard, on the 2. In view of the fact that the time for the assessment of property for taxation for the year nineteen hundred and fifteen is near at hand, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this act shall be in force from the date of its passage. Chapter I Delinquent Taxes. 39 DELINQUENT TAXES. Our inquiry has lead us to believe that there is a strong demand throughout the Commonwealth for the abolition of the present system permitting the filing of applications for the purchase of delinquent lands theretofore sold to the Commonwealth, by the payment of the taxes due thereon and certain costs and charges, commonly known as the "land- grabber system/' and the substitution therefor of a system of sales of de- linquent lands to satisfy the lien of the Commonwealth, and of the coun- ties and cities, for taxes, approximating the system provided for subject- ing lands to sale to satisfy other liens whereby the residue of the purchase money, if any, is paid to the owner of the property. We believe this de- mand is just, and we have prepared a bill to be submitted to the General Assembly, which, if adopted, will substitute the latter system for the former. There is, however, a very large sum due the Commonwealth and the sub-divisions thereof, for delinquent taxes -and levies due for the several years from January 1, 1876, before which date taxes are barred by present law, to the present time. The taxes on these lands should be collected and the land itself, and the owners thereof, should not escape this taxation and thus secure an advantage over other land and the owners thereof who have paid their proportion of taxes. The bill prepared by us attempts to provide machinery for cleaning up and collecting all these delinquent taxes : first, by giving delinquents an opportunity to pay and then by bringing chancery suits to enforce the collection of the tax liens by judicial sales under which the full value of the property will be received. We do not believe, however, that delinquency in the payment of taxes should be encouraged, and recommend that additional penalties should be provided in order to enforce reasonably prompt payment. We recommend that section 636-a of the Code, providing that the capitation tax should be a lien on real estate, be repealed. By con- stitutional provision, this tax cannot be collected until three years after it is due. Very little of it is afterwards collected by pro- cess of law or voluntary payment, and the fact that it is such a lien causes endless trouble and expense in the examination of titles to real estate. But if this lien is retained, then an additional sub-section should be added making delinquent personal property taxes a lien upon real estate, and provision should be made in said bill for enforcing same. In 1912, 30 per cent, of the total assessment of white and 63 per cent, of the colored capitation taxes were returned delinquent, whereas only five per cent, of the real estate and seven per cent, of the personal property assessments were so returned. From 1903 to 1912, inclusive, $2,428,000 of poll taxes, more than one-third of the total, have been returned delinquent. The personal property delinquent list is also very large. We doubt if ten per cent, of either can be collected by 40 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. extending the lien to real estate, but if it is desired to do so, the pro- posed bill will provide a feasible means to collect such as can be collected. We have carefully examined the records in the Auditor's Office be- tween 1890 and 1912 in an effort to ascertain the amount of real estate taxes remaining delinquent, but have been unable to find it because collec- tions of taxes, penalties and interest are all credited together. The average annual delinquent return for this period has been $66,000. We are satisfied from this investigation that between $400,000 and $500,000 of these taxes yet remain unpaid, over one-half of which should be easily collected. The amount of delinquent local levies would probably be quite three times as large. Chapter I Delinquent Taxes. 41 A BILL To provide for the collection of delinquent taxes; to ascertain the liens on delinquent lands, and to sell lands to satisfy the liens of delin- quent taxes; to ascertain omitted lands, and to provide further penal- ties upon delinquent taxpayers. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That the circuit court of each county and the corporation court of each city, except the city of Bichmond,.and the chancery court of the city of Eihmond, shall forthwith after this act takes effect, designate one or more of its com- missioners in chancery, or a special commissioner or commissioners in chancery, who shall be a competent attorney at law, to examine all of the delinquent tax records and other records bearing on delinquent taxes upon real estate and capitation within its jurisdiction delinquent at any time between January 1, 1876, and November 30, 1914, in order to ascer- tain all taxes and levies, together with interest, penalties and costs, delin- quent and due to the Commonwealth, said cities r counties and all towns and districts therein; and to examine deed books, will books and other re cords and otherwise: to secure information in order to ascertain against what lands and lots such taxes and levies are properly chargeable, and what persons own such lots and lands or have an interest therein ; and to ascertain if there are lots or lands in such city or county not assessed with taxes. Said courts will designate the districts or wards for which any such commissioner will make such examination. 2. Such commissioner will make a report of each item of delinquent real estate and capitation taxes and levies in such district or ward not properly marked redeemed or released, whether the property against which same is charged has been sold to the Commonwealth or not, or upon which application to purchase has not been properly completed. Said lists shall give a description of each parcel of delinquent property, the name of the person to whom it was charged as delinquent in each year, the name of the present owner thereof and of any person having a recorded lien or in- completed application to purchase thereon, and, if possible, the address of each; the amount of taxes and levies thereon due the Commonwealth, city or county, district or town each year ; all penalties and costs thereon, and interest prescribed by law up to two months beyond the date of filing of such report, and the aggregate of each of such items. Said commissioner will mark each such item or tract "improperly delinquent" which he believes from any cause should be so marked, and give his reasons therefor in his report. Such commissioner shall report only one parcel or tract of land to satisfy delinquent capitation taxes of any person, and shall report no capitation tax delinquent less than three years from such date. Appended to said report shall be a list of lots or tracts of land in such ward or dis- Report of Committee on Tax Revision. trict omitted from the land books, with a description and names of the owners thereof. 3. Where any tract of land has been divided or partitioned by sale or otherwise, after being returned delinquent, the commissioner shall appor- tion such delinquent taxes, levies and charges thereon to the several parts as near as may be in proportion to the value thereof ; except where a per- son then or subsequently owned the whole of such tract chargeable with such tax and afterwards sold part or parts thereof under conveyances con- taining covenants of general warranty, and at the time of such report owns the remainder, then if such remainder is of sufficient value to satisfy such liens said taxes, levies and charges shall be apportioned to such remainder. 4. Said report shall be made in triplicate, and all three copies filed in the clerk's office of such court, one to become a permanent record, one for the use of the commissioner subsequently to be appointed, and one to be transmitted to the auditor of public accounts. Forthwith after the filing of said report the clerk of said court shall mail to each person reported as the owner of or interested in each lot or tract of land at his last known ad- dress a notice giving description thereof and the aggregate amount due thereon, which notice shall state that unless such taxes, levies and charges are paid within sixty days after the filing of said report, an order will be entered at the next succeeding term of said court directing the absolute sale of said property without right of redemption. Any person owning or having an interest in any such tract of land may, within sixty days after the filing of said report, pay to said clerk all delinquent taxes, levies, interest, costs and charges due against same, and take his receipt therefor; whereupon, said clerk shall note said payment upon said report opposite said item, and mark said tract or lot of land redeemed upon the proper delinquent tax and sale book in his office. Any person owning or having an interest in any lot or parcel of land listed in such report aggrieved by reason thereof or claiming that the taxes and levies reported have been paid, may, within sixty days after the filing thereof, make written application to the said court to correct same and grant such relief as may be proper, which application shall set forth the relief sought, and the reasons therefor. The treasurer, clerk, said commis- sioner and the Commonwealth's attorney of a county, or the city attorney of a city or town, shall have at least five, days' notice of such application, and they shall be present at the hearing thereof, and said notice of appli- cation shall be returnable to the first day of the next term of court after the same is given. The clerk shall forthwith make such correction of said list, and the delinquent land and sale books as may be ordered by the court. The costs of such application, if the relief sought is granted, shall be re- covered and taxed against the officer or officers responsible for the error, and execution will issue therefor. 5. At the first term after the expiration of such sixty days the said court shall examine the said report, and, after advising with the treasurer, Commonwealth's attorney, city or town attorney, it shall enter an order directing the clerk to strike from said report and said delinquent land and Chapter I Delinquent Taxes. 43 sales books such lots or parcels of land as are improperly thereon or cannot be found in such ward or district. The clerk shall thereupon correct said report and each copy thereof, shall forthwith transmit one copy thereof, as well as all orders entered thereon, to the auditor of- public accounts, and deliver one copy to the commissioner hereinafter provided for. The commissioner of the revenue will enter the said omitted tracts of land upon the proper land book. 6. The said commissioner shall make, and preserve for the use of the commissioner to be appointed, to ascertain and state an account of liens, a memorandum abstract of all transfers and conveyances necessary to de- termine the ownership or persons interested in each delinquent tract or parcel of land. He shall receive a fee of one dollar for reporting and cal- culating the taxes, levies, interest and charges on each delinquent tract, and a fee of twenty-five cents for each transfer or conveyance over one necessarily examined and abstracted by him. The clerk, for the services re- quired to be performed by him, shall receive the fees allowed for like ser- vices by law, except that he shall receive five cents for mailing each of the notices to delinquent owners and others required under section four of this act. All of said fees and costs shall be added to the amount of the taxes and levies against said delinquent tracts and collected as a part thereof. Upon the delinquent tracts stricken from said report upon the application of the owner or other person interested, or by the court upon its own motion, said commissioner shall receive one-half only of said fees ; one-half of which shall be paid by the Commonwealth and .one-half by the county or city upon the order of said court, certify ing same. 7. The clerk shall, within thirty days after collecting same, account for and remit all delinquent taxes, levies, penalties, costs and charges, less the commissions allowed by law, to the proper receiving officers or persons entitled thereto in the manner provided by law. 8. So soon as said report shall have been corrected as aforesaid, the said court shall appoint the same, or some other commissioner in chancery, or special commissioner, who shall be a competent attorney at law, to bring and prosecute a suit or suits in chancery in the name of the Com- monwealth, to enforce the said tax liens of the Commonwealth, and the said cities, counties, districts and towns, against all of the remaining unredeemed lots or tracts of land described in said report situate in said ward or district. No writ tax shall be paid on any such suit. The insti- tution of, proceedings in and conduct of such suits, and sales thereunder, shall conform to the law and practice controlling in other suits in chan- cery brought to enforce liens. All necessary bonds shall be given, accounts taken, reports of liens made, orders entered for the protection of persons under disability, and sales made so as to most quickly enforce the said tax liens, and protect the interests of the owners of or persons interested in said property. The court may make such orders allowing the payment of fees and commissions as it may deem proper, but same shall be a charge upon said property, and none thereof shall be paid by the Commonwealth, or any city, county, district or town ; and after the institution of any such 44 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. suit such reasonable fees and charges shall become a lien upon said prop- erty. If there be already pending chancery suits brought to enforce liens on any such lands the statement of tax liens and costs may be filed therein by said commissioner, and reported as a first and superior lien on such property, but in such case the court shall not permit delay in the sale of such property or the collection of such liens. 9. If the court or commissioner deems it advisable to procure a more definite description of any such lot or parcel of land, or to sub-divide any such tract in order to secure a better price therefor, then the court, or the judge thereof in vacation, will appoint a competent surveyor to survey, or survey and partition same, who shall make such surve} r and return his report thereof together with a plat and accurate description thereof with due diligence to the said commissioner, and the court will allow such sur- veyor a reasonable fee for such work, which shall be a lien upon and a charge against said land and each parcel thereof. 10. If any commissioner or surveyor fail to do the things required of them to be done by this act with all due diligence, then the court shall remove him and appoint another in his stead, and for such lack of dili- gence he, or any other officer, shall forfeit his fees and commissions in ad- dition to being liable to any other penalties provided by law. 11. The purchaser at any such sale shall take such title, acquire such rights and be governed by such requirements as affect purchasers under other judicial chancery sales for the enforcement of liei.*. The deed to be made to such purchaser shall set forth substantially the essential facts appearing in the clerk's office and in such suit. 12. The commissioner making such sale shall not purchase any prop- erty offered for sale. Neither shall the owner, nor any person interested therein, nor any person for him or them, unless he offers for such prop- erty at least the aggregate amount of taxes, levies, interest, penalties, costs and charges reported thereon, and the costs of such suit. When at any such sale the best and highest offer on any lot or tract IP not sufficient to pay said taxes, levies, interest, charges and costs, the commissioner shall adjourn said sale as to such propertv to some future time in con- formity with law; and at such adjourned sale said commissioner shall accept the highest and best bid for such property, subject to the approval of the court, and the court shall' order the funds received therefrom pro- rated between the Commonwealth and the city, county, district or town interested therein. 13. No application for the purchase of delinquent lands provided by section six hundred and sixty-six of the Code of Virginia shall be here- after received in any of the clerks' offices of this Commonwealth ; but such applications as are now properly on file which have been prosecuted in con- formity with law shall entitle the applicant to payment from the sales of such lands of the sums allowed by law. 14. Every fourth year after the filing of the first report of delinquent lands herein provided for, the courts shall appoint commissioners as pro- Chapter I Delinquent Taxes. 45 vided in section one hereof; and all proceedings shall be had and things done anew which affect delinquent lands, in conformity with and under the provisions of this act. 15. In addition to other penalties and interest provided by law to be collected upon delinquent lands from delinquent tax payers, an additional penalty of five per centum shall be added to the amount of taxes or levies due from such taxpayer against whom such land is assessed on the first day of July each year during the continuance of such delinquency, which when collected shall be accounted for by the proper collecting officer. 16. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent or in conflict herewith in so far as they affect the operation of this act are hereby repealed. 46 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. CHAPTER II. THE TAXATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. Tangible Personal Property. With the proper change of terms,, nearly all that we have said with regard to the defects in our methods of taxing real estate may be applied to the taxing of tangible personal property. Excessive inequalities abound, both among the localities and among individuals within the same locality. There is also a marked undervaluation everywhere, though it is slightly less than in the case of real estate. The remedies we pro- posed for these defects in the last chapter would, in our opinion, achieve equally beneficial results in the case of nearly all forms of tangible property. There remain, therefore, only a few points to which we wish here to direct attention. In practical operation, the administration of the tax on personal property is in the hands of the commissioner of the revenue. He sends out the interrogatories, he examines the returns made by tax payers, he assesses those who make no returns, he certifies the books to the auditor of public accounts, and to the local treasurer. The difficulties that con- front him are very similar to those of the land assessor and cause a similar undervaluation, though the degree of the undervaluation appears to be somewhat less than for real estate. The total assessed value of tangible personal property for the fiscal year 1912-13 in the counties of the State was $77,107,902.00, and in the cities $25,870,202.00, aggregating $102,978,104.00. Calculating the tax on these amounts at 35 cents, the State derived a revenue from the counties of $269,877.66, and from the cities of $90,545.71, aggregating $360,423.37. The increase in the assessed valuation of tangible personal property since 1887 has been as follows : 1887 $ 43,397,887 1898 $ 42,123,280 1888 45,046,012 1899 . .' 42,693,324 1889 44,830,090 1900 46,221,522 1890 44,680,247 1901 46,590,680 1891 46,340,565 1902 49,426,836 1892 48,080,706 1903 52,037,851 1893 47,343,765 1904 55,185,656 1894 44,041,723 1905 59,088,361 1895 41,564,553 1906 70,296,463 1896 41,264,813 1907 63,897,894 1897 39,927,089 1908 76,897,098 Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 47 1909 $ 79,544,002 1912 $ 89,364,113 1910 85,561,859 1913 102,978,104 1911 87,779,794 1914 108,472,447 As the best available measure of undervaluation comparisons have been made between certain classes of property enumerated in the United States census of 1910, and the same classes of property in the property books of 1913. The classes for which direct comparison can be made are farm animals and farm machinery. The comparison is necessarily defective in one particular; the census report was three years old in 1913. It is well known that the pro- duction of such classes of farm animals as sheep and hogs may be readily increased or diminished from year to year to meet the market condi- tions. This is in some measure true also even of horses and cattle. The comparison can be taken, therefore, to show only the approximate degree of undervaluation. The assessment of all the items directly comparable amounts to $44,000,000.00 ; $26,000,000.00 is represented in the assessment of horses, mules, etc., and $12,000,000.00 in the assessment of cattle. These com- parable classes, according to the census report, had a true value of $96,000,000.00 of which $48,000,000.00 was represented by horses and $22,000,000.00 by cattle. To carry out the comparisons it has been necessary to make a rather arbitrary adjustment. Thus farm machinery in the census report in- cludes wagons and similar vehicles, while a separate category is provided for such vehicles in the tax interrogatories. On the other hand, this separate category includes automobiles and other property, which is not considered by the census bureau as farm machinery. The one, therefore, is taken to be an approximate offset to the other. Again, the direct comparisons possible include only $44,000,000.00 of the tangible personalty assessed. This leaves approximately $59,- 000,000.00 for which a direct comparison cannot be made. We feel justified in assuming, however, that the ratio of the assessed value to the census value of this latter class is the same as the ratio of as- sessed to census value of the classes that can be directly compared. If this assumption be granted, then the true value of all tangible property in the Commonwealth in 1910 was $220,000,000.00. In other words, property of this class in 1913 was assessed for taxation at 46.8 per cent, of its true value. We believe that this ratio is substantially correct. The following table shows the result of the comparison : Report of Committee on Tax Revision. VALUES OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY. SCHEDULE B. NUMBERS VALUES AVERAGE VALUES Ratio of As- 0m?ment to census Assess- ment 1913 Census 1910 Assessment 1913 Census 1910 Assess ment 1913 Census 1910 Values of tangible prop- erty, all classes $102,978,104 58,595,348 44,382,756 26,784,959 12,070,666 1,011,858 1,584,227 2.931.036 $220,300,380 (estimated) 124,156,200 96,144,180 48,083,529 22,202,253 3,340,087 4,402,428 18.115.883 46.80 47.20 46.20 55.80 54.30 33.30 36.00 16.19 Values of tangible prop- erty, classes not re- ported by census Values of tangible prop- erty, classes reported by census Horses, mules, etc 393,273 656,010 339,218 465,808 433,837 895,728 787,595 836,406 $68 20 18 40 2 99 3 41 $110 90 24 80 4 24 5 27 Cattle Sheep and goats Hogs Vnliips of farm machinerv Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 49 The following conclusion can be drawn relative to the taxation of tangible personal property. This property on the whole is somewhat better assessed than is real estate, a fact not always clearly brought out in reports relative to taxation. Many writers have visited upon tangible personal property the odium very properly borne by the assessment and taxation of intangible personal property. As a matter of fact, tangible personal property partakes very largely of the condition of real estate. It is in view and most of it can be counted. It is available for appraisal in quantities whose values are fairly well known to the average man. The opportunities for under-assessment are rather less than those for the undervaluation of realty. The main defect of the assessment of tangible property arises rather from the failure to list the property at all than from the failure to list it at a reasonable value. We believe that with the reduction in the number of commissioners, as recommended by the committee, there would be greater equality in taxing real estate and tangible personalty. We wish to call attention to one rather serious defect in the present law. In order to secure answers to his interrogatories the commissioner oi the revenue is required "to apply in person at least three times to such person, firm or corporation, and if such answers are not obtained it shall thereafter be the duty of the tax payer to seek the commissioner, and upon failure to render such answers for a period of thirty days, the commissioner, or his deputies, may, upon the best information obtainable by him, ascertain the facts necessary to enter answers to such interroga- tories, which he is hereby required to enter." No commissioner can possibly carry out the letter of this law. All of his time would be spent in looking up and running after the tax payers when he should be at- tending to the many other exacting duties 'of his office. The law, in this respect, should be amended so as to require the commissioner, or his qualified deputies, to call on each tax payer in his district, and if such tax payer should be absent, the commissioner, or his deputy, should leave interrogatories for him at his residence, or place of business, and if such interrogatories are not returned to the commissioner's office within twenty days from the time they were left at the tax payer's resi- dence, or place of business, the commissioner should then have the, right and authority to assess the tax payer upon his best information. ' This is the recommendation of many of the best commissioners of the revenue in the State. Tables will be found in the appendix comparing the census valuation in 1910 with the assessments of 1913. Intangible Personal Property. In discussions and literature on taxation the term "intangible" prop- erty is commonly applied to monies, credits, and those rights, claims and privileges that pass into private ownership and have a commercial value. Our present law attempts to make a grouping of property of this kind in "Schedule C," and subdivides the group into eight classes. This subdivision is probably intended merely to aid in the administra- tion of the law, for the tax rate is uniform in the Commonwealth on all 50 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. sorts of property except money. We may say, in passing, that the group- ing is not perfect, since it includes, under the head of capital in any trade, or business not otherwise taxed, such tangible personal property as the materials, goods, wares and merchandise on hand. This lessens the usefulness of the figures that should show the true amount of intangible property that is declared and put upon the tax rolls. When our tax system was in process of formation, little property of this kind existed. Wealth consisted for the most part of visible, tangible things in the sole ownership of the possessor. A property tax was, therefore, fairly easy to assess and collect; and it was also fairly just for the commercial value of a citizen's known property was a good measure of his ability to pay. But a very different condition prevails today. A franchise, a mere privilege to do certain things in a certain way, may be worth more than a whole county. A business may grow enormously in value when good organization and efficient management have estab- lished it as a "going concern," even- though its tangible assets have not increased. With the growth of our credit system claims, rights and equities evidenced in countless ways divide and sub-divide the value of property and the profits from its use among a multitude of people. Such privileges, rights and claims, together with the enormous quantities of tangible wealth organized as a "going concern" under a single control, sometimes form an entity so vast as to make totally inapplicable such terms as "true cash value," "fair market value," and like expressions familiar to framers of tax laws. Intangible property, therefore, has come to play an exceedingly important part in our modern life. Its growth is one of the most impressive phenomena of industrial develop- ment. It is apt to compose, except in strictly rural communities, by far the greater part of a rich man's estate. People also of very moderate means usually have a part of their possession in this form ; and even the poor man often tries to "salt down" his meager savings by investment in some reputable "security." Difficulty of Taxing Intangible Property. Obviously, then, if men are to contribute to the needs of government in proportion to their ability, intangible property must be taken into account. So gradual was its growth that for generations it was believed that the ancient property tax system could be extended to include it without maleria! ci.unec. Our system in Virginia still exists on that belief. But, irafurtitiiatf)/. being intangible and invisible, such property is hard to assess, and its ownership is hard to ascertain. A single estate', though large as a whole, is often built up of numerous small equities that are evidenced differently, and sometimes not evidenced at all, of a few shares in many enterprises, and of various rights that are lucrative but easily hidden from the assessor. Such property can be readily trans- ferred from place to place and from hand to hand. There are easy de- vices for assigning the title to it while still retaining its usufruct. All evidences of it may easily be concealed either within or without the State durir.g the whole lifetime of the true owner. Such being its nature, efforts to tax this property to the owner by the Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 51 customary methods have long since proved futile and sometimes ridicu- lous. The local assessor's only means of ascertaining the amount and Value of it possessed hy a citizen was the citizen's own declaration; and all too often that declaration turned out to be altogether untrustworthy. In many regions a sort of tacit opinion developed that condoned false statements regarding taxable property. So common have such state- ments become that a high court in one of our states has actually said that "Perjury in connection with a man's tax list does not affect his general credibility under oath." As a result, much the greater part of intangible property is never put upon the rolls and escapes taxation altogether. From state after state in recent years have come the reports of legislative investigating committees, of tax commissions and of other bodies, all unanimous to the effect that in this field the just adminis- tration of the general property tax at a uniform rate is an utter and ir- redeemable failure. Just what proportion of this kind of property escapes taxation it is impossible to discover, but there is ample proof that the proportion is very large. There can be no doubt that the value of intangible property grew during the last half of the nineteenth century much more than did the value of real estate. The census office has shown that the assessed value of real estate increased six or sevenfold and the assessed value of personal property only fourfold. In New York real estate in 1902 was assessed at nearly ten times as much as in 1850; personalty at no more than about four times as much. The figures are as bad, or worse, for nearly all other states. In California personal property for 1860 was forty-six per cent, of all property taxed: in 1905 it was only seventeen per cent. In Kentucky in 1904 intangible property was not quite eleven per cent, of the total roll, and six years later even this small ratio had been reduced to nine and one-half per cent. In Minnesota in 1910 the assessed value of money and credits other than mortgages was only $14,- 000,000.00; but the next year the amount assessed was increased nearly eight hundred and fifty per cent., because the tax was greatly reduced on it. The great and prosperous State of Ohio actually assessed $13,- 000,000.00 less of monies and credits in 1909 than it had assessed twenty- eight years before. The total value of such property taxed in Ohio in that year was only $137,400,000.00, while Pennsylvania, where the tax rate was very low, assessed nearly twelve times as much. A lowering of the tax rate in Maryland in 1896 raised the assessed value of taxable securities in Baltimore in one year from $6,000,000.00 to $55,000,000.00. It gratifies us to be able to say that in Virginia evasion of taxes on intangible property appears to have been less widespread than is usual in other states which maintain a uniform tax rate on all classes of prop- erty. The amount assessed under "Schedule C," of our tax law in 1887, which was the first year the Auditor's Eeport separates from it the figures for tangible personalty, was $38,476,076.00. By the end of the century it had grown to $61,057,879.00. During the past five years the assessment has been as follows: 1910 $ 93,375,876. 1911 102,680.897. 52 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. 1912 $105,584,105. 1913 141,967,315. 1914 157,138,100. It should be noted that these figures do not include the value of bank stock. We are forced to admit, however, that not all of what they do include is intangible property, for they embrace the value of "the ma- terials, goods, wares and merchandise on hand" "in any trade or busi- ness not otherwise taxed." Approximately the assessed value of these forms of tangible personalty seems to have been $25,000,000.00 in 1913, and $26,000,000.00 in 1914. This means that last year the commis- sioners of the revenue put upon the rolls $116,967,315.00 of intangible property, not including bank stock, and that this year the amount has grown to $130,899,212.00. This figure for Virginia compares very favorably with the Ohio assessment of $137,400,000.00 in 1909, or with the Minnesota assessment including mortgages (which were taxed at a very low rate) of $69,903,755.00 in 1910. But it scarcely relieves the situation to say that in this matter others have sinned more than we, for there is ample evidence that our own shortcomings are truly appalling. In the city of Baltimore alone there was assessed this year $35,000,000.00 more of intangible property than in the whole Commonwealth of Virginia. The United States census of 1910 showed the capital of Virginia manufacturers to be $216,392,- 388.00 The Auditor's Report for 1913 shows the assessed value of the capital of manufacturers combined with that of all others engaged in business not otherwise taxed to be only $27,695,436.00. The census re- port includes the value of real estate. But if we set off against that the capital of those included in the Auditor's figures who are not manu- facturers; and the offset is more than amply liberal; we find that the assessed value of manufacturers' capital was only 12.78 per cent, of the census valuation. In the different cities the ratio of assessed to true value was: Alexandria, 5.43; Danville, 16.94; Lynchburg, 19.45; Norfolk, 24.65; Petersburg, 18.80; Portsmouth, 3.69; Richmond, 40.45; Roanoke, 7.45; Staunton, 20.90; the rest of the State, 5.04. As compared with other cities, Richmond shows up well in the assess- ment of manufacturers' capital. The same seems to be true of the as- sessment of her other classes of intangibles. But we direct attention to the following facts: in 1913 the total assessment in the said city of bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt was only $4,846,174.00, while the deeds of trust alone which were recorded in the city in that one year to secure bonds and notes amounted to $14,563,039.35. Her best informed real estate men tell us that bonds and notes thus secured in the city amount to at least $70,000,000.00, in addition to the great but unknown amounts of credits otherwise evidenced. If this is true of Richmond, what must be the condition elsewhere? The amount of money on deposit assessed in the State last year was $14,002.721.00. This year, under a greatly reduced tax rate, the amount rose to $25,820,978.00. The increase appears creditable until we notice that a month after the last assessment the bank statements showed money on deposit in Virginia banks to be $150,527,998.00. In other words, the Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 53 money on deposit alone was approximately as much as the total amount of intangible property put upon the assessment rolls in the Common- wealth. As matters now stand in Virginia the estates of dead people are paying more than one-fifth of all the taxes collected from this class of property. The death of the owner often brings to light large quantities of it that he did not declare during his life. In the case of thirteen decedents, all of whose intangible property combined was assessed in the last years of their lives at only $14,000.00, the examiner of records showed that they owned at death $1,340,000.00 worth of it. Each of these men had declared on an average little more than one per cent, of his intangible property. One examiner of records secured and put upon the rolls twenty-one other cases of omitted assessments, amounting to $10,182,000.00. The same examiner writes us: "In an examination of some five hundred cases (of estates of more than $25,000.00) few have been found where there is listed any intangible property, and where- ever listed it was a mere bagatelle in comparison with their actual holdings." We believe that these facts suffice to show that very much the greater part of the intangible property now owned in Virginia is not listed for taxation. The Injustice of the Present Tax. The failure to list intangible property may be explained on two grounds. The first is, the ease with which it may be concealed so as to escape any taxation at all. Upon this we have already commented. The second is, the unuquul and unjust tax that is imposed upon it whenever it is declared. The combined State and local rates in Virginia vary between $1.15 and $3.75 on the $100.00. The average for the whole State is just about $1.50. But for real estate and tangible property these rates are merely nominal, since property of those classes is assessed far below its true value. As we show elsewhere, real estate in Virginia pays an average tax of a little less than .58 cents on the $100.00, and tangible personalty pays about .68 cents. But intangible property does not admit of underassessment in the same way. When listed at all, therefore, it pays an average tax that is more than twice as high as that on tangible personalty and nearly three times as high as that on real estate. In this great and glaring inequality many men find their justification for con- cealing the greater part of the intangible property they own. Furthermore, the rate when levied on the true value of property, in many localities, is exorbitant and unjust. At the present day, safe investments that will yield year by year a net income of more than five per cent, on capital are rare. To put a tax upon such capital that takes away between one-third and two-thirds of its total yield is a shock to common sense. And yet that is precisely what we do. A few illustra- tions derived from our actual observation will make this clear. Three years ago a resident of New York, attracted by the climate and other conditions of life here, contemplated moving to Virginia. He Report of Committee on Tax Revision. was receiving an income of $15,000.00 from investments aggregating $300,000.00 ; and on inquiry he was informed that in addition to the State income tax, he would pay, if he settled in Richmond, a tax on his capital of $5,250.00. He learned furthermore, that nowhere in the State would his taxes be less than $3.600.00, and that in some localities they would amount to upwards of $10,000.00. Our attention has been called to a number of similar instances of men who have been deterred from making their residence in Virginia by the unreasonable tax on this kind of property. A few years ago a young citizen of Virginia came into an inheritance of approximately $400,000.00. Under the former owner the property appears to have evaded taxes by the usual methods, but the new owner was ignorant of these methods, and out of an income from it of $16,- 500.00 he paid in the first year of his ownership an income tax of $165.00 and a tax on capital of $6,800.00. Needless to say, the second year found him no longer a resident of this State. Numerous instances of this kind have likewise been brought to our attention. Four years ago a farmer died in one of our counties leaving a wife and three small children and no property except his farm and its equip- ment. The family had lived in reasonable comfort and the children had been regular attendants at the public school. The widow, however, on account of her health, was unable to manage the farm, and on the advice of her friends she sold it. The property had been assessed at $5,500.00 and was sold for $15,000.00. The money was placed by friends of the widow in safe investments carefully selected so as to yield interest at six per cent. That is, her income was $900.00. The farm had been taxed $77.00, but the widow's investments, under identically the same rate, were taxed $210.00. This left her for the maintenance of herself and the three children $690.00 a year. We are of opinion that the tax was excessive, although the rate was somewhat less than the average rate in the State. Three years ago a clergyman in one of our cities was compelled by reason of age and failiner health to resign his charge. For many years it had been his ambition to make such provision for his declining years as would prevent his becoming dependent on the church, his friends, or the public. By rigid economy and the aid of two small legacies he had become possessed of $10,000.00, from which his income on retirement was $512.00 a year. He paid $300.00 a year for food and lodging, and $170.00 in taxes. This left him just $3.50 a month for clothing, church dues, charity, medicines, and the gratification of the tastes of a refined and scholarly gentleman, who had fought four years for the State, and served more than forty years as a minister of the Gospel. We submit that in this case also the tax was too high. Bad Effects of the Present Tax. We have selected these illustrations because they are typical of the way in which different classes of our people are affected by the tax on intangible property when the tax law is administered. We might mul- tiply them indefinitely, but we believe they suffice to show three things. Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 55 First, the tax prevents much capital from coming into the State. Second, it compels much capital now in the State to lie concealed or to move out of it. Third, it is unjustly burdensome to honest people of all classes and particularly oppressive to those of small means. Methods of Reform Tried in Other States. To make clear our reasons for the changes we recommend in this tax we wish to call attention very briefly to the methods of reform that have been tried elsewhere. Three policies may be distinguished among governments at the present time. 1. Stringent Administration. The main features of the first policy may be best studied in the tax history of Ohio. It aims to collect a tax at a uniform rate on property of all classes and to perfect the administration in such a way as to drive intangible property from its hiding places. To that end a former Ohio law required each tax payer to list under oath his personal property and its value, and empowered the county auditor to summon him before the probate court, where he was to answer under penalty for contempt of court any question with regard to his personalty that the auditor might ask. Furthermore, the auditor might summon a bank cashier or anyone else supposed to be acquainted with the taxpayer's affairs and compel him also to testify under oath. Such an investigation might cover the preceding five years, and if evasions or false statements were discovered, the taxpayer was liable for back taxes during that period, with a penalty added of. fifty per cent. Some years later the legislature provided that county officers might employ tax inquisitors who were to seek out by any means in their power all property that was evading the law, and as compensation these inquisitors were to receive a share of the taxes collected through their efforts. As a recent writer has said, the only known expedient that Ohio seems to have overlooked was the use of torture such as was used in the Roman empire to force taxpayers to disclose their estates. The results of this policy were worse than useless, for many property owners were driven from the State ; the tax inquisitor law is said to have given rise to extensive blackmail ; and in 1909 the amount of intangible property assessed was many millions of dollars less than it had been a quarter of a century before. So long as the rate of the tax was two and one-half per cent, no human device was able to extort it from any save the weak and helpless. The Constitution recently adopted in Ohio has retained a stringent tax administration, but greatly softened and irn proved its methods. It also retained a uniform tax rate on all property, but it lowered that rate by more than fifty per cent. In consequence of these reforms the assessed value of intangible property in 1913 though still very low for a state as rich as Ohio, was more than- double what it had been in 1909. The experience of all other states that have tried the policy outlined 56 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. above has been similar to that of Ohio and Virginia. Efforts to enforce it strictly have invariably done more harm than good. 2. Exemption from Direct Taxation. The second policy that has been developed in this field consists in exempting intangible property from direct taxation and attempting to reach it by indirect methods. European governments have advanced furthest in this direction, but certain States of the Union have also made progress in it. Wisconsin, indeed, has gone so far as to substitute an income tax for the tax on intangible property. But, as commonly found, this policy is based on the theory that a well devised system of corporation taxes, recording taxes or stamp taxes, and the like, will automatically bring about a shifting of the burden of the payment on property to the true owner, where it belongs. We are of the opinion that it is possible to construct such a system as would accomplish, at least in large measure, the purpose in view; but we present no bill to that end for two reasons. In the first place, no such system can be planned and the different parts and elements be so adjusted and correlated as to work without friction and give justice to the interests concerned without an investigation and analysis of con- ditions that should extend over a period far longer than that for which our Committee was created. Indeed, an attempt to put such a system at once into operation as a whole would be at any time unwise. It should be developed gradually, if at all, by tentative steps the effect of which could be observed over a period long enough to test their wisdom. We should carefully study during the next few years the develop- ments proceeding now in other states, whose progress has been more rapid than our own, and profit by their experience. The second reason why we make no recommendation based on this policy is that our Constitution requires that all property shall be taxed, except such as is specifically exempted by that instrument. We do not consider it within our province to recommend action that would require an amendment to the Constitution. 3. A Very Low Tax Rate. The third policy that has had a marked development involves the taxing of intangibles at a much lower rate than other property. ,The plan appears to be based primarily on the ground of expediency. Since the greater part of this class of property will evade all payments if taxed at the full rate, it is held that the interest of the government demands the lowering of the rate to the point where the tax will yield an appreciable revenue. In justification it is urged that the assessment of real estate and tangible personalty are always much lower than the assessment of intangibles, and therefore a different rate is fairly appli- cable. Furthermore, it is argued, a tax on credits and securities is after all double taxation, since these things are merely evidences of a claim on property that is already taxed. This policy appears to have grown in popularity. Twenty-five years ago Connecticut reduced the Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 57 rate on bonds, notes and other choses in action to twenty cents on the one hundred dollars; and in eighteen hundred and ninety-seven the rate was raised to forty cents, where it still remains. Pennsylvania likewise has long taxed intangible property at a rate of forty cents. New York permits the payment on mortgages and other secured debts of one half of one per cent, (fifty cents on the one hundred dollars) in lieu of all other taxes, and this procures exemption for the life of the debt. Mary- land, Minnesota and Iowa have also reduced the rate on property of this class greatly below that on other classes. For obvious reasons this policy has always produced a great increase in the quantity of intangible property assessed. So great has been, this increase that the low rate has seldom caused a material loss of revenue; on the contrary, particularly when the rate has been in operation long enough to accomplish its full effect, the revenue has usually shown some gain. Regarded merely as a fiscal measure the plan seems to have been a success. We believe, however, that the rates adopted in most of the states mentioned above, most particularly in New York, are too low; that they throw an unjust burden upon the classes taxed at a higher rate, and that a tax on intangible property of forty cents is no easier to collect than a somewhat higher tax would be. The Proper Rate for Virginia. None of the policies now in operation commend themselves to us in toto, but there are certain features of each that we recommend as arvplicable to the conditions in Virginia. Justice and expediency both demand that the rate shall be lowered. We recommend for all intangible property embraced in "Schedule C," with three exceptions to be noted presently, a uniform rate throughout the Commonwealth of one dollar on the one hundred dollars. This would be a reduction of thirty-three and one-third per cent, of the average rate now pievalent in the different counties and cities. We propose a uniform rate for two reasons : first, to prevent discrimination by local authorities ; and second, to prevent evasion of taxes by fictitious removals from place to place. We admit that as compared with the tax now collected from other classes of property the rate we recommend is still too hisrh. Several considerations, however, led us to agree upon it. In the first place, we had to take account of the revenue necessities of government. The ex- perience of our first year under an exceedingly low tax rate on money deposits did not encourage us to believe that increased assessments of other intangibles under a low tax would prevent during some years a serious loss that would confuse the fiscal affairs of the State and the localities. Again, we do not believe that public opinion has been pre- pared by adequate discussion to accept the seeming discrimination that is indicated by a wide divergence of rates, and it would hardly be the part of wisdom to adopt a measure that would be nullified by hostile sentiment. Furthermore the reduction we recommend, though perhaps less than the owners of intangible property might in justice demand, would afford them great relief from their present burdens. And finally, 58 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. we hope that the administrative reforms we elsewhere recommend will brm about fairer assessments and thereby render possible lower tax rates on property of this and of all other classes. To this last considera- tion we attach great importance. Our present system throws the greater part of the whole tax burden on the owners of such property as can be seen and located. They do not escape this burden by low assessments, for low assessments compel higher tax rates. These rates are now such as to drive intangible property into concealment, so that it is after all the farmers and owners of other real estate and property readily found that must inevitably pay. It is onlv by just assessments and fair rates on all, that intangible property can be made to assume its share of the burden, and that corresponding relief can be afforded to those now bear- ing an unjust portion of it. The Tax on Deposits. From our recommendation of a uniform rate of one per cent, we have excepted three classes of intangible property. The first exception is "monev on deposit or otherwise." The act of the present year fixing the rate of twenty cents on this class of property was passed by the same members of the General Assembly who will con- sider this report. It was thoroughly discussed before its passage, and we have no reason to suppose that arguments that convinced the General Assembly of its wisdom in January would weigh less at the present time. Furthermore, we regard it as a wise experiment to try on one class of intangible property the effect of a very low rate, and the act has not yet been in force long enough for its full -effect to be shown. Such an experiment works no appreciable injustice and does not greatlv affect the State's revenues, while its results may be of no little use to the framers of future legislation. The Tax on Municipal Securities. The next exception consists of the bonds, notes and other evidences of debt of our counties, cities and towns. In twenty-four states such securities are entirely exempt from taxation, and these states embrace forty-one of the principal American cities. In Virginia it is customary for our localities to exempt their own bonds in the hands of their own residents; but these bonds are taxable by all other localities where they may be held, as well as by the State. The result is that the Common- wealth affords a poor market for securities of its own municipalities, and consequently a great part of them have to be disposed of in other states. This naturally causes a higher rate of interest than would other- wise be necessary, and deprives the government of all revenue whatsoever fj-om securities so disposed of. Thus the attempt to raise revenue from them at the current local rates defeats its own purpose, at the same time that it greatly hampers the praiseworthy policies of many pro- gressive localities. Since the Constitution requires that all property be taxed, we recommend that this class of intangible property be re- quired to pay only the present State tax in lieu of all others. Chapter II Tlie Taxation of Personal Property. 59 The Tax on Mortgages. We turn to the third class excepted from the proposed rate of one per cent., which consists of mortgages of a certain character, and on which we recommend a State tax of thirty-five cents in lieu of all other taxes. We freely admit that this recommendation is based on grounds of public policy rather than fiscal considerations; but at the same time we believe that the State's revenue will materially benefit by its adoption. It has given us great difficulty to define in words the class of mortgages to which we wish the low rate to apply. It was in our minds to furnish relief to the relatively small borrower who can offer as security only his home or farm or some similar prop- erty. Such security from such a borrower is apt to be as safe as any in the world. But it is verv often difficult for him to effect a loan, be- cause he and his property are not known outside of the locality where he resides. Sometimes he wants the money in order to achieve improve- ments and betterments in property that he already has; but very often he seeks it, not with a view to investing it or using it in such a way that it will earn a larger percentage than the interest he pays on it, but rather to acquire a home, to tide over an emergency, or to retain pos- session of property to which he alreadv has a title. Particularly in our rural regions such a borrower is at a great disadvantage, unless he happens to know personally some one who is able and willing to lend him the money he needs. Usuall}?", as is well known, he must apply to a lawyer or to some other agent to whom he pays a fee or brokerage charge of from two to five per cent in addition to paying on the money borrowed the highest rate of interest that the law allows. Indeed, it appears that in some regions the law is evaded, and interest is paid con- siderably above the legal rate. Furthermore, such loans while difficult and costly for the borrower, are not very attractive to the lender. By reason of its local nature the security is hard to negotiate. The lender finds it often impossible and always difficult to get back his money before the due date of the mortgage. When once he has lent it on a mortgage of this character, it is tied up for from eighteen months to three or five years, according to the custom established for such loans in his locality. We hold that such loans are in a different class from the bonds for large loans, whether issued in series or othorwise, that are secured by mortgage upon the property of a great corporation or upon other prop- erty that is widely known, or which can be easily examined and its value ascertained. Such bonds have a wide and ready market; they pass from hand to hand almost as freely as currency itself; the rate of interest on them in Virginia is often more than thirty per cent, lower than on farm mortgages ; they usually represent loans that are contracted for productive purposes; and in many other respects they enjoy a dis- tinct advantage over the small local mortgage. But the two classes shade into each other by such imperceptible degrees that it is very diliicult to draw the line between them without appearing to effect a purely arbitrary discrimination between the instruments falling nearest together on each side of the line. The result of our efforts to make a 60 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. reasonable discrimination appears in the first class 'of "Schedule C," which we have re-classified so as to provide for the exceptions to the uniform tax rate, and which appears later in this chapter. Administrative Reforms. With a few pleasing exceptions the assessment of intangible property is now made by the owner of it. It has long been the custom for most commissioners of the revenue to accept without question the declaration of the tax payer, and no means whatever is provided for aiding the commissioner to check the accuracy of it. Under this practice the custom of evasion has become so deeprooted and widespread. that merely to lower the tax rate would hardly suffice to secure the proper listing of property. Therefore, the bill we propose provides that when property not listed by the tax payer is subseauently discovered, it shall be taxed, not at one per cent., but at the highest rate fixed for property of any class in the locality where the tax payer resides, and that the tax shall be collected for all the years during which the owner has failed to list it. Furthermore, we recommend that the law regarding recovery by suit on evidences of debt be amended so as to require the plaintiff to establish as part of the groof of his claim the fact that all matured taxes on it have been paid. That this may not work undue hardship upon the plaintiff the proposed amendment provides that the certificate of the proper treasurer showing that the taxes have been paid shall be prima facie evidence of the payment. The law has long provided that there could be no recovery by suit on evidences of debt on which the taxes have remained unpaid, but the provision seems to have fallen into general disuse. We believe that by making the proof of tax payments a part of the proof of the claim itself, the intent of the law will be more effectively administered. In the next place, we propose certain minor amendments to those suctions of the code relating to the duties of the commissioners of the revenue. The purpose of the amendments is to classify and strengthen the mandatory character of the provisions of the law, and to define more accurately the commissioner's duties. With regard to the class of deeds of trust or mortgages described above, we recommend that the tax be collected at the time the instrument is recorded. We also recommend that the returns by tax payers to the commissioners shall be reviewed by examiners of the records, who in the discharge of the duties already devolving upon them acquire much information that should be used in the assessment of intangible property. We should expect from the adoption of these proposed measures an improvement of conditions in the taxation of intangible property. But the members of this committee are unanimous in the belief that far reaching reform cannot be accomplished unless there be created a State tax board or commission, whose composition and powers will be such as will enable it to exercise a close and intelligent supervision over the administration of the tax laws. If the General Assembly should see fit to segregate intangible property for exclusive State taxation, the func- tions of the State tax board in this field will have greatly increased importance. Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 63 Segregation of Intangible Property for State Taxation. In the plan presented in another chapter providing for a system of partial segregation, we have assigned intangible property to the list of sources of State revenue. While this measure is new and thus far un- tried, we believe that we have sufficient reason for the assignment. The act creating this Committee made it mandatory that we report a general system of taxation "upon the lines of segregating certain subjects" to the use of the Commonwealth, and others to the use of the localities. The essential feature of such a system, as it exists in some other States, is found in the reliance of the State upon taxes derived from corpora- tions, which enables it to leave real estate for almost exclusively local taxation. After careful investigation we did not find it expedient, for reasons set forth in the chapters on banks and public service corpora- tions, to recommend that the total yield of the corporation taxes be assigned to the State. Therefore, in order that real estate and tangible personalty might be made to bear only a local tax, there was no other means of bringing the State's revenues within reasonable approximation to its needs than the assignment to the State of the whole tax on prop- erty included in "Schedule C." 62 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. A BILL To impose additional duties upon the examiners of records of the several judicial circuits, with reference to the review of assessments made by the commissioners of the revenue of intangible personal property and incomes of persons, firms or corporations of their respective judicial circuits. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That the exam- iner of records, in addition to the duties now imposed by law, shall annually review the intangible personal property and income returns as- sessed by the commissioners of revenue, and shall examine the records, both State and Federal, within their respective circuits and elsewhere, with a view of ascertaining and reporting for taxation any and all intangible property and incomes not returned or omitted from assess- ments in the returns of any person, firm or corporation to the several commissioners of the revenue and report the same for taxation. 2. As soon as such examinations and valuations are made, the exam- iner of records, under the terms and provisions of the act creating that office, shall make report thereof to the commissioner of the revenue of the county or city for which such examinations are made, in such form as shall be prescribed by the , and there- upon such commissioner of the revenue shall enter upon his personal property books the name of the party chargeable with said tax on omitted assessment or income with the valuation as ascertained, and assess the taxes thereon as if such intangible property or income had been listed by the individual person, firm or corporation. The examiner of records, if he have information of an improper assessment or grounds to believe such assessment is improper, or that an assessment has been omitted, shall report such information or grounds to the ; and if it direct such investigation, he then shall have authority to summon the tax payer, or his agent or any person having information on the subject, before him, and require him to answer under oath any questions touching the ownership of intangible property or income held by such person, firm or corporation, and the valuation of said property, and should the person., firm or corporation, agent or witness refuse to furnish the information requested, such person, firm, or corporation, agent or witness shall be liable to a fine of not less than ten and not more than one hundred dollars, to be recovered as other fines due the Com- monwealth. 3. The answers required under oath of the person, firm, corporation, agent or witness shall not be disclosed except by the order of the , or unless called for by a court of record. 4. If any person, firm, corporation or agent consider himself ag- grieved by such assessment or valuation, the same shall be corrected Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 63 under the provisions of sections five hundred and sixty-seven and five hundred and sixty-eight of the code of Virginia, as amended. 5. The examiner of records shall be entitled to receive as compen- sation for his services under this act, to be paid in the same manner as the compensation is now paid to them under the act creating such officers, a commission of one tenth (1/10) of one per centum for the first one and a half million dollars of aggregate amount of property assessed uuaer this act, and one twentieth (1/20) of one per centum on all amounts in excess of one and a half million dollars ; provided, the examiner of records shall refund and pay into the treasury the compen- sation paid him on all property hereafter reported by him that shall be relieved of taxes erroneously assessed thereon and the compensation paid him on all property upon which the taxes hereafter assessed are not collected and are returned delinquent, and shall be liable therefor under the bond required by law to be executed. 6. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act are hereby repealed. 64 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. A BILL To provide for the taxation of bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, of individuals or corporations, and all other demands and claims however evidenced, representing the principal debt or obligation, secured by deed of trust, mortgage, or vender's lien on real estate or personal property, situated or located in this State, the due date of which is five years or less. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That all bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, of individuals or corporations, and all other demands and claims however evidenced, representing the prin- cipal debt or obligation, secured by deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien on real estate or personal property, situated or located in this State, the due date of which is five years or less, are hereby segregated for the purpose of taxation from each and every other kind or class of intangible personal property, and are hereby declared to be a separate and distinct subject of taxation within the purview of the said section one hundred and sixty-nine of the Constitution of this State, and all such evidences of debt, secured on real estate or personal property, situated or located in this State, the due date of which is five years or less, shall be taxed as herein provided, and shall be exempt from all other taxation by the State, counties, cities, towns, school districts and other local sub-divisions of this State, except as herein provided ; but nothing herein shall exempt such property from the operation of the laws relating to the taxation of inheritances, or those governing the taxation of banks, trusts and security companies, or insurance companies, nor shall the exemption con- ferred by this section be construed to impair or in any manner affect the title of any purchaser of land or real estate which may be sold for non- payment of taxes or levies thereon by this State, or any political sub- division thereof. Provided, that this act shall not apply to deeds of trust, mortgages or vendor's liens taken in good faith by persons or corporations whose personal property is expressly exempted from taxa- tion by the Constitution. 2. That in addition to the recording tax imposed by section thirteen of an act of the general assembly of Virginia, approved April sixteenth, nineteen hundred and three, entitled "an act to raise revenue for the support of the government and to pay interest on the public debt and to provide a special tax for pensions as authorized by section one hundred and eighty-nine of the Constitution," an annual property tax of thirty- five cents is hereby imposed upon each hundred dollars and each re- maining fraction thereof, of the principal debt or obligation which is, or under any contingency may be, secured by any deed of trust, mortgage, or vendor's lien, conveying real estate or personal property, situated or located in this State, the due date of which principal debt or obligation Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 65 is five years or less, which is recorded on or after the first day of July, nineteen hundred and fifteen, and shall be collected and paid as provided for in this act. If the principal debt or obligation which is or by any contingency may be, secured by any such deed of trust, mortgage or ven- dor's lien, recorded on or after the first day of July, nineteen hundred and fifteen, is less than one hundred dollars, an annual property tax of thirty-five cents is hereby imposed on said bond, note or other evi- dence of debt, and shall be collected and paid as provided in this act. 3. That the property taxes imposed by this act, representing the principal debt or obligation, secured by deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien on real estate or personal property, situated and located in this State, the due date of which principal debt or obligation is five years or less, shall be due and payable for each and all such years, according to the fact, at the time of the recordation of each such deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien conveying real estate or personal property subject to taxes hereunder and which at the time of the recorda- tion of any such instrument shall be deemed and held as levied for the year or years to accrue within said due date period of five years or less, reckoning from the beginning of the tax year on February first, provided that in case the due date of any such principal debt or obliga- tion shall be made at less than one year, the said tax shall be paid thereon for one year at the rate herein provided. All such property taxes shall be paid to the recording officer of any county or city in which the real estate or personal property, or any part thereof is situated, but such tax shall be levied and the same shall be collected by the record- ing officer of the county or city in which the instrument is first recorded. It shall be the duty of the recording officer to endorse upon each such deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien by which any such principal debts or obligations are secured, a receipt for the amount of the property tax so paid, and its form in substance shall be "property tax on the prin- cipal debt or obligation secured hereby of dollars paid." If the principal debt or obligation secured by any such deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien be exempt from taxation the endorsement shall be "exempt from property tax." In case the recording officer shall be unable to determine whether a claim of exemption should be allowed the said tax shall be paid, to be held by such recording officer to abide the order of the circuit or corporation court of such county or city, made upon motion of the Commonwealth's attorney, or of the claimant upon notice, as required by the court. Any deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien embraced within the terms of this act, when endorsed as herein provided, may thereupon or thereafter be recorded by any recording officer. The recording of such receipt, or the endorsement of the clerk on any such deed of trust or vendor's lien showing the receipt of such property tax, shall be conclusive proof that the amount of tax stated therein has been paid upon such mortgage, deed of trust or vendor's lien. 4. That no deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien conveyino- reai estate or personal property, situated or located in this State, to secure bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, of individuals or corporations the due date of which is five years or less, shall be recorded by any recording officer of any county or city in this State, unless and until there Report of Committee on Tax Revision. shall be paid the property tax imposed by and as in -this act provided,, which is hereby declared to be the property tax on all such evidences of debt, and shall not be construed to be a registry or recording tar within the meaning of the Constitution. 5. No such deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien, nor papers relating to its foreclosure, nor any assignment of release or satisfaction thereof, shall be recorded or registered after the first day of July, nine- teen hundred and fifteen, unless said property tax shall have been paid; nor shall any such document, or any record thereof, be received in evidence in any court, or have any validity as notice or otherwise. 6. That in the case of a deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien of real estate or personal property to secure bonds, notes, or other evidences ol debt, recorded prior to the first day of July, nineteen hundred and fifteen, if the holder or holders (or their agents or attorneys) of such bonds, notes, or other evidences of debt, representing the principal debt or obligation, the due date of which is five years or less, secured by any such instrument, shall present the same, or a certified copy thereof, to- the clerk of the court wherein such instrument has been first recorded and shall pay to the said clerk the property tax prescribed by this act upon the principal debt or obligation secured by such instrument, in the manner herein provided, then such bonds, notes, and other evidences- of debt shall be exempt from all other taxation as provided herein. 7. That the property tax of thirty-five cents on each hundred dollars and on each remaining fraction thereof as hereinabove provided to be levied and collected, shall be paid into the State treasury and shall be applied to the support of the grovernment, provided that from and out of the tax on all such property paid .to and received by the State there shall be set aside ten cents on every hundred dollars of the value thereof, which shall be applied to the public free schools of this State. 8. That the clerk of each county and city in this State shall record daily, as received, in a book kept separate for that purpose, all sucli property taxes received by him under the provisions of this act. 9. That the clerk, or recording officer, collecting or receiving the aforesaid property tax on all such bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt as herein provided to be levied and paid, shall receive as compen- sation for his services in collecting and paying over such tax a com- mission of one per centum on all amounts so received, and shall make a settlement with the proper officer of the State on the first day of each month succeeding the first day of July, nineteen hundred and fifteen, and shall thereupon pay into the State treasury all such sums as may be due the State for such taxes. 10. That all acts and parts of acts in conflict with this act 'be, and the same are, hereby repealed. Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 67 A BILL To amend and re-enact sections 494, 496, 497 and 498 of chapter 24 of the code of Virginia, relating to the assessment and valuation of personal property, as amended and re-enacted by an act approved January 8, 1898, entitled "an act to amend and re-enact sections 494, 496, 497 and 498 of the code of Virginia, relating to the assessment and valuation of personal property. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That sections four hundred and ninety-four four hundred and ninety-six, four hundred and ninety-seven and four hundred and ninety-eight of chapter twenty- four of the code of Virginia, relating to the assessment and valuation of personal property, as amended by an act approved January eighth, eigh- teen hundred and ninety-eight, entitled "an act to amend and re-enact sections four hundred and ninety-four, four hundred and ninety-six, four hundred and ninety-seven and four hundred and ninety-eight of the code of Virginia, relating to the assessment and valuation of personal property," be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows: Sec. 494. Commissioners to apply to tax payers to answer interroga- tories; oath thereto. The commissioner, or Ids duly qualified deputies, shall, on personal application to each person, firm and corporation re- siding, doing business, or having an office in his district, obtain answers to interrogatories addressed to such person, firm, or corporation not otherwise taxed on its property, in order to ascertain from them all personal estate, money, contracts and credits which are owned by such person, firm, or corporation and are subject to assessment for taxation under this chapter. The person about to render to 'the commissioner or his deputies, the information necessary in order to answer such in- terrogatories shall take and subscribe an oath to the following effect, namely: I do solemnly swear that the answers which I am about to give to the commissioner and which are to be embodied in the following paper shall be true, to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I do not own any property not mentioned in the following answers. So help me God. And it shall be the duty of such person, firm, or corporation to give a true and perfect answer to each and every interrogatory addressed to him by the commissioner or his deputies. And if necessary, in order to obtain such answers, the commissioner shall apply in person at least once to such person, firm, or corporation, and if such answers are not obtained it shall thereafter be the duty of the tax payer to seek the commissioner, and upon failure to render such answers for a period of fifteen days the commissioner, or his deputies, may, upon the best in- formation obtainable by him, ascertain the facts necessary to enter answers to such interrogatories, which he is hereby required to enter. 6$ Report of Committee on Tax Revision. In case of a firm, the oath shall be taken and interrogatories answered by some one or more members of the firm, and in case of a corporation, the oath shall be taken and interrogatories answered by some officer or agent of the corporation. The shall prepare and furnish to the commissioners the blank interrogatories, to- gether with all necessary blanks required bv law, with the required oath printed in advance of such interrogatories, which oath shall be taken before the commissioner, his deputies, or some other person authorized to administer oaths, and it shall be signed by the tax payer, and where a person answers the interrogatories for another, he shall make and sign the oath as if he were acting for himself. The interrogatories so taken shall be delivered to the commissioner, or his deputies, and by him filed with the clerk of the circuit or corporation court of his county or city, which said oath shall be certified by the commissioner or other officer before whom said oath is taken. The commissioner of the revenue shall require each person, natural or artificial, residing in his county or district, city or town, to make out and deliver to said commissioner a list in detail of the date, amount for which originally given, but not the name of the debtor, the dates and amounts of the credits thereon, the balance due and the time of payment of all bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt due and payable to such person from debtors residing out of or within the State or county, city or town, in excess of one hundred dollars, and a statement of the aggregate amount of all bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt under one hundred dollars each; provided, however, that there shall not be included in such list any bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt secured by deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien on real or personal property, situated or located in this State, the due date of which is five years or less, when such instrument securing the same has been recorded and the tax provided by law paid on the principal of the indebtedness thereby secured. This list and statement shall be signed and sworn to by the tax payer before the commissioner of the revenue or a notary public, or some person authorized to administer oaths, who shall certify that said list was signed and sworn to before him. The commissioner shall sign the lists and determine the fair market value of the bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt therein enumerated, subject to an appeal by the tax payer from such valuation to the circuit or corporation court within the time provided by law; provided, however, that the tax payer shall not be allowed to deduct from the aggregate amount of such bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, or any part thereof, any sum repre- senting bonds, notes, or other evidences of debt owing by him to others as such principal debtor, nor as guarantor, endorser or surety; and provided further that no bond, note, or other evidence of debt, consti- tuting a part of the capital used by any merchant or manufacturer of the business done in or out of this State, and taxed as such capital, shall be included in said list. Any one who shall sig;n and swear to a false list or statement shall be deemed guilty of perjury. The list and statement herein provided for shall be delivered by said commissioner to the clerk of the circuit or corporation court of his Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 69 county or city, who shall file the same in his office properly labeled, keeping the list for each year separate. If any person, firm or corpora- tion shall fail or refuse to make out and deliver under oath such list and statement as herein provided for, showing all such bonds, notes, or other evidences of debt required to be BO listed and returned, then the omitted evidences of debt shall not be recoverable by action at law or iuit in equity in any of the courts of this Commonwealth, or by any legal process, until they shall have been reported for assessment and the taxes then due paid thereon for the years that they should have been paid, with an addition of fifty per centum of the amount of said unpaid taxes, and the court in which any such action at law or suit in equity is pending shall require the plaintiff to establish as a part of the necessary proof of his claim the fact that such list and statement has been so returned and all matured taxes paid; provided, that the certifi- cate of the treasurer of such countv, city or town, showing that all matured taxes thereon have been paid, shall be prima facie evidence of such payment. The failure to make out such list and statement to the said commissioner shall be taken as prima facie evidence of the inten- tion to evade the payment of taxes ; provided, however, that where in any uch action at law or suit in equity it is ascertained that there are unpaid taxes and penalties on the evidence of debt sought to be en- forced, and the suitor testifies in court, or makes affidavit, that he is unable to pay these taxes and penalty, but is willing for the same to be paid out of the first recovery on the evidence of debt, the court shall have authority to enter as a part of any judgment or decretal order in said proceedings that the amount of taxes and penalties due and owing shall be paid to the proper officer out of the first collection on said judgment or decree. Sec. 496. Commissioner to assess valuation of property; if tax payer dissatisfied, matter to be determined by board of review of assessments. The commissioner, or any one of his duly qualified deputies, shall, upon his own view or upon such information as he may obtain or possess, assess a fair market valuation on all property which appears to be owned by the tax payer from the answers to the interrogatories as required by the two preceding sections ; and where it is practicable, the commissioner, or his deputy, shall read over the answers and interrogatories, with the valuation he may assess, to the person from whom such answers are obtained, or on whose information it is made out, and it shall be cor- rected, if necessary. If any tax payer consider himself aggrieved by the valuation of the commissioner, or any of his duly qualified deputies, uch person shall have the right to refer the matter in controversy to the board of review of assessments of his county or city, who shall hear and determine such complaint within the time and in the manner pro- Tided by law. Sec. 497. Penalty of tax payer for refusing to answer interrogatories and swear thereto. If any person subject to taxation on personal prop- erty, and who is required to furnish answers to interrogatories, fail or refuse, upon application, to make such answers and to take an oath to the truth and fairness thereof, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, 70 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than thirty nor more than one thousand dollars for each offense. Sec. 498. Tax payer fined if he refuses to exhibit property; commis- sioner fined if he takes answers not sworn to. If anv person refuse to exhibit to the commissioner, or any one of his duly qualified deputies, any property mentioned in the answers to the interrogatories, or required by this chapter to be taxed, in order that a fair market valuation thereof may be assessed, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon con- viction, be punished by a fine of not less than twenty nor more than one hundred dollars. Any commissioner or any one of his deputies who shall receive any answers to any such interrogatories as a sufficient re- turn of personal property without requiring the same to be sworn te according to law, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon convic- tion, be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than five hundred dollars, and shall be subject to removal from office in the manner provided by law. If, upon complaint to the judge of the circuit or corporation court of the county or corporation, supported by the sworn affidavit of two or more reputable tax payers, it shall appear to the satisfaction of the court that the commissioner of the revenue of such county or corpora- tion, or any of his deputies, has not complied with the requirement! of the law relating to the assessment of property for taxation, the judge shall forthwith remove such delinquent commissioner or deputy, and appoint his successor. 2. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act are hereby repealed. 3. The collection of current revenue being affected an emergency is declared to exist, and this act shall be in force from its passage. Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 71 A BILL. To amend and re-enact sections 8 and 9 of an act, entitled "An act to raise revenue for the support of the government and public free schools, and to pay the interest on the public, debt, and to provide a special tax for pensions as authorized by section 189 of the Con- stitution," approved April 16, 1903, as amended by an act approved March 12, 1908. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That section! eight and nine of an act, entitled "An act to raise revenue for the support of the government and public free schools, and to pay the in- terest on the public debt, and to provide a special tax for pensions as authorized by section one hundred and eighty-nine of the Constitu- tion," approved April sixteenth, nineteen hundred and three, as amended by an act approved March twelfth, nineteen hundred and eight, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows : Sec. 8. The classification under Schedule C shall be as follows : First. All bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, of individuals or corporations, and all other demands and claims however evidenced, representing the principal debt or obligation, secured by deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien on real estate or personal property, situated or located in this State, the due date of which is five years or less. Second. All bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, of individuals or corporations, and all other demands and claims however evidenced, representing the principal debt or obligation, secured by deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien on real estate or personal property, situated or located in this State, which are due and payable in the first instance at a period over five years from date, and any renewals or extensions thereof. Third. All bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, of individuals or corporations, and all other demands and claims however evidenced, representing the principal debt or obligation, secured by deed of trust, mortgage or vendor's lien on real estate or personal property, situated or located in any state or country other than Virginia and not recorded in this State; provided, that all such evidences of debt which are se- cured by the deposit of any valuable securities, as collateral security for the payment of such bonds, notes, or obligations, whether deposited under an agreement, and held by a trustee or otherwise, shall be deemed to be included herein; and all bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, of states or countries, and of all political sub-divisions thereof, other than Virginia. Fourth. All bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, of the coun- ties, cities and towns, and other political sub-divisions of this State. 72 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Fifth. All bonds, notes, and other evidences of debt, of individuals or corporations, except such as are included in the preceding classes. Sixth. All capital of individuals, including moneys, credits, or other thing loaned, used or employed in business out of this State. Seventh. All capital of corporations, or incorporated joint stock companies not otherwise taxed; and when all of such capital is taxed by this State, the shares of such stock in the hands of individual share- holders shall not be further taxed for State purposes; but real estate belonging to such corporations and companies shall not be held to b& capital, but shall be listed and taxed as real estate. Eighth. All capital of individuals invested, used or employed in tny trade or business not otherwise taxed. Moneys and credits actively used and employed in carrying on the trade or business, materials, goods, wares, and merchandise on hand, and all solvent bonds, notes de- mands or claims made or contracted in the course of business during the preceding year, but not including any moneys on hand received from loans made for a period of not more than four months, which shall be owing and shall have been actually contracted for the necessary conduct of such business shall be held to be capital in such trade or business, and shall not be taxed otherwise than as such capital; but real estate shall not be listed as such capital, but shall be listed and taxed as real state. Ninth. All moneys and the value of the principal of personal es- tate and credits under the control of a court receiver or commissioner, in pursuance of an order, judgment or decree of any court, or in the hands or under the control of an executor, administrator, guardian, trus- tee, agent, or other fiduciary; and all money and the principal of per- sonal estate and credits deposited to the credit of any suit, and not in the hands of a receiver or other fiduciary. All of the property included in this ninth class shall be taxed at the same rate as like property is taxed in the possession or under the control of the .owner. Tenth. All money on deposit with any bank or other corporation or firm or person, or in the possession or under control of the owner, whether such money be actually in or out of this State and belonging to a citizen of this State, which shall include certificates of deposit of any bank, banking association, trust or security company ; provided, that money as herein defined shall not be liable to taxation by any of the counties, cities, towns, school districts or other local sub-divisions of this State. Eleventh. All shares of stock of corporations or joint stock com- panies, except such corporations and joint stock companies all of whose capital is taxed by this State, or which pay a franchise tax in this State, and banks, banking associations, trust and security companies, which are otherwise taxed in this State. Sec. 9. The taxes on intangible personal property shall be as follows : On all property embraced in this schedule there shall be a tax of one dollar on every hundred dollars of assessed value thereof, one-fourth whereof shall be paid into the State treasury for the expenses of the Chapter II The Taxation of Personal Property. 73 State government, and the remaining three-fourths thereof shall be paid into the treasury of the county or city in which it shall have been as- sessed and collected; and thereupon the treasurer of any such county in which there is an incorporated town shall apportion the sum so received between the county and town in which said taxes shall have been as- sessed and collected in the same proportion as the revenue received from other taxable property in such town is distributed between the said county and town, and shall thereupon, and within thirty days after its receipt, pay over to the treasurer of such town its proper proportion of such tax. Provided, however, that the tax on intangible personal prop- erty embraced in classes one and four of this schedule shall be thirty- five cents on every hundred dollars of the value thereof, which is hereby segregated for State purposes only under the provisions of the Consti- tution, which shall be paid into the State treasury and applied to the payment of the expenses of the government; and. provided, further, that on money on deposit with any bank or other corporation or firm or per- son, or in the possession or under the control of the owner, whether such money be actually in or out of this State or in the hands or under the control of a court receiver or commissioner, or other fiduciary, or on deposit to the credit of any suit in any court, and not in the hands of a receiver or commissioner, or other fiduciary, the tax shall be as pro- vided by law ; and, provided, further, however, that from and out of the tax on all such property paid to and retained by the State for the .expenses of the State government there shall be set aside ten cents on every hundred dollars of the assessed value thereof, which shall be ap- plied to the public free schools of this State. The tax herein provided, or as shall be prescribed by law, on all such property embraced in this schedule, shall be in lieu of all other tax thereon whatsoever for State, county, municipal or local purposes ; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to exempt any corporation from the payment of the registration fee and franchise tax, or to exempt mer- chants, mercantile firms or corporations from the payment of city, town, county, district and road levies on the net amount of capital on hand on the first day of February of each year, at a rate not exceeding seventy- five cents on each one hundred dollars, or fraction thereof, of such capital. Provided, that in the event any tax payer shall fail, without just cause shown, to return for taxation any intangible personal property under the provisions of this schedule within the time prescribed by law, and it is ascertained thereafter that any such personal property has not been so returned for taxation, it shall be assessed when discovered, and taxed at the full rate of taxation provided for real estate in this State, which shall include the State rate and the local rates and levies of the county, district, town or city wherein the owner or tax payer has his legal residence, and when so discovered and assessed, such property shall be assessed for the year or years for which the owner or tax payer shall have failed to make the returns required by this schedule within the time prescribed by law. 2. The collection of public revenue being affected, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this act shall be in force from its passage. 74 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. To be Used as a Part of Schedule C if Segregation be Adopted. *y Sec. 9. The taxes on intangible personal property shall be as follows: All property embraced in this schedule i-s hereby segregated for the purpose of taxation, and declared to be separate and distinct subjects of taxation within the purview of section one hundred and sixtv-nine of the Constitution of this State, and shall be exempt from all other taxa- tion by the State, counties, cities, towns, school districts and other local sub-divisions of this State; provided, that nothing herein shall exempt such property from the operation of the laws relating to the taxation of inheritances, or those governing the taxation of banks, trust and se- curity companies, or insurance companies. On all property embraced in classes two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine and eleven in this schedule there shall be a tax of one dollar on every hundred dollars of the assessed value thereof, which shall be paid into the State treasury and applied to the payment of the expenses of the government; and on all property embraced in classes one and four in this schedule there shall be a tax of thirty-five cents on every hundred dollars of the value thereof, which shall be paid into the State treasury and applied to the payment of the expenses of the government; and on all property embraced in class ten in this schedule, as well as money in the hands or under the control of a court receiver or commissioner, or other fiduciary, or on deposit to the credit of any suit in any court and not in the hands of a receiver or commissioner, or other fiduciary, as defined in class nine of this schedule, the tax shall be as provided by law. Provided, however, that from and out of the tax on all such property paid to and retained by the State for the expenses of the State government there shall be set aside ten cents on every hundred dollars of the assessed value thereof, which shall be applied to the public free .schools of this State. Provided, further, however, that in the event any tax payer shall fail, without just cause shown, to return for taxation any intangible personal property under the provisions of this schedule within the time prescribed by law, and it is ascertained thereafter that any such personal property has not been returned for taxation, it shall be assessed when discovered, and taxed at the full rate of taxation provided for -real estate in this State, which shall include the State rate and the local rates and levies of the county, district, town or city wherein the owner or tax payer has his legal resi- dence, and when so discovered and assessed, such property shall be as- sessed for the year or years for which the owner or tax payer shall have failed to make the returns required by this schedule within the time prescribed by law. Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 75 CHAPTER III. LICENSE LAWS AND TAXES. Occupation taxes are very old in this Commonwealth. They were first used in order to regulate and control more effectively pursuits that might be dangerous to the public welfare when not subjected to govern- ment supervision. Many of these still survive in the so-called "policed" licenses. The revenue from this source early became sufficient to draw attention to the possibilities presented by a more extended license sys- tem. Consequently, the growing need of more revenue, and the diffi- culty of getting it, under the defective administration of a general prop- erty tax system, naturally suggested a license tax on lucrative occupa- tions that could not be reached to much purpose by an ad valorem tax on the capital invested in them,. During several generations, as new formi of enterprise have arisen, the license system has been extended to in- clude them. It was a ready and certain method of raising revenue, it evaded the difficulty of making accurate assessments, and it was easy and simple to administer. Occasionally the tax was roughly graded, but more often a flat tax was imposed without regard to the amount of business done, or the profits arising from it. As the years passed these occupation taxes, or licenses, became very numerous, and they now pro- duce a large part of the State's revenue. There has never been any investigation of the effect of these taxes on the particular industries that bear them, nor on general business conditions in the State. From time to time the representatives of some line of business have made it clear to the General Assembly that they were overtaxed, and have had their own payments reduced without regard to the effect such reduction might have on other interlocked lines of busi- ness. At other times the tax has been raised on various forms of enter- prise, apparently for no particular reason except that the money was needed and it was believed that the increase would be paid without too much unpleasant clamor. Thus special rates have been fixed, raised and lowered with no broad underlying policy, with no effort to adjust them into a regulated system, with no regard to their general industrial influence, and with no possibility of knowing whether they approached equality in distributing the burden of taxation. At present this whole group of taxes impresses us as being in a condition of chaos. It has been utterly impossible for this Committee during the brief period of its existence to carry through an investigation that would show the actual influence of these taxes on the business life of the Common- wealth. A proper and reasonable readjustment of them would require watching their operation for several years and far more efficient ad- ministrative methods of enforcing them than those now prevailing. Probably in no other branch of our system of taxation is the need so urgent for a permanent board or commission qualified by its powers and 76 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. composition to give close and constant attention to the working of the tax laws. We know of no other means than through such an agency for the General Assembly to keep itself informed with regard to a matter of such grave importance to the welfare of the Commonwealth. Merchants' Licenses. As thorough investigation as was possible in the time at our disposal we have made, and it is the basis of a number of amendments which we propose in what is commonlv called the "tax bill." Perhaps the most notable of these amendments concerns merchants' licenses. The Committee held several public hearings for the merchants and conducted quite extensive inquiry and investigation on its own account, but there were many obstacles in the way of getting accurate information. Some merchants were very frank and helpful to us, but many more were either apathetic or showed a reserve that indicated sus- picion. Among other measures, at the suggestion of the officials of the Retail Merchants' Association, we prepared an interrogatory which was cent to more than four hundred merchants of standing in different, parts of the State. From several of the larger cities we received no reply at all. The most informative of the returns made to us came from Norfolk. A few firms and individuals in other places were equally frank. But many affirmed that their books were not in such condition that they could answer some of the questions without more labor than they were disposed to give to it. Others merely left blank the questions they preferred not to answer; and the overwhelming majority suppressed the- interrogatory altogether. Out of the hundreds that we sent out only twenty came back full enough and clear enough for us to use. They represented such an infinitesimal part of the commercial business that we were unable to base any conclusion upon them. We mention these facts to illustrate the difficulty of completing such an investigation in the time allotted by law for the work of this Com- mittee. The amendments we propose, therefore result from the inquiries and investigations made personally by the members of the Committee. Before noting our recommendations we wish to call attention to a misunderstanding that grows out of naming a merchant's payment to the State a "license." Practically every merchant that appeared before 1 us objected strenuously to the Virginia requirement that he "take out a license." It was said to be an unjust discrimination between the merchants and the men in other branches of business. It was repre- sented as an antiquated and burdensome imposition that had been aban- doned by nearly every other progressive State in the Union. In reality , however, the merchant's tax in this State is not a "license" in the true sense. It is a tax levied by the Commonwealth in lieu of a property tax, a substitute for an ad valorem tax on his capital, a tax based on the- amount of business he does and not on the value of the property he uses in that business. As compared with the tax on capital levied in those states that do not use our method the more thoughtful merchants an- 'imanimous in preferring our tax on purchases. , ( Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 77 We recommend that the miniiimin tax be raised from five dollars on purchases not exceeding one thousand dollars, to ten dollars on purchases of two thousand dollars or less. It is likely that there are in the State a few deserving individuals who add a little to the family income or who eke out a wretched livelihood through business conducted on a very meager scale. But the majority of those paying the minimum tax con- ceal their actual purchases and evade payment of what the law requires. The Auditor's report shows that in 1913 no less than 11,351 merchants, which is more than half of all those doing business in the State, paid the minimum tax of five dollars. Among them are most of those persons who with little experience and less capital are attracted into "store-keeping" by its supposed opportunity for speculative gains, by its respectable standing and by its seemingly small requirement of energy and labor. For a few years they cut into the custom of competent and responsible merchants, then usually fail leaving the greater part of their stock in trade unpaid for. Since we do not consider it good public policy to encourage this class of so-called merchants, and since we believe that many others are concealing their purchases, and paying only the lowest tax, we recommend that the minimum be made ten dollars on purchases of two thousand dollars or less. We further recommend that on all purchases between $2,000.00 and $50,000.00 the rate be reduced from $3.00 to $2.00 a thousand. The present tax is out of proportion to the tax levied on men in other forms of business. Thus a merchant in fairly active business with a capital of $10,000.00 would have annual purchases of $40,000.00. He would pay the State for his license $124.00, and in addition he would be taxed by the local government $115.00 on his capital, altogether, therefore, his taxes would be $239.00. His neighbor, a manufacturer, with an equal amount of capital, would pay a combined State and local tax of only $150.00. The illustration assumes, of course that the assessments are correctly made in both cases. In fact, however, the excessive tax induces underassessment, and evasion of the law on the part of the merchants is as common and is due to the same causes, as in the case of owners of intangible property. A just rate and better administration would greatly increase the government's revenue from this source. We also recommend that on purchases only of wholesale merchants in excess of $50,000.00, the tax should remain as at present, one dollar on the thousand. This recommendation would effect no change in the present law so far as wholesale merchants are concerned. But it in- creases the present tax on large retail merchants. At present the merchant's tax is degressive. The small merchant pays in proportion to the amount of business he does several times as much as his powerful competitor. Our recommendation simply means that the rate should be the same for both. The growth of the means of communication, the establishment of the parcels post, improved advertising facilities and sundry developments along other lines, now enable the strong city mer- cantile houses to reach far into the field of the local merchant in the small town and rural district. In the keen competition for custom the small merchant should not be handicapped by the imposition of a higher tax rate than is levied on his rival. T8 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Other Licenses. With regard to liquor licenses we make no recommendation by rea- on of the near approach of statewide prohibition. The present tax on building and loan associations is degressive in its nature. We find no justification for this and therefore we recommend that the tax be levied at a uniform rate in order that the burden of the large associations be made proportional to that of the small ones. The present tax on the sellers of "soft drinks" appears to be too small in proportion to the profits of the business, and quite out of proportion to the tax on other branches of trade. Accordingly, we recommend that the tax be doubled. We have reason to believe that the requirement of a special license for retailing tobacco, cigars and cigarettes was inadvertently repealed by the General Assembly, and we recommend that the former law be re-enacted. One of our proposed amendments involves a readjustment of the tax on moving picture shows. Its purpose is merely to equalize the tax among them. Another amendment would put brokers who receive or distribute provisions or merchandise in the same class with commission merchants and levy the same tax upon them. We have ascertained that under the guise of brokerage a considerable volume of business is carried on which is practically the same as that of a commission merchant, and we see no reason for taxing them at a different rate. We recommend the repeal of the tax on barbers, on the ground that its yield is less than the cost of collecting it. We also recommend reducing the license of peddlers of country produce from $50.00 to $25.00, because we regard the business as par- ticularly worthy of encouragement. On the other hand, we recommend an increased tax on the vendors of salves, medicines, liniments and other like compounds for the reason that the prevalence among them of fraud and quackery render their business one to be discouraged. It will be remembered that at its last session the General Assembly revoked the requirement of a license from physicians. We* have found throughout the State widespread dissatisfaction that this calling should have been more favored than dentistry, veterinary surgery, law and architecture. We refrain from requesting the re-enactment of the doctors' license requirement for the reason that it would be unbecoming in us to ask the General Assembly to reverse itself in a matter so recently and so deliberately acted upon. We do, however, recommend the ex- tension of the license tax to include civil, electrical and mechanical engineers. Presumably they were omitted when similar licenses were first adopted for the reason that engineering at that time was hard to define and had hardly established itself as a learned profession. In relation to this whole group of professional licenses we wish to say that it may well be questioned whether their retention is in accord- ance with sound public policy. We should have at least seriously con- sidered recommending the repeal of all of these but for the possible Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 79 effect upon the revenues of the whole body of legislation proposed in this report. It is true, that we fully expect that if the measures we suggest are adopted, there will be an increase rather than a decrease of revenue. But it is impossible to forecast with absolute certainty the effect of the modifications. We regard other reforms that we present as far more important than the readjustment or repeal of the professional licenses. Therefore, in as much as they are a relatively small burden upon the individual while their yield is very considerable, we recommend their retention until the effect of any new legislation can be ascertained. Some of the other amendments we propose would make minor changes in rates. But the greater number of them are intended merely to give greater clearness to the law and make it easier to administer. We reproduce here consecutive sections of the "tax bill" and indicate the proposed amendments. CONSECUTIVE SECTIONS OF THE "TAX BILL," INCLUDING THE SECTIONS WHICH IT IS PROPOSED TO AMEND. 45. Every person, firm, company or corporation engaged in the busi- ness of a wholesale or retail merchant shall pay a license tax for the privilege of doing business in this State to be graduated by the amount of purchases made by him during the period for which the license is granted, and all goods, wares and merchandise manufactured by such merchant and sold or offered for sale, in this State, as merchandise, shall be considered as purchases within the meaning of this section; provided, that this section shall not be construed as applying to manufacturers taxed on capital by this State, who offer for sale at the place of manu- facture, goods, wares and merchandise manufactured by them. To as- certain the amount of purchases it shall be the duty of such merchant, on the first clay of April of each year, or within ten days thereafter, to make report in writing, under oath, to the commissioner of the reve- nue, for the district for which he was licensed, showing purchases as above defined, and also all snoods, wares and merchandise manufactured and sold or offered for sale in this State during the next preceding twelve months ; except such goods, wares and merchandise as is manu- factured by persons, firms and corporations taxed on their capital by this State. The form of the report required bv this section shall be prepared by the auditor of public accounts and furnished to each com- missioner of the revenue, and by him distributed to each licensed mer- chant; and each commissioner shall, in the mode prescribed for making sucii lepuit by him of violations of the revenue law, report every mer- chant who shall fail to comply with the requirements of this section. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than thirty dollars, or more than one thousand dollars for each offense. For the purposes of taxation hereunder merchants shall be classified as wholesale and retail merchants. Every person, firm, company or cor- poration who shall engage exclusively in the business of selling or offering for sale goods, wares and merchandise of any kind to licensed retail mer- 80 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. chants shall be deemed a wholesale merchant, and every other merchant selling to consumers shall be deemed a retail merchant. Merchants' License. 46. For every license to a retail merchant, firm, company or cor- poration, as defined in section forty-five, engaged in the business of a merchant, the amount to be paid shall be graduated as follows : If the amount of purchases shall not exceed two thousand dollars the amount shall be ten dollars; when purchases exceed two thousand dollars, there shall be paid twenty cents on each one hundred dollars in excess of two thousand dollars. For every license to a wholesale merchant, firm, company or corpora- tion, as defined in section forty- five, engaged in the business of a mer-' chant, the amount to be paid shall be graduated as follows: If the amount of purchases shall not exceed two thousand dollars, the amount to be paid shall be ten dollars; when the purchases exceed two thousand dollars and not more than fifty thousand dollars, there shall be vaid twenty cents on the one hundred dollars, and upon all purchases of over fifty thousand dollars there shall be paid ten cents on every one hundred in excess of fifty thousand dollars. Provided, further, that goods, wares and merchandise not belonging to a merchant which are offered for sale by the merchant or by another person at the merchant's duly licensed place of business shall require such merchant to take out the license of a commission merchant. The sums imposed under and by virtue of this section shall be in lieu of all taxes for State purposes on the capital actually employed by said merchant or mercantile firm or corporation in said business, except the registration fee and franchise tax, and except that such merchant shall not b$ exempt from the payment of county, district, and road levies on the net amount of capital on hand on the first day of February of each year and may be required to pay the usual county, district, and road levies thereon, notwithstanding this act. The word "capital" shall include moneys and credits actively used in carrying on the business, including goods, wares and merchandise on hand, and all solvent bonds, demands and claims made and contracted in the busi- ness during the preceding year; but real estate shall not be held to be capital, but shall be assessed and taxed as other specific property. All other property held by such merchant or firm or corporation engaged in mercantile business, not offered for sale as merchandise, shall be separately listed and taxed as other property. The sums required by this section to be paid when the license is taken out shall be collected in the same manner that the amounts required to be paid for other licenses are collected. If, after the close of the year for which his license is issued, the merchant should elect not to renew it, but desires the privi- lege to sell whatever remnant or purchase he may have on hand at the time, it may be lawful for him to do so upon the payment for a license upon said remnant of merchandise to be regarded for purposes of reve- nue as purchases. Dealers in coal, wood or ice paying license tax under this section may peddle the same from vehicles without paying additional tax. But nothing in this section shall be so construed as to require a Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 81 license of any person who may canvass any county or corporation to buy lambs, pigs, calves, fowls, eggs, butier and such like small matters of sub- sistence designed as food for man, but any person who shall keep a place of business for the purpose of selling such articles in, or within a half mile of any city, or town in the State, shall take out license therefor, as hereinbefore prescribed; provided, that dealers in coal and wood in cities of forty thousand inhabitants or more who veddle the same from ve- hicles shall pay an additional tax of fifty dollars for each wagon thus used. Merchant on Train. 46V2. That every person, firm, company or corporation engaged in the business of selling on railroad trains in this State, newspapers, periodicals, magazines, candies, fruits, et cetera, shall pay a license tax at the rate of ten cents for each and every mile of track for which the person, firm, company or corporation operates in this State. The person, firm, company or corporation desiring to take out the license required by this act shall make a sworn statement of the trackage over which it is proposed to operate in Virginia, and file the same with the commissioner of the revenue, to whom he applies for the license. Any person, firm, company or corporation making a false statement under oath as to trackage shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense. The license required by this act shall be issued by the commissioner of the revenue, and the tax thereon shall be paid to the county or city treasurer where the license is issued, in the same manner other licenses are applied for and tax thereon paid is now provided by law. The license issued under this section shall be good on railroad trains through- out the State. Oyster Packers. 46V 2 . (a). Every person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of shucking or packing oysters in this State shall pay a license tax for the privilege of transacting such business, to be graduated by the amount of oysters shucked or packed by him during the period for which his license is granted. To ascertain the amount of ovsters shucked or packed, it shall be the duty of such person, firm or corporation, on the first day of April of each year, or within ten . days thereafter, to make report in writing, under oath, to the oyster inspector for the district for which he was licensed, showing the amount of oysters actually shucked or packed by him during the next preceding twelve months. The form of repoit required by this section shall be prepared by the auditor of public accounts and furnished to each oyster inspector and by him distributed to each licensed oyster packer, and each inspector shall, in the mode prescribed for making such report by him of violations of the oyster laws, repoit every oyster packer who shall fail to comply with the re- quirements of this section. Any person, firm or corporation violating Report of Committee on Tax Revision. the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than thirty dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars, for each offense. Oyster Packers' Licenses. 46Vfe. (b). For every license to a person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of shucking 1 or packing oysters, the amount to be paid shall be graduated as follows: If the amount of oysters shucked or packed by such person, firm or corporation shall not exceed twenty-five thousand gallons, the amount shall be five dollars. When the amount of such oysters exceeds twenty-five thousand gallons, but does not ex- ceed fifty thousand gallons, the amount shall be ten dollars. When the amount of such oysters exceeds fifty thousand gallons, and does not exceed one hundred thousand gallons, the amount shall be twenty-five dollars. When the amount of such oysters exceeds one hundred thousand gallons, and does not exceed two hundred thousand gallons, the amount shall be fifty dollars. When the amount of such oysters exceeds two hundred thousand gallons, the amount shall be one hundred dollars. The sums imposed under and by virtue of this section shall be in lieu of all taxes for State purposes on the capital actually employed by said person, firm, or corporation in said business. The word "capital" shall include moneys and credits actively used in carrying on the business, including goods, wares and merchandise on hand, and all solvent bonds, demands, and claims made and contracted in the business during the preceding year: but real estate shall not be held to be capital, but shall be assessed and taxed as other specific property. All other property held by such person, firm, or corporation shall be listed and taxed as other property. The sums required by this section to be paid when the license is taken out shall be collected in the same manner that the amounts required to be paid for other licenses under the oyster laws of the State are collected, and shall be accounted for as part of the oyster fund. Railroad and Other Incorporated Companies Which Sell Mineral or Forest Products or Other Articles. 47. Every railroad company or other incorporated company in this Commonwealth, whether such privilege be gi anted in its chaiter or not, which shall sell any mineral or forest product, or any other article, shall be taxed as other merchants dealing in like commodities. This act shall apply to companies keeping commissaries, or having agents for the sale of any other article than their own product: provided, 'that nothing herein contained shall prevent a railroad company from buying and dis- tributing to its employees, as part of their compensation, meat, meal, aud flour, at the cost price thereof; but nothing in the foregoing shall be construed as requiring a company selling the products of their own mines, or lands, or manufacturers, to pay a merchant's license for so doing. Any railroad company or other incorporated company selling any article or product on account of the owner, and receiving a compen- Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 83 sation therefor other than for transportation, storage, or handling as provided for in its charter, shall pay a license the same as commission merchants. It shall be the dutv of the commissioner of the revenue to ascertain the liability of such individuals or companies in this State to the payment of such license taxes, and shall assess the same in the same manner as other merchants. Commission Merchants and Brokers. 48. Every person, firm or corporation doing business in this State who receives or distributes provisions and merchandise, including flour, hay or grain, shipped to such person, firm or corporation for distribution on account of the shipper, or who participates in the profits ensuing from or accruing out of the sales of such provisions or merchandise, including flour hay or grain, or who invoices such sales or collects the money therefor,, shall be deemed to be a bioker who receives or distributes provisions and merchandise, including flour, hay or grain. Every person, firm, or corporation, buying or selling for another any kind of merchandise on commission shall be a commission merchant. Any person, firm or corporation licensed as a commission merchant may sell any personal property which may be left with or consigned to him for sale, except wine, ardent spirits and malt liquors, gold or silver coin, bonds, certificates of public or private debts or other securities; provided, however, that any such merchant may sell wine, ardent spirits and malt liquors, gold or silver coin, bonds, certificates of public or private debts or other securities, by taking out the license therefor prescribed in the case of liquor merchants or stock brokers. Any person, firm or corpora- tion buying or selling contrary to the provisions of this section, or who shall in any manner violate the same, shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars for each offense. Commission Merchants and Brokers' License. 49. Every person, firm or corporation shall pay for the privilege of transacting the business of a commission merchant or broker the sum of fifty dollars piovided, the commissions do not exceed one thousand dollars,, but when the commissions exceed one thousand dollars, the tax shall be fifty dollars, and an additional tax at the rate of one dollar on each one hundred dollars, or fi action thereof, of commissions in excess of one thousand dollars; and if the license is to include the privilege of selling wine, ardent spirits, and malt liquors, gold or silver coins, bonds, ceitiiicates of public or private debts, or other securities, there shall be paid, in addition, the amounts required in each case to be paid by liquor merchants and stock brokers and in like manner. Sale by Peddlers. 50. Any person who shall carry from place to place, any goods, wares, or merchandise, and oil'er to sell or barter the same, or actually sell or barter the same, shall be deemed to be a peddler, and any person 84: Report of Committee on Tax Revision. licensed as a peddler may sell any personal property a merchant may sell, or he may exchange the same for other articles; and whenever a license is granted to a peddler to sell such goods, wares, or merchandise, his license shall be valid for one year from date of its issue. Said li- cense shall not be transferable, and any person so licensed shall endorse his name on the said license, and such license shall confer authority to sell at any house or place within the county or city in which the license was granted. Any peddler who shall peddle for sale or sell or barter without a license shall pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense, one-half of which shall go to the informer; any person selling: or offering to sell as a peddler shall exhibit his license on demand of any citizen of the county, city, or town in which he sells or offers to sell or barter; and upon his failure or refusal to do so he shall be subject to the penalties of peddling without a license. This section shall be construed to include persons engaged in peddling lightning rods. All persons who do not keep a regular place of business (whether it be in a house, on a vacant lot. or elsewhere), open at all times in regular business hours, and at the same place, who shall offer for sale goods, wares and merchandise, shall be deemed peddlers under this act. All persons who keep a regular place of business, open at all times in regular business hours and at the same place, and who shall personally, or through their agents, offer for sale or sell, and at the time of such offering for sale, deliver goods, wares and merchandise, elsewhere than at such regular place of business, shall also be deemed peddlers as above, but this section shall not apply to those who sell or offer for sale, in person or by their employees, ice, wood, meats, milk, butter, eggs, poultry, fish, oysters, game, vegetables, fiuits, or other family supplies of a perishable nature grown or produced by them and not purchased by them for sale. Peddlers' License. 61. For the privilege of peddling or bartering in any county, city or town, there shall be paid two hundred and fifty dollars for each per- son so engaged or employed, when he travels on foot, and when he peddles otherwise than on foot, the tax paid shall be five hundred dollars, ex- cept that the tax on peddleis of ice, wood, meat, milk, butter, eggs, poultry, fish, oysters, game, vegetables, fruits or other family supplies of a perishable nature, not grown or produced by them, shall be twenty- five dollars for each vehicle used in such peddling, and except that the tax on peddlers of pianos and organs shall be ten dollars for each per- son engaged in selling pianos or oigans from a peddler's wagon, said tax to be paid to the proper officer of each county, city, and town wherein such wagon is so used; provided, however, that nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent any city or town from requiring an additional license tax on such peddlers of pianos and organs, where the charter of such city or town authorizes it to impose license taxes, and except that the tax on the peddlers of lightning rods shall be two hundred dollars, and that peddlers in coal and wood in cities of over forty thousand in- habitants who peddle the same from vehicles, shall pay a tax of fifty Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 85 dollars for each vehicle used; provided, that no State license tax shall be imposed on peddlers of meats sold in the country. Every vehicle used in peddling as aforesaid shall have conspicuously dis- played thereon the name of the peddler using the same, together with the street and number of his residence, if he resides in any city or town. It shall be the duty of the commissioner of revenue to issue a peddler's license to a person desiring to obtain the same, upon the presentation to him of the ceitificates of the county or citv treasurer that the license tax has been paid to him. Nothing under this or the preceding section shall be construed to require of any fanner a peddler's license for the privilege of selling or peddling farm products, wood or charcoal grown or produced by him. Lightning Rod Merchant. 51 (a). 1. That any person, firm, or corporation who sells by sample in person or through agents taking orders and thereafter delivering the lightning rods and all material necessary to the erection of the same to the person or persons from whom said orders have been secured and erecting the same as directed, the same shall be known as a lightning rod merchant. 2. Every such lightning rod merchant shall pay a specific State license tax of twenty-live dollars for each license year, which shall not be subject to any abatement, and shall, in addition to said State license, secure from the commissioner of every county or city, in which such business is done an additional license for each license year of ten dollars. 3. Nothing in this act shall apply to peddlers of lightning rods selling and delivering same at the time of the sale. Any person, firm, or corporation, selling contrary to the provisions of this act shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollais for each offense. Sale or Barter of Patent Rights. 52. No person, except the patentee, shall sell or barter the right to manufacture or use any machinery or other thing patented under the laws of the United States, without first having obtained a license there- for from some commissioner of the revenue of a county or citv, which license shall grant the privilege of selling anywhere in the State, but if used out of the county or city where granted shall be authenticated by the certificate of the clerk of the circuit court of the county, or the clerk of the corporation court of the city where granted, that the person signing the same is really the commissioner of the revenue, and that his signature is believed to be genuine. A separate license shall be required on each patented thing of which the right to make or use is sold, but any person owning the State right for any patented thing may sell anywhere in the State through agents provided with a copy of his license thus obtained certified as hereinbefore provided. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each oifense. 86 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. License for Sale or Barter of Patent Rights. 53. Every person who shall sell or barter the right to manufacture or use machinery or other thins: patented under the laws of the United States, except the patentee, if he be a citizen of the United States, shall pay for the privilege the sum of twenty-five dollars. Nothing in this or the preceding section shall be construed to authorize the sale of the article or thing patented. Land Agents. 54. No person, firm, or corporation shall without a license, act as a^-ent for the sale of lands. Any person licensed as a land agent may sell land in this Commonwealth entrusted to him for sale. Anv person selling land or offering to sell the same, who is not an auctioneer, or who has not the fee simple title, or any other less estate therein, shall be held to be a land agent; but this section shall not be construed to prevent any person not engaged in the business of selling land for compensation from selling, without license, any lands for the sale of which he has a duly authenticated power of attorney, nor commissioners and receivers appointed by the courts, nor executors of wills, nor trustees in deeds of trust. For any violation of this section the person offending shall pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense. License on a Land Agent. 55. A land agent shall pay for the privilege of selling land entrusted to him for sale, the sum of ten dollars and one-eighth of one per centum on amount of sales; provided, however that if his place of business is in a town or city of more than two thousand and not exceeding three thousand inhabitants, he shall pay the additional sum of ten dollars; if in a town or city of more than three thousand and not exceeding four thousand inhabitants, he shall pay the additional sum of twenty dollars; if in a town or city of more than four thousand and not exceeding five thousand inhabitants, he shall pay the additional sum of thirty dollars; if in a town or city of five thousand inhabitants or more, he shall pay the additional sum of forty dollars; and, provided, further, that where there is a firm of land agents doing business at one locality, said tax shall be on the firm and not on each member thereof. Book Agents. 56. No person, firm, or corporation shall, without a license, act as a book agent. Any person, firm or corporation, other than a licensed merchant, who shall receive subscriptions for, or shall in any manner furnish books, maps, prints, pamphlets or periodicals, shall be deemed to be a book agent. Any person desiring to distribute or sell any religious books, pamphlets, or periodicals, may apply to the judge of the county, circuit Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 87 or corporation court of any county or city in which he may desire to distribute or sell the same and said judge, upon being satisfied that the person applying is of good character, and a proper person in whom to confide the trust of selling or distributing such books, may direct the commissioner of the revenue to grant him a license without the payment of a license tax therefor. Any person, firm, or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each offense. License on Book Agents. 57. A book agent shall pay for the privilege of acting as such the sum of ten dollars. Auction Sales; Who May Sell Without a License. 58. N"o person shall sell at auction or public outcry, for compensation, without a license, except in the following cases to-wit: First. The estate of a decedent may be sold by his personal repre- sentative or his agent, according to law or the provisions of the will. Second. Property conveyed by deed of trust, or decreed or ordered to be sold by a court, may be sold according to the deed, decree or order. Third. Any person may sell the agricultural products of this State arising from his own or other labor under his control, or his real or personal estate not sold or purchased on speculation. Fourth. Any officer may sell property distrained by him under execution or other legal process. Fifth. Licensed commission merchants may sell live or dressed fowls, fresh vegetables, and fresh fish, upon taking out license of a common crier. Auctioneer's Account of Sales. 59. Every auctioneer other than a tobacco auctioneer shall keep an account of sales made by him, showing the aggregate amount thereof; and whenever required by a commissioner of the revenue, shall render an account for assessment, of all his sales during the period for which his license was granted, and shall sign and answer all interrogatories respecting such sales as may be propounded to him in pursuance of law. Such accounts, statements and answers shall always be on oath. What An Auctioneer May Do. 60. An auctioneer may conclude the sales of anything he is auth- orized to sell, grant a certificate or other evidence of the sale, and re- ceive the money; but no auctioneer shall authorize or permit any person to sell any property under and by virtue of his license, except the person so authorized or permitted is actually and bona fide in the employment of such auctioneer, and is actually and bona fide a resident of the county 88 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. or, city where such auctioneer is licensed to do business, and the com- missions on such sale are actually and bona fide for the benefit of such auctioneer; and no license shall be construed to authorize the person to whom it is issued to sell at more than one regular establishment; bur an auctioneer may sell anywhere in the county or city wherein he is licensed, public stocks, houses, lots, and furniture or ships or vessels. on the premises where the same may be or at the exchange or the store of a regular licensed merchant declining business, or goods in the origi- nal form and packages as imported and bulky articles such as have been usually sold in warehouses, or in the public streets, or on the wharves, or at such other places in the county or city wherein such auctioneer is licensed, as shall be desired by the owner or importer of such bulky articles or imported goods. If any auctioneer shall violate any of the provisions of this section, he shall forfeit and pay for every offense twenty dollars, to be recoveied for the use of the party prosecut- ing the same before a justice of the peace, in like manner as other fines and penalties are imposed and collected. The offer to sell each article shall be deemed a sepaiate offense . Classification of Auctioneers. 61. Auctioneers shall consist of general auctioneers, real estate auc- tioneers, and tobacco auctioneers, and shall be so classified that their poweis and duties and the restrictions and penalties thereon shall be separate and distinct that is to say : General Auctioneers; What They May Sell. 62. Any person, licensed as a general auctioneer, may sell any goods, wares, merchandise, and other articles not prohibited by law; but he shall not sell wine, ardent spirits, malt liquors or any mixture thereof, unless and until he shall have obtained a license therefor in the mode prescribed by law. General Auctioneers' License. 63. A general auctioneer shall pay the sum of fifty dollars, and if tin* place of business is in a city or town having a population of more than five thousand inhabitants, two dollars for every thousand above that number; but said sum shall in no case exceed one hundred and thirty dollars. And he shall pay an additional sum of one-fourth of one per centum on the amount of sales for the year. If he sells wine, ardent spirits, malt liquors, or any mixture thereof, he shall pay one-half of oiv per centum on the amount of such sales. Real Estate Auctioneers. 64. Any person licensed as a real estate auctioneer, may sell, in the county or city wherein he is licensed, at auction or privately, any real estate in this Commonwealth entrusted to him for sale; provided that Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 89 no such auctioneer shall be allowed to negotiate loans upon a mortgage of real estate or otherwise, without taking an additional license as a private banker. For any violation of this section the person so offend- ing shall pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars, for each offense. Real Estate Auctioners' License. 65. A real estate auctioneer shall pay the sum of fifty dollars ; if the place of business is in a city or town containing a population of five thousand inhabitants or under, he shall pay seventy-five dollars; if hi z city of more than five thousand, but not exceeding twenty thousand inhabitants, he shall pay one hundred dollars; and in a city of more than twenty thousand inhabitants, he shall pay one hundred and twenty- five dollars. Tobacco Auctioneers. 66. Any person or firm licensed as a tobacco auctioneer may sell at auction any tobacco, not prohibited by law to be sold. For any violation of this section the person or firm offending shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundied dollars for each offense. Tobacco Auctioneers' License. 67. Tobacco auctioneers shall pay for the privilege of transacting business twenty-five dollars, except in cities they shall pay fifty dollars; and, provided further, that in incorporated towns the auctioneer for any warehouse or warehouses in which were sold during the previous year, ending Apiil thirtieth, five million pounds or moie of tobacco, shall pay fifty dollars; but in any case where such sales amount to less than one million pounds, the tax shall be only ten dollars. Licenses to Retailers of Tobacco. 68. No person not a producer shall be allowed to sell bv retail to- bacco, snuff, or cigars without having obtained a specific license to do so. The sums to be paid by retailers of tobacco, snuff, or cigars shall be for said privilege a specific tax of five dollars, which shall be assessed and collected as other assessments upon license, but which shall not be in lieu of merchants' license on purchases. Junk Dealers, Canvassers, Etc. 69. No keeper of a shop, for the purpose herein mentioned, or master of a vessel, or other person, shall, without a license authorized by law, purchase, sell, barter, or exchange any kind of second hand articles, junk, rags, bones, bottles, puer, scrap, metals, iron, paper, old lead pipe, old bath-room fixtures, or other like commodities, except furniture, clothes, shoes and stoves intended to be re-sold for use as such. The 90 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. hustings or corporation court of any city, and the circuit court of any county, may grant a license to any citizen of the United States who shall produce to it satisfactory evidnece of his good character to carry on the business of a junk dealer which license shall designate the build- ing in which said person shall exercise or carry on said business; and no person shall exercise or carry on the business of a junk dealer with- out being duly licensed, nor in any other building than the one desig- na*ed in said license, ex-c-pr by the consent of the court which granted the license, under the penalty of fifty dollars for each day he shall exer- cise or carry on said business without such license, or in any other building than the one so designated, except by the consent of the court aforesaid. The place at which such business may be conducted shall be kept open for the purchase or sale of any of the articles mentioned aforesaid. Nor shall any purchase be made by such person, or by any other person or persons for him, except between the hours of sunrise and sunset; and such place of business shall be open at all times to the inspection of any revenue or police officer of the county or corporation wherein the license issued. Every person receiving such license shall place over the principal entrance of his place of business a sign designat- ing that he is a licensed junk dealer. No person shall canvass for the purpose of buying any junk or other like commodity enumerated above in this section, for any such junk dealer, or for sale to such junk dealer, or to any other person unless such person be authorized so to do, in writing, by some junk dealer licensed under this section. Every such junk dealer, desiring to appoint such canvassers, shall take out a license for such number as he shall wish to appoint. Such canvasser's license shall be issued in the name of the dealer applying therefor, and shall state the number and names of the persons such dealer shall be entitled to appoint. And no dealer shall at any time appoint a greater number of canvassers than is named in his license; but he may at any time appoint additional canvassers upon first obtaining an additional license therefor. Canvassers so appointed shall be permitted to canvass any- where in this State. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each offense. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed or operate to prevent any person, firm, or corporation keep- ing or operating a foundry from exchanging his new castings for old ones, or from buying any old metals or old machines for use in his business, or to be renovated and sold; but nothing herein contained shall authorize any foundry man to buy any old metals or old machines, and sell them again in the same condition as they were when pur- chased. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any regular licensed merchant in the country, or in towns having a popula- tion of two thousand or less, from buying or trading for rags, old iron, or other articles of junk, unless there be a regular licensed junk dealer within three miles of his place of business, such mer- chant to be subject at all times to the same conditions of inspec- tion as a regular junk dealer. Every junk dealer and every merchant and foundryman who deals in junk, old metals, et cetera, shall keep at his place of business a book, in which shall be fairly written in Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 91 English, at the time of each transaction in the course of his business, an accurate account of such transaction as to the purchase of rags, hones, old iron, and paper, setting forth a description of the goods, articles, or any thing purchased, the time of receiving the same, the name and residence of the person selling or delivering the same, the terms and conditions of purchase or receipt thereof, and all other facts and cir- cumstances respecting such purchase or receipt. Which said book or books shall, at all times, be subject to the inspection of the judges of the criminal courts, the chief of police, the captains and sergeants of the police of the city, town or county wherein such business is being conducted, or any or either of them, sergeant and sheriff of such city, town or county, or other officer with police jurisdiction; provided, how- ever, that this section shall not apply to articles bought without the State of Virginia. -It shall be the duty of every junk dealer, every such merchant and foundryman, to admit to his premises at any time any officer mentioned above, to examine anv books or other record on the premises, as well as the articles purchased or received; and to search for and take into possession any article known bv him to be missing, or known or believed by him to be stolen, without the formality of search warrant or any other process, which search or seizure is hereby authorized. Every junk dealer shall be liable to all the penalties herein provided for violation of any of the provisions of this section, whether such viola- tion be committed by himself or by his agent, clerk, or employee. Junk Dealers' License. 70. Every junk dealer shall pav for the privileges of transacting business the sum of fifty dollars, and for the privilege of appointing can- vassers, for the purpose of buying any junk or other matter or things for any such junk dealer, or for sale to a junk dealer, the sum of twenty- five dollars for each canvasser appointed and licensed. Common Criers. 71. No person shall act as a common crier without a license. A person licensed as a common crier may, except in cities of over fifteen thousand inhabitants, cry for sale at any place in the county or citv in which his license issued, any property, real or personal, for an auctioneer, fiduciary, or the owner of the property, when such owner is authorized to sell the same by auction, but he shall not conduct a sale otherwise than under the present and immediate direction of the property owner or other person authorized to sell the same, nor shall he cry such property or conduct such sale by an agent. He shall not, as such crier, receive money on account of the sale or errant acquittances. He may receive for his services a stated compensation, but he shall not receive any com- mission or percentage on the amount of the sale, nor anv specific or contingent interest in the sale as a compensation for his services, directly or indirectly. Any person licensed as a common crier in a city of over fifteen thousand inhabitants may sell fowl, butter, fresh fish, fresh vege- tables, fruit, or articles of like perishable nature. For any violation 92 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. of this section the person offending shall pay a fine of not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense. License to Common Criers. 72. Each and every person, in order to be licensed as a common crier, shall pay five dollars. Ship-Brokers. 73. No person, firm, or corporation shall act as a ship-broker without a license. Any person engaged in the management of business matters occurring between the owners of vessels and the shippers or consignors of the freight which thev carry, shall be deemed to be a ship-broker. Any person, firm, or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than one hunched dollars nor more th::in live hundred dollars for each offense. Ship-Brokers' License. 74. A ship-broker shall pay for the privilege of transacting business the sum of fifty dollars. Stock Brokers. 75. No person, firm, bank, .or corporation shall, without license, act as a stock broker. Any person, firm, bank, or corporation that deals in coin, foreign or domestic exchange, government stock, or other cer- tificates .of debt, or shares in any corporation or chartered company, bank notes or other notes used in currency, or who sells the same or any of them on commission or for other compensation, or who nego- tiates loans upon real estate security, except a licensed attorney at law, shall be deemed to be a stock broker. A stock broker shall have the right to buy and sell for profit, or to sell on commission, the coin, exchange, stocks, certificates of debt, shares in chartered companies, bank notes, and notes used as a currency as aforesaid, and may sell either privately or by auction, and also negotiable loans upon real estate security. Any person, bank, or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five thou- sand dollars for each offense. Bankers or Brokers Engaged in Dealing in Options or Futures. Any person, firm, or corporation engaged in buying and selling, or who receives orders to buy or sell, cotton, grain, provisions, or other commodities, stocks, or bonds, shall be deemed to be a banker or broker dealing in options and futures. Any person so dealing in options or futures without a license to transact or engage in such business shall pay a fine of not less than three hundred dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense. Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 93 License to Bankers or Brokers Dealing in Options or Futures. Every banker or broker dealing in options or futures or in buying or selling options or futures shall pay the sum of two hundred dollars for the privilege of transacting such business. License to Stock Brokers. 76. A stock broker shall pay for the privilege of transacting business the sum of one hundred dollars, but in towns or cities of over five thou- sand and not more than ten thousand inhabitants he shall pay one hundred and fifty dollars, and in cities of more than ten thousand in- habitants he shall pay two hundred and fifty dollars for each office or place of business kept for that purpose. Private Bankers. 77. No person or firm shall engage in the business of a private banker without a license. Any person or firm engaged in the business of re- ceiving money on deposit, in lending or advancing money, or in nego- tiating loans on notes, bonds, furniture, or any class of security or securities, or in discounting, buying or selling negotiable or other paper or credits, commonly known as street brokers whether at an office kept for the purpose or elsewhere, shall be deemed to be a private banker. Any person or firm violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars for each offense. License to Private Bankers. 78. A private banker shall pay fifty dollars on a capital of five thou- sand dollars or under; one hundred dollars on a capital exceeding five thousand and not exceeding ten thousand ; one hundred and fifty dollars on a capital from ten thousand dollars to twenty thousand dollars; two hundred and fifty dollars on a capital of over twenty thousand dollars a-, id not exceeding thirty thousand dollars, and an additional sum of five dollars per thousand on every thousand dollars in excess of thirty thou- sand dollars. Pawnbrokers. 79. No person shall, without a license, act as a pawnbroker. Any person who shall in any manner lend or advance money or other things for profit on the pledge and possession of personal propertv. or other valuable things other than securities or written or printed evidences of indebtedness, or who deals in the purchasing of personal property or other valuable thing on condition of selling the same back to the seller at a stipulated price, shall be held to be a pawnbroker. Any person acting as pawnbroker without a license shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense. 94 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. The hustings or corporation court of any city, and the circuit or county court of any county, may from time to time, grant a license to- any citizen of the United States, who shall produce satisfactory evidence of his good character, to exercise or carry on the business of a pawn- broker in his city or county, which license shall designate the building in which said person shall carry on said business; and no person shall exercise or carry on the business of a pawnbroker without being duly licensed by the hustings or corporation court of the city, or the circuit or county court of the county in which he may desire to carry on said business, nor in any other building other than the one designated in said license, except by consent of the court which granted the license, under the penalty of fifty dollars for each day he shall exercise or carry on said business without such license or in any other building than the one so designated. Every person so licensed, shall, at the time of receiving such license and before the same shall be operative, enter with two sufficient sureties, into a joint and several recognizance to the Commonwealth of Virginia in the penal sum of two thousand five hundred dollars, conditioned for the due observance of all acts of the general assembly of Virginia which may be in force respecting pawnbrokers at any time during the continuance of such license. If any person shall be aggrieved by the misconduct of any such licensed pawnbroker, and shall recover judgment against him, therefor, such person may, after the return unsatisfied, either in whole or part, of any execution issued upon said judgment, maintain an action in his own name upon the bond of said pawnbroker in any court having jurisdiction of the amount claimed; movii.led, s:u-h court shall, upon the application made for the purpose, ^ranfc su^h leave to prosecute. Every pawnbroker shall keep a book, in which shall be fairly written at the time of each loan an accurate account and description of the goods, article, or thing pawned or pledged, the amount of money loaned thereon at the time of pledging same the rate of interest to be paid on such loan, and the name and residence of the person pawning or pledging the said goods, article, or thing, together with a particular description of such person, including complexion, color of eyes and hair, and his or her height and general appearance. Every pawnbroker shall at the time of each loan deliver to the person pawning or pledging any goods, article, or thing, a memorandum or note, signed by him or her, containing the substance of the entry required to be made in his or her book by the last preceding section, except as to the description of the person, and no charge shall be made or received by any pawnbroker for any such entry, memorandum or note. Such book shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection of the judges of the criminal courts, the chief of police, and captains and ser- geants of the police of the city, town or county wherein such business is being conducted, or any or either of them, sergeant and sheriff of such city, town or county, or other officer with police jurisdiction. No pawnbroker shall sell any pawn or pledge until the same shall have remained four months in his or her possession, unless by consent in writing of the pawner. and all such sales shall be made at public Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 9f> auction and not otherwise, and shall be made or conducted by such auctioneers as shall be designated and approved of for that purpose by the court granting the license. Notice of every such sale shall be published for at least five days previous thereto, in one or more of the daily newspapers of general cir- culation printed in such city. Those doing business in any county shall advertise as above in some newspaper, if any be published in said county, and if no newspaper be published in such county, then in some newspaper published in an adjoining county, and such notice shall specify the time and place at which such sale is to take place, the name of the auc- tioneer by whom the same is to be conducted, and a description of the articles to be sold. The surplus money, if any, arising from any such sale, after de- ducting the amount of the loan, the interest then due on the same, and the expenses of the advertisement and sale, shall be paid over by the- pawnbroker to the person who would be entitled to redeem the pledge in case no such sale had taken place. Any licensed pawnbroker who shall violate or neglect or refuse ta comply with any or either of the provisions of this act. except those contained in section one, shall, for every such offense, upon conviction before a court of competent jurisdiction, pay a fine of not more than one hundred dollars. No pawnbroker shall ask, demand, or receive a greater rate of in- terest than ten per centum per month on a loan of twenty-live dollars or less, or five per centum per month on a loan of over twenty-five dollars and less than one hundied dollars, or three per centum per month on a loan of one hundred dollars or more, secured by a pledge of tangible personal property. And no loan shall be divided for the purpose of in- creasing the percentage to be paid the pawnbroker. Police regulations. Every pawnbroker shall keep at his place of busi- ness a book or books, in which shall be fairlv written in English, at the time of each loan or transaction in the course of his business an accurate account of such loan or transaction, setting forth a description of the goods, article, or thing pawned, or received on account of monev loaned thereon; the time of receiving the same; the name and residence of the person pawning or delivering the same; the terms and conditions of loan, including the peiiod for which any such loan may be made, and all other facts and circumstances respecting such loan, which said book or books shall at all times be subject to the inspection of the officers before mentioned. No property of any kind received on deposit or pledge by any pawn- broker shall be disfigured or its identity destroyed or affected in any manner whatsoever, so long as it continues in pawn or in the possession of such pawnbroker, nor shall such property be in any manner concealed for the space of forty-eight hours after the same shall have been received by such pawnbroker. It shall be the duty of every pawnbroker and of every person in the employ of such pawnbroker to admit to his premises at any time any officer mentioned in this act to examine anv pledge or pawn, book or other record on the premises, as well as the articles pledged, and. to search 96 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. for and take into possession any article known by him to he missing, or known or believed by him to have been stolen, without the formalitv of the writ of search warrant or any other process, which search or seizure is hereby authorized. The following regulation is hereby made for storing or taking care to prevent injury during disuse on blankets, clothing, carpets, furs, rugs, dress goods, cloths, mirrors, oil paintings, glass and china ware, pianos, organs, curtains, beddings and upholstered furniture. Pawn- brokers shall be allowed to charge two per centum per month in addition to the regular charges for the first three months, or part thereof, while such goods shall remain as pledge for money advanced. Every pawnbroker shall be liable to all the penalties hereinafter pro- vided for violation of any of the provisions of this article, whether such violations be committed by himself or by his agent, clerk, or employee. Every person who shall be convicted of violating any of the pro- visions of this section shall, for the first offense, forfeit and pay a penalty, except in cases where a different penalty is herein provided, not exceeding twenty-five dollars, and for a subsequent offense shall pay such penalty as the court may impose, and shall in the discretion of the court, forfeit his license. Pawnbrokers' License. 80. A pawnbroker shall pay for the privilege of transacting business, two hundred and fifty dollars. Regulating the business of lending money on household and kitchen furniture, household goods, wearing apparel, sewing machines, musical instruments, or wages and salaries, on conditional sales of the same, and the buying of salaries and wages. 81. 1. That no person, firm, or corporation shall engage generally, regularly or collaterally to any other business in the business of making loans on household or kitchen furniture, or household goods, or wearing apparel, or sewing machines, or musical instruments, or wages, or salar- ies, or on conditional sales of the same, without first obtaining a license therefor, which shall be in addition to the license required by law for any other business the person, firm, or corporation may engage in. The applicant for such license shall, before the same is issued, file with the officer authorized to issue it, a statement on oath giving the location where such business is to be conducted, the name and business address of the applicant, if the licensee is an individual ; the name and business address of each of the partners, if the business is a firm ; and the name and busi- ness address of each of its officers, if the licensee is a corporation and, in case of a corporation, the State under the laws of which it is organi- zed. Said license, when issued, shall not be transferable. Should the licensee change the location of his business, said license shall imme- djately become void, unless said licensee shall, at least ten days before changing the location, file with the officer authorized to issue said license, a notice of the proposed change of location, and such officer shall endorse on said license the fact of said change. In default of compliance with these provisions, said license shall be null and void. The license Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. - 97 shall at all times be kept publicly exposed by the licensee on his business premises. Any person, firm, or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars and riot more than five hundred dollars for each offense. 2. N"o license shall be issued to any person, firm, or corporation to carry on business as specified in section one of this act, until the appli- cant shall have filed with the clerk of the circuit court of the county, or of the corporation court of the corporation, wherein said business is to be conducted, a bond, with surety to be approved by said courts or judges thereof in vacation, in the penalty of one thousand dollars, payable to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and conditioned for the faithful per- formance by the licensee of the duties and obligations peitaining to the business so licensed, and the prompt payment of any judgment which may be recovered against said licensee on account of damages or other claims arising directly or collaterally from any loan of money or sale of wages or salary. 3. Should any surety on such bond become insolvent, the said judge shall immediately require the licensee to file an additional bond with good security, and on failure t^ file snch additional bond within ten days after being so required to file the same, said license shall stand ipso facto revoked. 4. If it be agreed in writing by the borrower and the lender at the time the loan is made, the lender may charge for investigating the secuiity or title and closing the loan, a fee of not more than fifty cents where the amount borrowed is fiye dollars or less; not more than seventy- five cents where the amount is more than five dollars, and not more than ten dollars; and not more than one dollar where the amount borrowed is rnoie than ten dollars, and not more than twenty dollars; and no.t more than one dollar and fifty cents where the amount borrowed is more than twenty dollars arid not more than thirty-five dollars, and not more than two dollars where the amount borrowed is more than thirty- five dollais, which said fee may be chaiged, if so agreed, upon each original loan, or any renewal thereof; provided, however, that no fee whatever shall be allowed on any renewal or extension, which occurs within sixty days from the time of making the loan or from the time of the last renewal ; and, provided, further, that the fee provided for in this section shall not be charged on any renewal made after the expiration of four months from the date of the original loan, but that all renewals made after said four months, shall be at fees not greater than one-half of the amounts herein provided; and, provided, further, that any loan which shall be made between said paities within ten days after the payment of a pre-existing loan of approximately the same amount, shall in all cases be construed prima facie to be a renewal of said pre-existing loan. Xo original loan shall be split up into smaller loans in order to increase the fees allowed ; but if two or more loans be made at or about the same time between the same parties, they shall be construed to be but one original loan, unless the contrary plainly and unequivocally appears. 5. Any interest charged by the lender to the borrower in excess of the present legal rate of interest, or anv fee, fine or charge whatsoever charged by the lender against the borrower, whether for negotiating a 98 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. loan or for commissions, examinations, attorney's fee, or other bonus, or additional charge whatsoever to those allowed in section four of this act, shall be considered as a payment on the principal of said loan, and the same shall be credited with the amount of said additional charge or excess, and the license of the person, firm, or corpoiation making such additional or excessive charge may, in the discretion of the circuit court of the county or the corporation court of the corporation wherein such business was licensed, be revoked. 6. It shall be unlawful for any licensee under this act to charge any sum of money for fire insurance on any article or personal property pledged as security for any loan or any fee for recording any papers connected with any loan or sale, under the terms of this act except such as are actually paid by such licensee. 7. If any person, firm, or corporation shall engage generally, regu- larly, or collaterally to some other business, in the business of making loans or purchasing wages or salaries as prescribed in section one of this act, without first obtaining a license for carrying on such business in the city, town or county, in which said business is transacted, or shall continue to conduct said business after the forfeiture or cancellation of the license under which the same is conducted, then no suit or action shall be maintained for the enforcement of any such loan, or of any security given for such loan, or any assignment of wages or salary. 8. Every individual, firm, or corpoiation desiring the privilege of conducting business under the provisions of this act shall pay therefor a license tax of one hundred dollars. 9. This act shall not apply to any loan in excess of one hundred and fifty dollars actually and bona fide made at one time, and shall not prevent any merchant or other person who sells provisions, wealing ap- parel, household goods or furniture to wage-eainers from taking as security therefor an order for or assignment of wages; provided, how- ever, that no interest, bonus, or lebate is charged or taken directly or indirectly, upon the sale or amount of debt contracted or from the amount of wages, and that the pioperty is sold at no higher pi ice than like property is sold on credit to other person than such wage-earners. License on a Building and Loan Association or Company. 82. No building and loan association or company, incorporated under the laws of this or any other state, shall, without a license, conduct any business, or solicit the sale of stock, or offer to lend money in this State, nor shall any peison act as agent of any such association or company unless the association or company he represents has a license. The specific license tax upon every building and loan association or company for the piivilege of uoing business in this State shall be seventy- five dollars; piovided, the capital of such association or company actually paid in, whether from paid up stock or partially paid stock, is not over twenty-five thousand dollars; if the capital paid in, whether from paid up stock or partially paid up stock, is over twenty-five thousand dollars, then an additional license tax of three dollars on each one thousand dol- lars of such capital, or fraction thereof, on such excess shall be paid by all Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 99 such building and loan associations or companies; provided, that a non- resident building and loan association or company doing business in this State, which has otherwise complied with the laws of Virginia, shall pay the license tax herein imposed., based upon its capital invested in this State. A building and loan association, or company, which does business on a purely mutual plan, and confines its business solely to the city or county where it is organized, shall pay a license tax of fifty dollars. It shall be the duty of each association or company on the first day of .April of each vear or within ten days thereafter, to make a report in writing of its capital paid in, if the assocation or company be in- corporated under the laws of this State, or of its capital invested in this State, if it be a non-resident association or company, under oath of. its chief officer or agent, to the commissioner of the revenue for the district in which its principal office or agency in this State is situated. Any building and loan association or company, or the agents of any such association or company, which does business in this State, without paying the license tax herein imposed; shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars. The shares of stock issued by anv building and loan association or company, which has paid the license tax herein imposed shall not be taxable in the hands of the holder, nor shall any additional State tax be imposed on the paid in capital of such association or company. No city or town shall levy a greater license tax on the paid in capital of any such association or company than that imposed herein for State purposes, and such city or town license tax shall be levied only where the principal office of such association or company is located in this State. Insurance Brokers. 83. No person shall, without a license act as an insurance broker. Every person who shall solicit for compensation, directly or indirectly, to be deiived therefrom any fire, marine, life or other insurance, either on account of any person desirinp- to effect anv such insurance, or on account of any insurance company, except the duly authorized a^ent (or a clerk actually employed in his office) of any insurance company licensed to do business in this State, shall be deemed an insurance broker. Any insurance agent (or clerk actually employed in his office) who shall solicit, directly or indirectly, any fire, marine, life or other insur- ance, either on account of any person desiring to effect any such insur- ance, or on account of any insurance company licensed to do business in this State, other than for the insurance company or companies for which he is the duly authorized agent, shall be deemed an insurance broker. Any person acting as insurance broker without a license shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollais nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense. And any peison or firm who shall fill up, sign or deliver a policy or ceitificate of insurance for a corporation, or person, or asso- ciation, or persons not licensed to do an insurance business in this State by a legally authorized agent, shall be considered an agent of such cor- poration, or person, or association, and such person, corporation or asso- 100 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. ci.'ition shall be liable for all licenses, taxes, and penalties as if repre- sented by a legally appointed agent. No person licensed as an insurance broker shall be authorized under his license to place any insurance in a company or association, or with a person or firm not licensed to do an insurance business in this State. Licenses Insurance Brokers. ; -v^wng; 84. An insurance broker shall pay the sum of one hundred dollars for the privilege of transacting such business. The license shall be issued by the commissioner of insurance, and the tax shall be paid to him, and he shall pay the same into the treasury. Mercantile Agencies. 85. Any person, firm or corporation engaged in reporting the financial standing of merchants and others as a regular business for compensation shall be deemed a mercantile agencv. Anv person engaged in such busi- ness without a State license to transact such business shall pay a fine of not less than five hundred dollais, and not moie than one hundred dollars; piovided that this section shall not apply to employees of mer- cantile agencies who only repoit to such agencies, nor to regularly licen- sed attorneys at law. Licenses to Mercantile Agencies. 86. A mercantile agency shall pay for the privilege of transacting such business the sum of two hundred and fifty dollais. Tins section shall be construed to levy only one State license tax upon each such mer- cantile agency, which license tax of two hundred and fifty dollars shall be paid annually direct to the auditor of public accounts. Undertakers. 87. Any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of bujying the dead shall be deemed an undertaker. Any person, firm, or corporation engaged in such business without a license shall pay a fine oi not less than ten dollars nor more than twenty-five dollars. .* Undertakers' License. 88. An undertaker shall pay for transacting such business in the country and in towns of one thousand inhabitants or less, rive dollars; and in towns and cities of over one thousand and not over three thousand inhabitants, ten dollars; and in towns and cities of over three thousand and not over five thousand inhabitants, fifteen dollars; and in towns and cities of over five thousand and not over ten thousand inhabitants, twenty-live dollars; and in cities of o\er ten thousand inhabitants and not over thirty thousand inhabitants, thiiiy-five dollars; and in cities of over thirty thousand inhabitants, fifty dollars. Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 101 Civil and Electrical Engineers. 89. Any person or firm who shall for cow pen sat inn engage in the business of civil, mining, mechanical or electrical engineering shall pay a license tax of fifteen dollars per year for the privilege of conducting such business; the said license to be procured from fJie commissioner of the revenue of the city or district in which said engineer shall have his office on the first day of May in each year; provided, fliat the license of any engineer who has not practised his nrofession for more than five years, or whose income from such business is less than five hundred dollars for the preceding year shall be five dollars; and, provided, further, that on the payment of the license as herein provided the said engineer shall be en- titled to engage in such business in any part of tins Xtate. Any person or firm violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than ten dollars, nor more than thirty dollars, for each offense. Contractors. 90. Any person, firm, or corporation accepting orders or, contracts for doing any work on or in any building or structure, requiring the use of paint, stone, brick, mortar, wood, cement, structural iron or steel, sheet-iron, galvanized iron, metallic piping:, tin, lead, electric wiring or other metal, or any other building material : or who shall accept contracts to do any paving or curbing: on sidewalks or streets, public or private property, usiner asphalt, brick, stone! cement, wood or any composition, or who shall accept an order for or contract to excavate earth, rock, or other material for foundations or any other purpose, or who shall accept an order or contract to construct any sewer of stone, bi ick, terra cotta, or other material, shall be deemed a contractor. Every contractor shall, on the first day of Mav in each year, procure from the commissioner of the revenue for the city or district in which he has his office a license to carry on the business of a contractor; provided that if such contractor has no office in this State, then he shall procure such license from the commissioner of the revenue for the city, county, or district where he conducts his business. Any person, firm, or corpora- tion doing such business without a license shall pay a fine of not less than thirty dollars, nor more than one hundred dollars for each offense; provided, that no further license shall be required by the State for con- ducting said business in any part thereof; and, provided, fuither, that this section shall not apply to contractors the gioss amount of whose orders accepted and executed does not exceed five thousand dollars per annum. Licenses to Contractors. 91. Every such contractor, for. the privilege of transacting business in this State, shall pav a license, to be ascertained in the following manner : If the gross amount of all orders or contracts accepted aggregate five thousand dollars, he shall pay the sum of five dollars; if the amount 102 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. of such orders or contracts are more than five thousand dollars, and do not exceed ten thousand dollars, ten dollars; if the amount of such orders or contracts exceed ten thousand dollars, and do not exceed twenty thousand dollars, fifteen dollars; if the amount of such orders or con- tracts exceed twenty thousand dollars, and do not exceed fifty thousand dollars, twenty dollars; if the amount of such orders or con ti acts exceed fifty thousand dollars, and do not exceed one hundred thousand dollars, fifty dollars; if the amount of such orders or contracts exceed one hun- dred thousand dollars, and do not exceed one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, one hundred dollars; and if the amount of such orders or con- tracts exceed one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, one hundred and fifty dollars; and when any such contarctor shall have obtained a license for any year for which he has paid a license tax of less than the maxi- mum above prescribed, he shall not accept any contract or contracts dur- ing such year the aggregate amount of which exceeds the maximum amount for which his license was obtained, unless and until he shall have paid such additional sum as will make the total license tax paid by him for that year sufficient to cover the aggregate amount of such con- tract or contracts as prescribed above ; and unless he pay such additional sum he shall be deemed to be acting without a license. Architects. 92. Any person or firm who shall, for compensation, draw or furnish plans for the construction of anv building or other structure, shall be deemed an architect, and shall pay a license tax of twenty-five dollars a year for the privilege of conducting such business; the said license to be procured from the commissioner of the revenue of the city or district in which said architect has his or their office, on the first day of May of each year; provided, that the tax upon an architect or architects whose in- come from such business has been less than five hundred dollars for the preceding year, shall be ten dollars; and, provided, further, that no further license shall be required by the State for doing business in any part thereof. Any person or firm violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than ten dollars nor more than thirty dollars for each offense. License to Keep a Hotel. 92 l /2. That any person who keeps a public inn or lodging house of more than thirty bed rooms where transient guests are fed or lodged for pay in this State, shall be deemed for the purposes of this act to be engaged in the business of keeping a hotel. A transient guest is one who puts up for less than one week at such hotel, but such a house is no less a hotel because some of its guests put up for longer periods than one week. Any person conducting the business of keeping a hotel as defined in this act shall pay an annual license tax of one dollar for each bed room, and fifty cents for each bath room, in said hotel. Chapter, III License Laws and Taxes. 103 Houses of Private Entertainment, Etc. 93. No person shall, without a license authorized by law, keep a house of private entertainment, or eating house. What Constitutes a House of Private Entertainment. 94. Any person who shall furnish, for compensation, lodging or diet to travelers, or sojourners in any house of thirty rooms or less, shall le deemed to keep a house of private entertainment. A license to keep a house of private entertainment shall not be construed to authorize the sale of wine, spirituous or malt liquors, or a mixture of them on the premises or within the curtilage of such private entertainment, nor shall any license be granted to sell by retail or to be drunk, where sold, any wine, spirituous or malt liquors upon the premises or within the curti- lage of any licensed private entertainment. Any person who shall keep a house of private entertainment without a license shall pay a fine of not less than thirty dollars nor more than one hundied dollars for each day he may keep the same. License to Keep a House of Private Entertainment. 95. Every person who keeps a house of private entertainment shall pay five dollars and an additional sum equal to five per centum of the ac- tual rent or rental value of the house and furniture. The commissioner of the revenue shall determine such rent or rental value and may require the proprietor or tenant to state on oath what is the actual rent, or what would be a fair rent for the house and furniture, and if he refuse to state the same, he shall pay a fine of five hundred dollars. What Constitutes an Eating House. 96. Any person who shall cook, or otherwise furnish for compensa- tion, diet or refreshments of any kind, for casual \isitors at his house, for consumption therein, and who does not furnish lodging, and who is not the keeper of an hotel, house of private entertainment, or boarding house shall be deemed to keep an eating house, but the refreshments herein named shall not consist of wines, spirituous or malt liquors, or a mixture of any of them. Any person who shall keep an eating house without a license shall pay a fine of not less than tniity dollars, nor more than one hundred dollars, for each day he may keep the same License to Keep an Eating House. 97. Every person who shall keep an eating house shall pay for the privilege twenty-five dollars, and where the annual rent or rental value of the house and furniture is nioie than one hundred dollais, and not more than one thousand dollars, he shall pay an additional sum equal to five per centum of such rent or rental value; and where such annual rent 104 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. or rental value exceeds one thousand dollars, he shall pay an additional sum equal to four per centum of such rent or rental value. The com- missioner of the revenue shall detemiine such rent or rental value, and may require the proprietor or tenant to state on oath what is the actual rent or what would be a fair rent for the house and furniture, and if he refuse? to s f ate the same, he shall pay a fine of five hundred dollars. 97V2. To exempt persons conducting temporary eating or lodging- houses, horse-lots, and confectioneries at religious gatherings from lic- ense tax. That the license tax shall not be required of persons conducting temporary eating or lodging-houses, horse-lots, and confectioneries at camp-meetings, associations, and other religious gatherings; provided, such eating or lodging houses, horse-lots, and confectioneries shall be only carried on for the purpose of entertaining the persons attending such religious gatherings. What Constitutes a Bowling Saloon. 98. Any person who shall keep a saloon for the reception of company to play at bowls shall be deemed to keep a bowling saloon. Any person who shall keep a bowling saloon without a license shall pay a fine of not less than dfty dolJais nor moie than one hundred and fifty dollars for each day he may keep the same. License to Keep a Bowling Saloon. 99. Every person who shall keep a bowling saloon shall pay for the privilege the sum of twenty-five dollais, and an additional sum of ten dollars for each alley exceeding one. If the license be for a bowling saloon at a watering place and if for four months or less, the sum to be paid shall be twelve dollars and fifty cents and an additional sum of five dollars for each alley exceeding one. What Constitutes a Billiard Room. 100. Any person who shall keep a saloon wherein there is a table at which billiards or pool aie played shall be deemed to keep a billiard saloon, and if any sum is imposed upon the tables kept therein the same shau be on every table in excess of one capable of being used for the pin pose, and kept theiein, whether used or not. Any peison who shall keep a billiard saloon without a license shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each day he may continue to keep the same. License to Billiard Saloons and Pool Rooms. 101. Every person who shall keep a billiard saloon or pool room shall pay for the piiviiege the sum of fifty dollars, and the sum of twenty-five dollars for each table over one kept; or to be kept therein. If the license be for a billiard saloon or pool loom at a watering place, and is for four Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 105 months or less, the sum to be paid shall be twenty-five dollars, and the sum of twelve dollars and fifty cents for each table over one kept, or to be kept, thereat. If the license be for a billiard saloon or pool room in the country or in a town of less than one thousand inhabitants, the sum to be paid shall be twenty-five dollars and twelve dollars and fifty cents for each table over one kept, or to be kept, therein. What Constitutes a Bagatelle Saloon. 102. Any person who shall keep a saloon or other public room wherein is a table at which to plav at bagatelle, whether charge for the use thereof is made or not, shall be deemed to keep a bagatelle saloon. Any person who shall keep a bagatelle saloon without a license shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each day he may continue to keep the same. License to a Bagatelle Saloon. 103. Every person who shall keep a bagatelle saloon shall pay for the privilege the sum of ten dollars, and an additional sum of five dollars for each table over one kept, or to be kept, therein. Property Used in Licensed Business Taxable. 104. Nothing herein shall be construed to exempt the furniture in houses mentioned in this schedule from being taxed as property. Theatres, Public Performances, Exhibitions, Etc. 105. Xo person shall, without a license authorized by law, exhibit for compensation any theatrical performance, or any performance simi- lar thereto, panorama, or anv public performance or exhibition of any kind, lectures, literary readings, and performances, except for benevolent or charitable or educational purposes. Whenever a theatrical perform- ance shall be licensed, the actors acting thereat under said license shall be exempt from a license tax; but unless the performance shall be so licensed, each person engaged therein shall be liable to the penalty for the violation of this section. Every license shall be for each perform- ance, but a license for a theatrical performance or panorama may, if the person applying for the same desire it, be for the term of one week. For any violation of this section every person so offending shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense. Licenses to Theatres, Public Performances, Exhibitions, Etc. 106. On every theatrical performance, or any performance similar thereto, panorama, or any public performance or exhibition of any kind, except for benevolent or charitable or educational purposes, there shall be paid three dollars for each performance, or ten dollars for each week 106 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. of such performance ; provided, that in towns of less than four thousand inhabitants there shall be paid one dollar and fifty cents for each per- formance, or five dollars for each week of such performance, but nothing herein shall be construed as taxing games of football or baseball. 10GV2. That for the exhibition of any automatic moving picture machine, phonograph, graphophone or similar musical machine, except for benevolent, charitable or educational purposes, where the price of admission to such exhibition does not exceed the sum of ten cents, and where the seating capacity of any such place of amusement does not exceed three hundred and fifty, there shall be paid a license fee of three dollars for each week, or less time than a week; or sixty dollars for the exhibition thereof for a period of one year; and when the seating capacity of any such place of amusement exceeds three hundred and fifty, there shall be paid an additional tax of fifteen dollars for every one hundred seats, or fraction of one hundred seats, in excess of three hundred and fifty; provided, further, that in towns of less than twenty thousand in- habitants the license tax for said additional seating capacity shall be seven dollars and fifty cents for every one hundred seats, or fraction of one hundred seats, in excess of three hundred and fifty, the license for one } r ear to be paid quarterly, and a license for a period exceeding one week to be based upon the per annum license fee ; provided, however, that when such exhibition is given for benevolent, charitable or educational pur- poses, and is given for a period of more than one day in any one year, and the exhibitor thereof receives a part of the receipts from such exhibition as his compensation, then such exhibition after the first dai/ shall not be exempt from the payment of the license fee herein prescribed; pro- vided, further, that when singing, dancing or anv vaudeville act accom- pany the exhibition licensed under this section, an additional license therefor shall not be required so long as the price of admission for the whole exhibition does not exceed the sum of twenty cents. Circus, Menagerie, Carnival Shows, Etc. 107. Every person, firm, company or corporation who exhibits or gives performances in a side show, dog and pony (or either) show, trained animal show, carnival, circus, menagerie and circus, or any other show, exhibition or performance similar thereto shall procure a license therefor, but this section shall not be construed to prohibit a resident mechanic or artist from exhibiting anv production of his own art or invention without compensation, nor shall any license be required of any agricultural fair or the shows exhibited within the grounds of such fair or fairs, during the period of such fair, whether an admission be charged or not, nor of resident persons giving or performing in a show or exhibition for charity or other benevolent purposes. Whenever such show, exhibition or performance is given, whether exempted by the terms hereof or licensed, those engaged therein and operating under either such license or exemption, shall be exempt from a license tax for performing or acting thereat. 108. Every show, exhibition or performance, such as is described in the next preceding section, whether under the same canvas or not, unless Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 107 exempt by the terms hereof, shall he construed to require a separate license therefor, whether exhibited for compensation or not. Every person, firm, company or corporation who exhibits or gives a performance of any of the shows described in the next preceding section which are not exempt from license tax by the terms hereof, without the license required by law, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense. The police authorities of a town, city or county shall not allow any such performance to open until the license required by law is exhibited to them. 109. In the country or in towns of one thousand inhabitants, or less, unless the same be exempt from license tax by the terms of section one hundred and seven hereof, there shall be paid for each day's performance or exhibition of a side (or like) show, a license tax of five dollars; and on a dog and pony (or either, or like) show, a license tax of ten dollars; on a trained animal (or like) show, a license tax of ten dollars; on a carnival (or oilier like show), a license tax of one hundred dollars; on a circus, or for a circus and menagerie, a license tax of one hundred and fifty dollars. In a town or city, or within five miles thereof, of more than one thousand and not over ten thousand inhabitants, unless the same be exempt from taxation by the terms of section one hundred and seven hereof, there shall be paid for each day's performance or exhibition of a side (or like) show, a license tax of ten dollars; of a dog and pony (or cither) (or like) show a license tax of twenty dollars; on a trained ani- mal (or like) show a license tax of twenty dollars; on a carnival (or other like show) a license tax of one hundred dollars; on a circus and menageiie (or like) show, a license tax of two hundred dollars. In a city, or within five miles thereof, of more than ten thousand in- habitants, unless the same ~be exempt from taxation by the terms of sec- tion one hundred and seven hereof, there shall be paid for each day's ex- hibition or performance of a side (or like) shoiv a license tax of fifteen dollars; on a carnival (or other like show) a license tax of one hundred and fifty dollars; on a dog and pony (or either) (or like] show, on animation before said board, or a special permit from the president of either of said boards, or shall file with him an affidavit that such appli- cant for a license to practice medicine or surgery commenced the practice of medicine or surgery in this State prior to the first day of January, eighteen hundred and eighty-five, which affidavit shall be subscribed and sworn to by such applicant. Any person who shall make a false oath in such affidavit shall be deemed guilty of perjury and liable to all the prescribed penalties therefor; provided, that persons who held license to practice dentistry in this Commonwealth on the twenty-eighth day of January, eighteen hundied and ninety, and have complied with the re- quirements of section seventeen hundied and seventy -four, shall not be required to have a certificate from the president of the board of dental examiners when he applies for a license; and provided, further, that nothing contained in this section shall prevent any authoiized physician or surgeon, or other person, from extracting teeth from any one suffering from toothache. An Attorney at Law; Where He May Practice. 115. Every attorney at law. in addition to being licensed, sworn and admitted to prosecute or defend actions or other proceedings in the courts of this Commonwealth, on the retainer of clients, shall obtain a revenue license; and no peison shall act as attorney at law or practice law in the courts of this Commonwealth without a separate revenue license. A revenue license to practice law in any county or corporation shall auth- orize such attorney to practice in all the courts of this State without additional license. Any person violating the provisions of this section Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. Ill shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each offense. Licenses to Attorneys at Law. 116. Every attorney at law who has been licensed for less than five years shall pay fifteen dollars; and on attorneys who have been licensed and practiced 'for five years and more, twenty-five dollars; provided, that no attorney at law shall be required to pay more than fifteen dollars whose receipts are less than five hundred dollars per annum. Dentists. 117. No person shall practice as a dentist for compensation with- out a revenue license, but a license granted to practice dentistry in any county or corporation shall authorize such dentist to practice throughout the Commonwealth. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section, or who shall practice the profession of dentistry without having first obtained a revenue license therefor, shall pay a fine of not less than thirty dollars nor more than one hundied dollars for each offense, and shall be debarred from recovering any compensation for such services by action, suit, motion or warrant in any of the courts of the Common- wealth. And any commissioner of the revenue who shall grant a license to practice as a dentist to any person who shall not have complied with the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be subject to a fine of fifty dollars for each offense. Licenses of Dentists. 118. Every dentist who has been licensed for less than five years shall pay ten dollars, and every dentist who has been licensed and piac- ticed for five years and more shall pay fifteen dollars; but in cities and towns of five thousand inhabitants or more, the tax on dentists shall be twenty-five dollars; provided, that no dentist shall be lequired to pay more than ten dollars whose receipts are less than five hundred dollars per annum. Every dentist shall be licensed by the Commissioner of the revenue for the district or city wherein such dentist has his regular and principal office. Veterinary Surgeons. 118. (a) No person shall practice as a veterinary surgeon for com- pensation without a license. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than fifty dollars for each offense. Every veteiinary surgeon shall pay a license tax of ten dollars; pro- vided, that nothing in this act shall be construed as requiring a license tax of persons who confine their piactice to castration, spaying or dis- horning of live stock. 112 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Venders of Medicines, Salves, Liniments, Etc. 119. No person shall sell any medicines, salve, liniment, or compound of a like kind, unless he be a licensed merchant, whether he he the manufacturer thereof or not, without a license. An}' person selling any medicine, salve, liniment, or any compound of a like kind without having first obtained a license for such privilege, shall pay a fine of not less than thirty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each offense. License to Venders of Medicines, Salves, Liniments, Etc. 120. Every person who shall sell any medicine, salve, liniment, or compound of the like kind, except a licensed merchant at his regular place of business, shall pav one hundred dollars. Daguerrean and Photograph Artists and Their Agents. 121. Any person who takes, or exposes, on plates, films, or sen- sitized material, or who develops or prints images of objects according to the invention of the daguerreotype or photograph process, or who does any or all of these things, by whatever name it may be known or called, shall be deemed a daguerreotype artist, and any person who shall can- vass for any daguerrean artist, or photographer, or shall act as the agent of such artist, or photographer in transmitting pictures, daguerreotypes, or photographs, to other points for the purpose of having them copied or enlarged, or colored, shall be deemed a daguerrean artist's agent or canvasser, and he shall be deemed a daguerrean or photograph can- vasser, whether he acts for himself or for another, and everv such artist or agent engaged in the business aforesaid, or as a canvasser therefor, shall obtain a license, and it shall be unlawful so to engage without a license. For every violation of this section the person offending shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars. Nothing in this act shall apply to amateur photographers who ex- pose, develop and finish their own work, and who do not part with the same for compensation, and who do not receive any compensation for performing any of the processes herein set forth. License of Daguerrean and Photograph Artists and Agents. 122. Every person who shall engage in the business of a daguerrean or photograph artist's agent or canvasser, shall pay for the privilege the sum of ten dollars in a county or in a town of two thousand inhabi- tants or under ; and if in a city or town of more than two thousand, and less than ten thousand inhabitants, he shall pay thirty dollars; and if in a city of more than ten thousand and less than twenty thousand inhabi- tants, he shall pay foity dollars; and if in a city of more than twenty thousand inhabitants, he shall pay fifty dollars; and he shall pay an additional sum of five dollars for each county or city in which he operates other than that in which he has his regular place of business. Chapter 111 License Laws and Taxes. 113 Stallions and Jackasses. 123. No person shall, without a license authorized by law, let tt mares, other than his own, for compensation, any stallion or jackass Every license to the owner of a stallion or jackass shall specify the name of such stallion or jackass, if any name has been given. A license to the owner of any such stallion or jackass, for any county or corporation, shall be good for twelve months from its date, and shall authorize the stallion or jackass to stand in any county or city without an additional license. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than thirty dollars nor more than fifty dollars for each offense. Licenses to Owners of Stallions and Jackasses. 124. For letting to mares any stallion or jackass there shall be paid ten dollars. License on Bulls. 125. Any person owning a bull or bulls in this State may apply to the commissioner of the revenue of the district or city in which he re- sides, for a special license for the privilege of letting such bull or bulls to cows other than his own, which tax shall be for the sum of two dollars and fifty cents on each bull so licensed. Any person so obtaining said license shall have a lien on the get of such bull so licensed for a period of six months from the date of the birth of such get for the price agreed upon between him and the owner of any such cow or cows served by such bulls. Agents for Renting Houses. 126. Any person engaged in renting houses, farms, or other real estate for compensation or profit shall be deemed to be an agent for renting houses, and when licensed as such may engage not only in rent- ing houses, but in renting anv real estate : provided that administrators, guardians, executors, and other fiduciaries shall be exempt from the license herein required. Any person engaged as an agent for renting houses as aforesaid without a license shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each offense. Licenses to Agents for Renting Houses. 127. Every person who shall act as agent for the renting of houses in cities of over five thousand inhabitants shall pay the sum of thirty dollars, and in towns of less than five thousand inhabitants, or in any one county, ten dollars for the privilege of transacting such business. Labor Agents. 128. Any person who hires or contracts with laborers, male or female, to be employed by persons other than himself, shall be deemed to be a labor 114 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. agent; and no person shall engage in such business without having first obtained a license therefor. Every person who shall without a license conduct business as a labor agent, shall pav a fine of not less than one hundred dollars, nor more than fivo hundred dollars. License to Labor Agents. 129. Every person who engages in the business of a labor agent shall pay twenty-five dollars for the purpose of transacting said business, but before any such license shall be issued, the applicant shall produce a cer- tificate from the corporation court of the city, or the circuit court of the county in which such labor agent proposes to have his office, or of the county in which he proposes to do business, that to the personal knowledge of the judge of such court, or from the information of credible witnesses under oath before such court, the court is satisfied that the applicant is a person of good character and honest demeanor. Persons Operating Laundries. 130. Every person who operates a laundry shall pay for the privilege of conducting such business; if it be a laundr} r , operated other than by hand, in the country or in towns of two thousand inhabitants or less, five dollars; and in towns and cities of over two thousand and not over five thousand inhabitants, ten dollars; and in towns and cities of over five thousand inhabitants, twenty-five dollars; and if it be a hand laundry the amount to be paid for the privilege shall be two dollars and fifty cents in the country, and in towns of two thousand inhabitants or less, and in towns and cities of over two thousand inhabitants and not over five thou- sand inhabitants, five dollars ; and in towns and cities of over five thousand inhabitants, ten dollars. Any person who shall without a license conduct such business shall be subject to a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than fifty dollars. But nothing in this act shall be construed to impose a license tax upon persons who wash bed-clothing, wearing ap- parel, and so forth, without laundry machinery, and who do not keep shops or other regular places of business for laundry purposes. Storage and Impounding. 131. No person shall without a license authorized by law keep for compensation any house, yard, or lot for storage or impounding any produce, wares, or merchandise, including wood, coal, lumber, guano, marl, or other commodities, or any live stock, or make demand or re- ceive in any manner compensation for the storage or impounding. Any person who shall demand or receive compensation for storage or impound- ing, as aforesaid, or who shall in any manner violate the provisions of this section, shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense. Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 115 Licenses for Storage and Impounding. 132. Every person who shall keep for compensation any house, yard or lot for storage or wagon yard, or other iinpounding, shall pay a sum for said privilege, to be graduated as follows: on every house, the sum of twenty-five dollars, except that in a city or town whose population exceeds thirty thousand the amount to be paid shall be fifty dollars, and on every yard, wagon yard or lot, ten dollars, provided that nothing shall be charged for this privilege when the compensation to the owner is less than fifty dollars per annum. Livery Stables. 133. Any person who keeps a stable or stalls in which horses are kept at livery or fed, or at which horses and vehicles are hired for com- pensation by the proprietor, shall be deemed to keep a livery stable; and no person shall, without a license authorized by law, keep a livery stable; but this section shall "not be construed to prevent the keeper of a lic- ensed ordinary or house of private entertainment from feeding the horses of travelers or guests stopping at such ordinary or house of private entertainment. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall pay a fine of not less than thirty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each offense. Licenses to Livery Stable Keepers. 134. Every person who shall keep a livery stable in the country, and in towns of less than two thousand inhabitants, shall pay the sum of fifteen dollars, and an additional sum of fifty cents for each additional stall in excess of twenty-five, and in towns of two thousand inhabitants and over, he shall pay twenty-five dollars, and an additional tax of fifty cents for each stall therein. And herein shall be included as stalls such space as may be necessary for a horse to stand and in which a horse may be kept. The license to keep a stable by the proprietor of public watering places and other places of summer resort, or any other person at such places, for six months or less, shall be one-half of the sums hereinbefore specified. Every person, for the privilege of running a single hack, carriage, cab or other vehicle for carrying passengers for hire, shall pay ten dollars, ex- cept that a license of two dollars and fifty cents only shall be imposed on persons running such conveyances solely in the country or in towns of not more than one thousand inhabitants. Every person who shall keep a feed stable for boarding horses for compensation, shall pay for such privilege five dollars in the country and in a town of less than two thou- sand inhabitants, and in a town or city of two thousand or over two thousand inhabitants, ten dollars. Every person for the privilege of run- ning a conveyance of any kind for transfer of baggage, freight, furniture or other articles or merchandise in cities and towns of two thousand in- habitants and over, shall pay for each one horse conveyance the sum of two dollars and fifty cents, and for each conveyance of two horses or more, the sum of five dollars on each conveyance. Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Licenses to Persons Selling or Offering to Sell Sewing Machines and Accessories. 135. First. No manufacturer or other person, whether he be licensed at> a peddler, merchant or sample merchant, or not, shall canvass any county, town or city, for the purpose of selling or offering to sell, or shall actually sell or deliver, sewing machines and accessories, unless he be licensed as provided in this section. Second. Any manufacturer desiring the privilege of selling, or of- fering to sell, or of selling and delivering sewing machines manufactured by him, and accessories to sewing machines, throughout the Common- wealth, shall apply to the auditor of public accounts for a license, and it shall be the duty of the auditor of public accounts, upon the payment into the State Treasury of the sum of two hundred dollars for the privi- lege of transacting such business, to grant such license, and such payment shall be in lieu of any additional State, county, city, or town license tax or levy. The name of the manufacturer shall be stated in the license, and such license shall be a personal privilege to the manufacturer to whom it is granted, and shall not be transferable, but any one representative of such manufacturer can sell thereunder for the said manufacturer ; should such manufacturer desire to employ more than one representative, such manufacturer so licensed may obtain from the auditor of public accounts separate certificates for as manv agents as he may desire to employ in selling and offering to sell, or selling and delivering sewing machines manufactured by him, and accessories to sewing machines, upon the payment of five dollars into the State Treasury for each certificate, and such certificate shall state the name of the manufacturer, and shall entitle such agent to sell, or offer to sell, or to sell and deliver, sewing machines manufactured by such manufacturer, and accessories to sewing machines, throughout the Commonwealth, without the payment of any additional State, county, city or town tax or levy. Any licensed merchant may sell, or offer to sell, or to sell and deliver at his regular place of business under his merchant's license, without the payment of any additional State, county, city or town license tax or levy, sewing machines purchased by him from any manufacturer of such sewing machines who has taken out a license to sell sewing machines of his manufacture, and accessories to sewing machines throughout the Commonwealth; but such merchant, if he desire to sell, or offer to sell, or to sell and deliver, at any place other than at his regular place of busi- ness, the sewing machines purchased by him from a manufacturer who has been licensed as hereinbefore provided, shall obtain a certificate from the auditor of public accounts, and shall pay into the State treasury therefor the sum of five dollars and he shall also in like manner pay five dollars for a certificate for each person in his employment engaged in selling or offering to sell, or in selling and delivering, elsewhere than at his regular place of business, the said sewing machines, and accessories to sewing machines, and such payment shall be in lieu of any additional State, county, city or town license tax or levy. Any person other than a licensed merchant or manufacturer, may Chapter HI License Laws and Taxes. , 117 sell, or offer to sell, or sell and deliver, throughout the Commonwealth, sewing machines purchased by him from any manufacturer of such sewing machines, who has taken out a license to sell sewing machines of his manufacture,, and accessories to sewing machines, throughout the Commonwealth : provided, he obtain a certificate from the Auditor of Public Accounts and pay into the Treasury of the State the sum of five dollars, and such payment shall be in lieu of any additional State, county, city, or town license tax or levy. Third. Any person other than those licensed under the foregoing section desiring the privilege of canvassing any county or city, for the purpose of selling or offering to sell sewing machines and accessories, shall apply to one of the commissioners of the revenue for such county or city for such license ; and upon the granting of such license, and the payment of twenty dollars to the treasurer of such county or city, he shall have the privilege of selling, offering to sell, and of selling and delivering sewing machines and accessories of any manufacturer in such county or city. Any such person so licensed mav obtain the like privilege in any other county or city upon the production to one of the commissioners of "the revenue of such other county or city of his license to sell as afore- said, and upon the payment of the sum of ten dollars to the treasurer of such other county or city. Such license shall be a personal privilege, and shall not be transferable; but no separate license shall be required to be obtained by any person licensed under this section in order to auth- orize such person to sell the said accessories of any manufacturer . Fourth. There shall be no abatement from the said sum to be paid for the license to sell sewing machines or accessories, if the same be exercised for less than one year. All licenses issued under this section shall expire on the thirtieth day of April next after the date of their issue. Fifth. Any manufacturer, person, or agent selling, or offering to eell, or taking orders for the sale of sewing machines or accessories, with- out having obtained the license or certificate hereinbefore required, shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, one-half of every such fine to go to the informer. Sixth. Nothing in this section shall prevent licensed auctioneers or officers of the law, under legal process, from selling second-hand sewing machines, nor prevent any person licensed under this section from deal- ing in second-hand sewing machines of any manufacture which have become second-hand by having been sold and used in this State previous to the passage of this act, or those which may become second-hand machines after having been sold under the provisions of this section. Agents for the Sale of Manufactured Implements or Machines by Retail Other Than Sewing Machines. 136. Any person who shall sell, or offer for sale, manufactured im- plements or machines by retail, or take orders therefor on commission or otherwise, other than sewing machines, unless he be the owner thereof, or a duly licensed merchant, at his regular place of business, who shall have paid a license tax amounting to as nun-h as fifteen dollars shall be 118 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. deeme'd to be an agent for the sale of manufactured articles, and shall not act as such without taking out a license therefor. No such person shall, under his license as such, sell, or offer to sell such articles through the agency of another ; but a separate license shall be required for any agent or employee who may sell, or offer to sell, such articles for another. For any violation of this section the person offending shall pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each offense. License to Agents for the Sale of Manufactured Implements or Machines by Retail Other Than Sewing Machines. 137. Every agent for the sale of manufactured implements or ma- chines, other than sewing machines, shall pay for the privilege of trans- acting such business the sum of fifteen dollars, and this shall give to any party licensed under this section the right to sell the same within the county or city in which he shall take out his license ; and if he shall sell, or offer to sell, the same in any other county or city of the State, lie shall pay an additional sum of ten dollars in each county or city where he may sell, or offer to sell, the same: provided, that any person who shall pay an annual tax to the Commonwealth upon capital actually employed by him in the manufacture of the articles or machines mentioned in this section of not less than thirty dollars per annum, may, without any further sum being paid for the privilege by himself or his agent, employ agents to sell said articles or machines manufactured by him in any of the counties or cities of the State; and the certificate of the treasurer of the county or city in which said tax shall be paid by such person on the capital so employed by him in the manufacture of such articles or machines shall be evidence of the fact of such payment. License Tax on Peddlers of Manufactured Implements and Machines Other Than Sewing Machines, and on Peddlers of Cooking Stoves and Ranges and Clocks. 138. Every person engaged in peddling manufactured implements or machines, other than sewing machines, shall pay for the privilege of transacting such business the sum of $200.00 ; and this shall give to such peddlers the right to sell the same within the county or city in which he shall take out his license, and if he shall sell, or offer to sell, the same in any other county or city in this State, he shall pay an additional sum of one hundred dollars in each county or city where he may sell or offer to sell the same. Every peddler of cooking stoves or ranges, and every peddler of clocks, shall pay for the privilege of engaging in such business the sum of five hundred dollars, and this shall give to such peddler the right to sell the same within the county or city in which he shall take out his license ; and if he shall sell, or offer to sell, in any other county or city of the State, he shall pay in additional sum of three hundred dollars in each county or city where he may sell or offer to sell the same: provided, that any person selling clocks, stoves and ranges under a merchant's license and delivering the same shall be deemed a peddler under the Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 119 provisions of this act and subject to the requirements and penalties here- inbefore imposed. Licenses on Slot Machines. 139. Any person, firm, or corporation, having on a street, alley, or other place in the city, or on any public road in any county, or in shops, stores, hotels, boarding houses, depots, public or private rooms, or any other place anywhere in the State of Virginia, a slot machine of any description into which are dropped pennies or nickels or coins of other denominations to dispose of chewing gum, or other articles of merchandise, or for the purpose of operating musical or other devices that operate on the nickel-in-the-slot principle used for gain, except as a pay telephone, shall pay for every such slot machine, or musical or other devices, as the case may be, a license tax of ten dollars per year for the use and bene- fit of the State, except such vending machines as are used solely for the sale of agricultural products or cigars, on which shall be levied a license tax of three dollars per year for each machine, except also weighing machines and machines solely for the purpose of selling shoe-strings, on which shall be levied a license tax of two dollars per year for each machine : provided, however, that nothing in this section contained shall be construed as permitting any such person, firm, or corporation to keep, maintain, exhibit or operate any slot machine or other device in the operation of which cigarettes or intoxicating liquors are disposed of, or in which the element of chance enters, and it shall not be lawful for any commissioner of the revenue or other officer to issue a license under this section to any such person, firm, or corporation for the keeping, maintaining, exhibiting, or operating of any slot machine or other device in the operation of which cigarettes or intoxicating liquors are disposed of, or in which the element of chance enters, the intent of this section being to license only those machines or devices in the operation of which the element of chance does not enter, and which are not used to dispose of cigarettes or intoxicating liquors; and provided, further, that this license and uses such slot machine simply for the purpose of making license and uses such slot machine simply for the purpos eof making sales of his goods and merchandise, and to be used inside of his place of business, nor shall it apply to slot machines used for the purpose of celling sanitary drinking cups, or sanitary drinking cups and natural water at one cent. Any person, firm or corporation having any such machine, and fail- ing to procure a license therefor, shall be subject to a fine of not less than twenty dollars nor more than fifty dollars for each offense, and such machine shall become forfeited to the Commonwealth . License on Dealers in Pistols, Dirks, or Bowie Knives. 140. No person, firm, or corporation shall sell pistols, dirks or bowie knives without having first procured a license therefor. Every person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of selling pistols, dirks, or bowie knives, or who may hereafter engage in said 120 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. business, shall pay for the privilege of transacting said business a special license tax in the sum of twenty dollars per annum, and no such license shall be issued for any period less than one vear. nor shall there be any abatement in any instance of the tax upon such license by reason of the fact that the person or persons so licensed shall have exercised such license calling for a period of less than one year. Any person selling pistols, dirks, or bowie knives contrary to the provisions hereof, or who shall in any manner violate the same, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, arid, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than twenty-five dol- lars nor more than fifty dollars for each offense . License Tax Upon Gypsies, Etc. 141. That a license tax of two hundred dollars, which shall not be prorated, is hereby imposed on each company of gypsies or other strolling company of persons who receive reward for pretending to tell fortunes to be paid in each county where such company shall offer to practice any of their craft. Any such company (and every member thereof) who shall practice, or offer to practice, any of their craft without the payment of the license tax required by this act, shall be punished by a fine of five hundred dollars. Automobiles, Locomobiles, Motor Cycles, Etc., for Hire, Storage or Sale. 142. 1. That it shall be unlawful for any person, or persons, except in accordance with the provisions of this act, to run, drive or operate any automobile, locomobile, motor cycle, motor bicycle, or any vehicle of any kind, the motive power of which shall be electricity, steam, gas, gasoline, or any other motive power except animal power, and which said vehicles shall hereafter be called machines in this act, on or along, or across any public road, street, alley, highway, avenue or turnpike of any county, city, town or village in the State of Virginia, except and until such person shall comply with the provisions of this act. 2. Every owner of a machine on or before the first day of January, in each year, or before he shall commence to operate his machine, shall register and obtain a license to operate the same by making application to the secretary of the Commonwealth for a certificate of registration and license to operate. The application must contain the name of the applicant, his residence, and post-office address, and the county in which he resides, and if a corporation, its place of business, giving the name, factory number, if any, fixed by its maker, a brief description showing the style of machine, source of power, number of cylinders and horse- power. 3-a. The secretary of the Commonwealth shall issue a certificate of registration and license, giving the machine in question a number, which shall distinguish it, which certificate of regstration and license shall be firmly attached. to the machine in an easily accessible place, and shall be shown to any sheriff, constable, or other police officer, when demanded Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 121 to be seen by said officer. The certificate and license shall be in form as follows: This is to certify that , whose residence is , and postoffice address is , is the owner of a machine ; factory number ; horsepower, ; color of body, ; color of gear, ; and is hereby licensed to operate his machine in the State of Virginia under the registration and license number for the year Given under my hand the day of 19. . Secretary of the Commonwealth. 3-b. Every manufacturer, agent, or dealer in automobiles,, locomo- biles, motor cycles, or motor bicycles, or other vehicles of like kind, on or before the first day of January, in each year or before he commences to operate machines to be sold by him shall make application to the secretary of the Commonwealth for a dealer's certificate of registration and license. The application shall state the make of the machines han- dled by the manufacturer, agent, or dealer, and the probable number that will be disposed of during that year, and on the payment of the fee of fifty dollars the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall issue to such dealer a certificate of registration and license in form as follows : This is to certify that , whose residence is and place of business is , is a dealer in make of machines, and is here- by licensed to operate machines to be sold by him in this State for the year , under the registration and license number Given under my hand this, the , day of , 19.. Secretary of the Commonwealth. 3-c. Every person, other than the owner of a machine which has been registered and licensed to be operated in this State, who shall operate machines for pay, before he shall operate a machine in this State ah all first take out a chauffer's license to operate automobiles in this State, except that a member of a family of a licensed owner of a machine, who is otherwise qualified, may operate such machine without paying additional license. The applicant shall make application to the secretary of the Com- monwealth, which application shall give the name of the applicant, his residence, post-office address, age and experience in operating automo- biles, and shall be sworn to before some officer authorized to administer oaths. There shall be appended to such application a statement, by 122 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. two reputable citizens, that the applicant is a fit person and is competent to operate an automobile. On the payment of two dollars and fifty cents the secretary of the Commonwealth shall issue to such applicant a license and badge, which license and badge shall be carried by the chauffer at all times while operating an automobile, the badge to be plainly in evidence upon the lapel of the chauffer's coat or on the front part of the chauffer's cap. The license to be in the form following: This is to certify that , whose residence is , and post-office address is , has this day been duly licensed according to law to operate or drive automobiles over the roads of this State for the year Given under my hand this, the day of .19.. Secretary of the Commonwealth. 3-d. The certificate of registration and license of owner of automo- bile, certificate of registration and license of owner of motor cycle or motor bicycle, dealer's certificate of registration and license and chauf- fer's license shall terminate on the thirty-first day of December of the year for which issued. 4. Number plates in duplicate must also be delivered to the applicant b) the secretary of the Commonwealth, upon which the number assigned must be painted in Arabic numerals not less than four inches in height, followed by the letters Va.. and in figures the year for which issued, and these plates must always be in evidence, one upon the front and the other upon the rear of the machine. 5. The fee for the certificate of registration and license and plates to be paid by the owner of an automobile or other vehicle the motive power of which is other than animal-power, except motor cycles or motor bi- cycles, if twenty horse-power or less, shall be five dollars; and if over twenty and under forty-five horse-power, shall be ten dollars; and if forty-five horse-power or over, twenty dollars. The horse-power to be determined by the rating given by the manufacturer, and if more than one rating, the highest is to be taken for the purposes of this act. The fee for certificate of registration and license and plates for a motor cycle or motor bicycle shall be two dollars. These fees shall be paid to the secretary of the Commonwealth, who shall issue certificates of registration and license and number plates as provided for in this act. On and after February first in each and every year every dealer, owner or chauffeur who shall operate an automobile or motor cycle over the roads or streets of the State without first obtaining from the secretary of the Commonwealth a license to operate the same, and display the license as provided by law, shall be fined not less than ten dollars nor more than twenty dollars. Each day's use of the machine without license shall constitute a separate offense in the discretion of the magistrate or other Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 123 court trying the case. One half of any fine collected to be paid the con- stable or other police officer making the arrest. 6. If the owner of a machine shall furnish satisfactory proof of the loss of his certificate of registration and license, then the secretary of the Commonwealth shall issue a duplicate on the payment of the fee of one dollar. Should the owner of a machine suffer the loss of his number plate, it shall be his duty to report the loss to the secretary of the Corn- wealth, who shall thereiipon grant a permit to have another made and used on the machine. The new plate to be as nearly like the original plate issued to him as possible. 7. Should the owner part with the machine during the year for which the certificate of registration and license was issued, he shall immediately notify the secretary of the Commonwealth of such sale, and return to him the certificate and license. Should the owner disposing of his ma- chine aforesaid purchase another during that year, the secretary of the Commonwealth shall transfer the old number to the new machine and issue a new certificate and license for the new machine on the payment of the fee of one dollar, provided the new machine would require no greater license fee than that paid for the old machine, but should the new machine require a greater license fee than that paid for the old license, the secretary of the Commonwealth is authorized to make the transfer on the payment of the difference between the license paid and that required for the new machine. Should the owner disposing of his machine desire the license trans- ferred to the purchaser, the secretary of the Commonwealth is authorized to make the same on rceipt of a request in writing from the person in whose name the license was issued and the fee for such transfer shall be one dollar. It shall be unlawful for any person to attach or use a number plate or certificate or license on a machine for which it was not issued. 8. The operator of a machine shall not drive in the corporate limits of any city or town at a greater rate of speed than twelve (12) miles an hour, except in cases where the local ordinances of such city or town shall provide otherwise. Outside of the corporate limits of any city or town a speed of twenty miles an hour is permissible, except going around curves, down sharp declines, or at the intersection of any cross- roads, or over the crest of hills, or in passing other vehicles or riders, on roadways, when a rate of speed not exceeding eight miles an hour must be observed. 9. It shall be the duty of the owner or driver of any machine to pro- duce his certificate for inspection when so requested by the sheriff or any constable, policeman or other peace officer. 10. Any owner or operator, not a resident of this State who shall have complied with the laws of the State in which he resides, requiring the registration of motor vehicles, or licensing of operators thereof, and the display of identification or registration numbers on such vehicles, and who shall cause the identification numbers of such State in accord- ance with the laws thereof, and none other, together with the initial letter or letters, of such State to be displayed on his motor vehicle, as in the sub-title provided, while used or operated upon the public highways 124 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. of this State, may use such highways not exceeding two periods of seven consecutive days in each calendar year, without complying with the provisions of sections two, three-a and three-b; provided, however that if any non-resident be convicted of violating any provisions of sections eight, nine, eleven, twelve, thirteen, he shall thereafter be subject to and required to comply with all the provisions of said sections two, three-a. and three-b, relating to the registration of motor vehicles and the licensing of operators thereof; and the governor of this State is hereby authorized and empowered to confer and advise with the proper officers and legislative bodies of other States of the Union, and enter into reciprocal agreements under which the registration of motor vehicle? owned by residents of this State will be recognized by such other States,. and he is further authorized and empowered from time to time, to grant to residents of other States the privilege of using the roads of this State, as in this section provided, in return for similar privileges granted residents of this State by such other States. 11. The following rate of speed may be maintained, but shaii not be exceeded on any of the highways set forth in section one of any city, town or village, or county in this State, by any one driving a machine : (a) A speed of eight miles an hour around curves or bends, or where the roadway is not plainly visible for a distance of three hundred feet ahead, and at the intersection of prominent cross-roads, when such road or highway passes through the open country, and when the operator of an automobile overtakes a vehicle and indicates his desire to pass said yehicle, it shall be the duty of the driver of the vehicle to bear to the right and decrease his speed to less than eight miles per hour, so as to enable the automobile to pass at the left at a speed not exceeding eight miles per hour. (b) A speed of eight miles per hour where a street or highway passes the built-up portions of a city, town or village. (c) A speed of eight miles an hour at points on any public highway where there is a gathering of horses or persons. Otherwise the rate of speed may be twenty miles per hour, but this rate is subject to the conditions set forth in the succeeding sections of this act. 12. The owner, operator, conductor, driver or occupant of any such machine shall keep a careful look ahead for the approach of horseback riders, or vehicles drawn by horses, or other animals, and upon the ap- proach of such riders or vehicles, shall slow up, keep his machine under thorough and careful control, give ample roadway to such rider or rehicle, and if signalled by such rider or occupant of vehicle, or be other- wise requested thereto, shall immediately bring his machine and ite engine to a full stop and allow ample room and time to allow such rider or vehicle to pass. And if requested so to do by said rider or occu- pant of said vehicle, the owner, operator, conductor, driver or occupant , if a male, of any such machine shall lead the horse, or horses, past his machine. Should any horse ridden or driven in an opposite direction to that which the machine is traveling give evidence of fright, then the Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 125 duty of the driver shall be the same as if he had been signalled to by the rider of the horse or the occupant of the vehicle. 13. When the operator, owner, occupant, conductor, or driver of such machine overtake a horse or vehicle traveling in the same direction with himself, he shall slow down his speed, signal for the road by bell, or gong, or horn, and if the horse or other vehicle stop, shall pass at a rate of speed not greater than eight miles per hour. Should such vehicle or ridden horse not stop, and the said operator, owner, driver, conductor, or occupant of said machine desire to pass, he shall do so at a rate of speed not greater than may be necessary, and shall, in all cases, use due diligence and care not to frighten the horse, or horses. In case of a machine passing a horse or vehicle going in the same direction the pro- visions of section twelve of this act shall apply to the operator, owner, driver, occupant, or conductor of the machine, except that in such case the horse or horses, shall be held until the horse, or horses, become quiet, and then the machine mav proceed. Every machine shall be provided with a lock, key, or other device, to prevent its being set in motion, and no person shall allow any such machine operated by him to stand, or remain unattended in any street, avenue, road, alley, highway, park, parkway or any other public place without first locking, or making fast the machine as above provided. Every machine shall be provided with a good and sufficient brake, or brakes, and shall also be provided with a suitable bell, horn, or other signal device. Every machine operated in this State shall have displayed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise at least one white light throwing a bright light at least one hundred feet in the direction in which the machine is going, and also shall exhibit in the rear of the machine one red light, which shall effectually illumine the number tag on the rear. 13-a. When the operator, owner, occupant, conductor or driver of any such machine approaches a curve, bend or any place where the road- way is not plainly visible for a distance of three hundred feet ahead he shall at all times keep his machine on the right hand side of the road- way sufficiently to allow ample room on the opposite side for the passage of other machines or vehicles irrespective of whether another machine or vehicle is approaching or not. 14. Any person, failing to perform any duty imposed by any section of this act, or violating any provision, or condition herein set forth, shall for each offense be fined not less than ten dollars, or imprisoned in jail not less than five nor more than thirty days, or both, in the discre- tion of the justice of the peace before whom the case may be tried. An appeal may be taken to the circuit court of the county, or corporation or hustings court of the city, in accordance with the general law govern- ing appeals in misdemeanor cases. 15. In addition to such fine or imprisonment, any person violating any of the provisions of this act shall be liable for damages actually incurred by reason of such violation, and default of the deposit with the justice by such owner or occupant of a sum in cash reasonably suffi- cient to pay such costs and probable damages, the machine may be 126 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. seized and impounded anywhere in any county or city of the State upon the order of the justice of said county, or city, in which the offense is committed, and may, by order of the justice, be sold to pay such fine or damage. But before any judgment shall be entered in said proceedings the owner of such machine shall have notice of the same by publication or otherwise, according to law, and allowed an opportunity to make de- fense, and the driver of the machine shall be deemed an agent of the owner for the purpose of serving process. 16. In case when any such machine shall be impounded, as provided in the preceding section, and judgment be against the owner, the sheriff,, constable or sergeant, as the case may be, shall fix upon a time and place for the sale thereof, and post notices of the same for at least ten days before the date of the sale, at three or more public places in his county or corporation, and shall publish notice of sale in some newspaper published in the county or city for two consecutive weeks. At the time and place so appointed such officer shall sell to the highest bidder for cash the said machine; and the surplus, if any there be, after deducting the amount of fine, cost, and damage, shall be paid to the owner of the machine. 17. Nothing in this act shall apply to the machines known as trac- tion engines, or to any locomotive engine, or electric cars running on rails. Machines owned by counties and cities and used for purely county and municipal purposes shall not be required to be registered. And nothing contained in this act shall affect the right of any person injured in his person or property by the negligent operation of any machine to sue and recover damages as heretofore. 18. All owners of automobiles, locomobiles and other vehicles whose machines have been registered in the office of the secretary of the Com- monwealth under the act approved March seventeenth, nineteen hundred and six, since January first, nineteen hundred and ten, shall be required to register their machines when this law becomes effective, and shall pay the fee required by this act less the fee already paid, and shall retain their present number plates until January first, nineteen hundred and eleven. All machines registered prior to January first, nineteen hundred and ten, shall, as soon as this law becomes effective register their machines in the office of the secretary of the Commonwealth for the year nineteen hundred and ten and pay the fee required by this act for such registration. 19. All fees collected by the secretary of the Commonwealth under the provisions of this act, after the payment of the necessary expenses incident to the cost of purchasing number plates and paying cost of mailing same, shall be paid into the State treasury, and shall constitute a special fund to be expended under the direction of the State highway commissioner in the permanent improvement of main highways of this State to be expended according to the provisions of an act approved Feb- ruary twenty-iifth, nineteen hundred and eight, entitled "an act to pro- vide for State money aid, in addition to convict labor for improvement of public roads." 19 l /2. That every person who shall keep a garage for the storage or care of automobiles, in the country and in towns of less than two thou- Chapter III License Laws and Taxes. 127 sand (2,000) inhabitants, shall pay the sum of fifteen dollars ($15.00), and an additional sum of fifty cents ($.50) for the storage capacity in excess of five (5) of the vehicles hereinafter defined, and in towns of two thousand (2,000) inhabitants and over, he shall pay twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and an additional tax of fifty cents ($.50) for the storage capacity over five (5) of each of the vehicles hereinafter mentioned, and in cities he shall pay a tax of one hundred dollars ($100.00), and one dollar ($1.00) additional for each vehicle for the storage capacity of each vehicle over five. The license to keep a garage by the proprietor of public watering places and other places of summer resort, or any person at such places, for six months or less, shall be one-half of the sums hereinbefore specified. 20. A garage, as used within the terms of this act, shall mean every place where three or more motor vehicles are stored or housed at any one time for compensation, except only such places in which automobiles or motor vehicles of other kinds are kept by the owners thereof without pay- ment for storage. 20 l /2. Every person for the privilege of running an automobile, taxi- cab, or motor vehicle of any kind for hire, in the transportation of mer- chandise or passengers, shall for each machine operated pay the sum of ten dollars. 21. Any person, firm, association, or corporation, licensed under this act, shall pay a license tax in the corporation or county in which such automobile, locomobile, or other vehicle is, or in which such garage is located, but in no case shall any person pay a license tax in more than one city or county. 22. Any person violating sections nineteen and twenty of this act shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred dollars for each offense. Report of Committee on Tax Revision. CHAPTER IV. PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATIONS. In the constitutional convention of 1902, provision was made for the creation of a State Corporation Commission, and one of the duties im- posed on this Commission was the assessment for taxation of the prop- erties of railway and canal corporations within the State. By successive acts of the General Assembly the assessment of all public service corpora- tions in Virginia have been imposed upon this Commission. These corpo- rations may be enumerated and treated for the purposes of this report as follows: (1) Eailway (steam roads) and canal corporations; (2) Street car companies; (3) Water, heat, light and power companies; (4) Telegraph and telephone companies; (5) Sleeping and parlor car companies; (6) Express and private car companies. (7) Steamboat and steamship companies. The property and franchises of these companies were assessed for the year ending June 30, 1913, including certain small clerical fees, etc., in the sum of $1,614,733.65 or more than one-fifth of the entire revenue received by the State from all sources for that year. They are, there- fore, important subjects of taxation and deserve special consideration in any discussion of our system of taxation. Railroads and Canals. As has been stated, the method for the taxation of railroad and canal companies now in effect in Virginia was prescribed by our last constitu- tional convention, and was made a part of the Constitution, with the pro- viso that it should remain in force until January 1, 1913, and thereafter until modified or changed by the General Assembly. It is believed, as will be hereafter pointed out, that this system has defects which should be remedied, but in the main it has worked well, the defects being rather in the law itself than in its administration. The law requires that the Corporation Commission shall annually ascertain and assess the value of the roadbed and other real estate, rolling stock and all other personal property (except the franchises and the non-taxable shares of stock issued by other corporations) in this State of each railway corporation, which shall be taxed for State, county, city, town and district purposes, at such rates of taxation as may be im- posed by them respectively, upon the real estate and personal property of natural persons, provided that no tax shall be laid on the net income of such corporations. Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 129 In addition thereto each company is required to pay an annual State franchise tax equal to one per centum of its gross transportation receipts, to be ascertained, in the case of interstate roads, by multiplying the average gross receipts per mile for the entire system by the number of miles operated in Virginia. This dual system of assessment for State revenue has been largely responsible for the popular opinion in Virginia that railroads are under assessed, and do not bear their just burden of taxation. By reason of the gross earnings tax imposed on railway companies for State revenue alone, which was fixed by the Constitution as a basis of taxation of the franchise value of their properties, it could not be justly expected that the physical properties of such companies should be assessed at their full fair market value as a going concern. Such a valuation would neces- sarily include the franchise value already taxed and would be double taxation. This last named assessment, however, is all that usually comes to the attention of the public. It is required to be certified to the taxing authorities of each community, and thus becomes a matter of common knowledge. But this is only a part of the assessment on which railroads pay taxes to the State. The gross receiuts or franchise tax, which the State receives in addition, exceeds that paid to th* State on the real and personal property assessment. In the year 1914, based on the assess- ment of 1913, the State tax paid by railroads on the property assess- ments was in round numbers $402,000.00, while the additional tax paid on "TOSS receipts amounted to $629,000.00, making a total State revenue of $1,031,000.00. The assessment against the railroads on their gross receipts appears only in the Auditor's Report, and the report of the State Corporation Commission, which are seen by comparatively few citizens of the State. It is but natural, therefore, that the public should have the impression that the roads pay taxes only on the property assessments certified to the local communities. We have prepared a table, which will be found elsewhere, to show the total value of railway property as- sessed for taxati'on in 1912. To ascertain this total we capitalize the gross receipts tax at $1.495, which is the average rate on real estate; and we add the amount thus given to the assessed value of the physical property of the roads. in 1902, the last year in which railroads were assessed under the old system, the entire assessed value of steam roads in Virginia was $60,810,317.89, and the total State taxes paid for that year were $276,- 329.33. For the year ending June 30, 1913, the assessed value of these properties was $114,814,012.00, and the total State taxes paid amounted to $1,031,177.39, showing an increase in eleven years of 88.8 per cent, on assessed valuation and 272 per cent, in taxes paid. The increase in valua- tion, however, is due in a considerable measure to the construction of new lines of road in the State, and to the acquirement of additional and more costly equipment by all the roads. The disproportionate increase in revenue over the increase in assess- ments is due largely to the imposition of the tax on gross receipts. Perhaps a better method, out still not altogether a satisfactory one, of determining whether we are receiving just revenue returns from this class of property would be to compare the taxes paid in Virginia by the 130 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. interstate roads, with those paid in other States through which the same roads run. For the year 1913, we make the following comparisons : Atlantic Coast Line: Traverses Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Total taxes paid on entire system $1,384,665.32 Total mileage (single track), 4,617 Average taxes paid per mile entire system 299.90 Total taxes paid in Virginia 72,029 .53 Mileage in Virginia (single tiack), 141 Taxes paid per mile in Virginia 510 . 00 Seaboard Air Line: Traverses Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Total taxes paid on entire system $ 934,345.01 Total mileage (single track), 3,016. Average taxes paid per mile entire system 309.00 Total taxes paid in Virginia 87,628.76 Mileage in Virginia (single track), 157.50. Taxes paid per mile in Virginia 556 . 00 Southern Railway: Traverses Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennes- see, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. Total taxes paid entire system $2,239,756.27 Total mileage (single track), 6562.24. Average taxes paid per mile entire system 365.00 Total taxes paid in Virginia 344,628.01 Mileage in Virginia (single track), 904.86. Taxes paid per mile in Virginia 381 . 00 Norfolk and Western: Traverses Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland and North Carolina. Total taxes paid entire system $1,359,758 . 18 Total mileage (single track), 2034.78. Average taxes paid per mile entire system 668.00 Taxes paid in Virginia 784,844.47 Mileage in Virginia (single track), 1164. Taxes paid per mile in Virginia 674. 00 Chesapeake and Ohio: Traverses Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. Total taxes paid $1,302,644.04 Total mileage (single track), 2388 Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 131 Average taxes paid per mile entire system $ 557.00 Taxes paid in Virginia 485,000 . 00 Mileage in Virginia (single track), 782. Taxes paid per mile in Virginia 620 . 00 This comparison while instructive is not, as we have already stated, entirely satisfactory. Our investigations, the result of which are set out in a number of tables exhibited with this report, show that as a rule, and particularly with reference to the North and South lines, the earning capacity of the interstate roads in Virginia is greater than that in the other States through which they run, and therefore the Virginia property is more valuable and should be subject to a higher assessment. As an example, only 3.05 per cent, of the mileage of the Atlantic Coast Line is in Virginia, yet this road derives 8.63 per cent, of its net receipts and 8.25 per cent, of its gross receipts from business touching this State. The Seaboard Air Line has 4.12 per cent, of its mileage in Vir- ginia, and receives 10.04 per cent, of its net earnings and 9.22 per cent, of its gross earnings here. Similar results are shown by the Southern and Chesapeake and Ohio. The Norfolk and Western, however, shows a different result; 58.30 per cent, of its mileage is in Virginia, and 50.25 per cent, of its net earnings and 49.70 per cent, of its gross earnings are derived here. The Virginian also has its most profitable territory outside of this State. The last report of the Interstate Commerce Commission available to us shows that in the United States the average tax paid per mile by all railroads engaged in interstate commerce for the year 1911 was $444.00. In Virginia the average per mile for that year was $488.00. Railroad Taxes Compared With Taxes on Real Estate. Real estate is all pervading and constitutes a very important, if not the most prominent, subject of taxation in every locality where a general property tax obtains. It is, therefore, usually used as the base or meas- ure of taxation for other subjects. In applying this measure to railroads, it is necessary to ascertain, as nearly as can be done, the true value of each of these classes of property, and then compare the respective rates of taxation paid on sucn true valuation. It is very difficult in either event to determine what is the true valuation and no infallible rule can be applied for the purpose. In the case of real estate, as will appear from our previous chapter on "Tlie Taxation of Real Estate in Virginia,"' a comparison of the sales value of real properties sold in the several coun- ties and ciii^s of the State for a .dven year (1913), was made with the assessed values of the same properties for that year for the purpose of estimating the true value, and on this basis it was ascertained that the rate of taxation for all purposes, State and local, paid on real estate for the year 1913 was 57.7 cents on each $100.00 of true value, and that the average assessment of real estate in the counties and cities of the State is 40.2 per cent, of its true or "fair market value." This method, while in many respects imperfect, was considered the best and most practicable which could be adopted. 132 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. In the case of railroads, the task is even more difficult, owing to the conditions and contingences which peculiarly affect this class of property, and to the many and varied standards which have been suggested in the different taxing communities for fixing values. For the purpose of this comparison, however, we have adopted what is known as the "Stock and Bond Valuation," believing that it more nearly approximates the com- mercial or fair market value of the property than any other single method of valuation. The computation of this valuation is made for the year 1913 the same year for which real estate values were estimated. In making this valuation in some instances, companies which as a matter of corporate organization are separate, are combined, notably the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac, the Washington Southern and the Petersburg Connection, which for all practical purposes constitute one line and are designated as Washington lines. The value of the stock and bonds, including "Equipment Trust Obligations" of the larger companies, outstanding in the hands of the public, is computed from the sales actually consummated on the New York Stock Exchange during the year, the ratio of sale to par value being computed for the year and divided into the total par \alue for the computation of the total true value. This is done for each separate issue of bonds and class of stock; the summation of the results so se- cured producing the total true value from stocks and bonds of the entire system. From this total value there is assigned to Virginia a proportion based on the ratio of net earnings in the State to total net earnings of the system. The stock and bond valuation of the smaller and intrastate roads is made up largely from estimates derived from an examination of balance sheets and income accounts as sales of such securities are rarely made on the stock exchange. The total valuation of the larger interstate roads in Virginia on this basis is $357,333,700.00, and the revenue which would be derived on this valuation at the average rate now paid on estimated true valuation of real estate, or fifty-seven and seven-tenths cents on each $100.00, amounts to $2,061,815.44 as against $2,227,026.15 actually received from the same roads for the year ending June 30, 1913. The average rate paid on this estimated true value for the year was 62.3 cents on each $100.00. Tables showing the total revenue which would have been received on this valuation from each road at the average rate paid on estimated true value of real estate and the respective gains and losses as compared with the revenue actually received are filed herewith, marked table 10 and table 11. From table 10 it will appear that the taxes of three interstate roads, the A. C. L., the C. C. & 0., and the Washington lines would be materially increased, while all other interstate roads would pay less. The R. F. & P. was not taxable under i'ts charter held until 1913, and this fact must be borne in mind in the interpretation of these tables. In 1914 the Washington lines paid $136,169.49 in total taxes against $90,764.05 for 1913. The 1914 tax amounts to 62.4 cents on the $100.00 of valuation. The intrastate roads, as shown by table 11, would pay materially less, Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 133 as they now pay at a rate of about $1.00 on each $100.00 of estimated true value. From these investigations and comparisons it would seem that the railroads as a whole are paying their just .share of taxation in Virginia, measured by the real estate standard. It must be taken into considera- tion, however, that the average rate used would not produce the same results as would the rates of the localities plus a State rate readjusted on a full value basis. On the larger roads traversing a number of localities, however, the difference would not be material. It must also be taken into consideration that many railroads, by reason of strategic position, favorable connections, rich freight producing terri- tory, and other like advantages have an added value which cannot be fixed by any ordinary standard of valuation, but which is a proper sub- ject of taxation and should be considered. This is peculiarly true of the larger interstate roads in Virginia, whjch connect by the most direct and natural lines of communication the rich freight producing sections of the south and west with the great markets and ports of the north and east. It may be said that Virginia is the funnel through which all the northbound business of the south is poured into the Atlantic Seaboard, and which conversely collects the southbound business for distribution to the entire south lying east of the Mississippi. Under present conditions, if we assess the property of railroads at its full value and burden it with the full State and local rates of taxa- tion, while real estate is assessed at little more than one third of true value, it would, be a hardship which no reasonable man would ask to be imposed; but should the assessment on real estate be increased to comply with our constitutional and statutory requirements, the valuation of railroads should be correspondingly increased so as to contribute their legitimate share of State and local revenues. Defects in the Present Law. We have stated that in our opinion the law now governing the as- sessment of railroads in Virginia has defects which should be remedied. The law provides for a dual assessment: 1. On the real and personal property at a value to be ascertained by the State Corporation Commission from the reports made by the com- panies and upon the best and most reliable information that can be procured. On this assessment a tax is levied at the full State and local rates, the State revenue to be paid direct into the State .treasury, and the local revenue to the localities. 2. A franchise tax equal to one per centum of the gross transporta- tion receipts, to be ascertained in case of interstate roads by multiplying the average gross receipts per mile over the entire system by the number of miles operated within this State. This revenue is paid direct to the State. When this law was enacted imposing a franchise tax on the railroads, including those engaged in interstate commerce, measured by a per centum of the gross receipts, it was believed that under the authority of Maine 7'. Grand Trunk Railway, 142 U. S., 217, it was free from the 134 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. objection of being an attempt to regulate commerce among the States. Since that time, however, a Texas statute quite similar in its terms was held invalid by the Supreme Court of the United States as in violation of the commerce clause of the Federal Constitution Galveston Railway Company v. Texas, 210 U. S., 217 and quite recently the same court in the discussion and decision of the Ohio Tax Case, 232 U. S., 576, lends additional doubt to the validity of our law. In the Galveston case, however, it is made plain by the court that the same object sought to be obtained by the imposition of the gross receipts tax as a tax upon the franchise of the corporations can be obtained by taxing the property at its value "as it is" "in its organic relations," taking into account the augmentation of value from the commerce in which it is engaged; in other words, it may be taxed at its actual value as "a going concern." In view of the 'large proportion of revenue paid to the State on the gross receipts or franchise tax it would be inequitable and unjust to the roads for the assessing power to value the physical properties at their true or market value, or to follow any of the recognized standards for fixing such values. The gross receipts tax for the year 1913 was 59.25 per cent, of the entire revenue paid to the State by the roads, and in 1914 the percentage was 61. For 1915 it is 59.2 per cent. The Cor- poration Commission has adopted the plan, which under the present law is perhaps the most equitable they could devise, of classifying the roads according to standards of value and assessing each class at the same rate per mile. This plan, as we have seen, in its general results works fairly satisfactorily from a revenue basis, but it is inevitable that it should lead to' inequalities as between the different roads. All the roads pay a uniform rate of one per centum on their gross receipts in the State, but when the ad valorem tax is added to the gross receipts tax we find that the percentage of the entire tax to the gross receipts varies materially. See table 7 filed with this report. The Franchise or Gross Receipts Tax. This tax is levied on the basis of the average gross receipts per mile for transportation on the entire system, and not on the actual receipts earned in business touching Virginia. This is an unfortunate basis. It gives the same credit to that portion of the track crossing unpro- ductive territory that it gives to the most productive portion of the line, and is unfavorable to a state producing more than an average revenue for the system. It is peculiarly unfavorable to Virginia, as has already been pointed out. It is unjust to the state on those roads whose earnings per mile are larger in Virginia than are the average earnings of the system, and unjust to the roads whose earnings in the State are less than the system average. From an examination of the operating reports of all the interstate roads traversing Virginia we find that 16.05 7)er cent, of their main lines (pirtcrle track) is in this State, from which they derive 21.42 per cent, of their sross earnings, and 24.30 per cent, of their net earnings. A table (No. 6) is filed with thi<* report, showing the percentage of main line in Virginia of each of the interstate roads and the per- Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 135 centage of the total gross receipts earned by each on the Virginia mileage. Should the present law be retained, we strongly recommend that it be so amended as to require the franchise tax to be paid on the basis of the gross receipts actually eained in Virginia on the traffic touching the State. This would perceptibly increase the revenue of the State, as will appear from the following table, which shows that on the mileage basis of distribution the gross earnings of the interstate roads in Vir- ginia for the year ending June 30, 1913, were $61,514,239.00, and that the actual earnings apportioned to the State amounted to $62,764,- 106.00, or an excess of $1,249,867.00. on which the State receives no revenue. 136 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. i PM 3 w H & ow M H O O }Z5 O O O DIFFERENCES Excess Mileage Pro-rate I i 3 3 3 32 Ms o CO j a s 8| j p CO ^ II p|| g ! | lip |p $ 4,960,427 Gross Earn- ings, Actual as reported CO CO O i s oo^SSooSSSSSK^S^Sg of : :5 ' I I '. '. a t< 3 ; ;! j|j tf : :* : : : : : ^-g 03 '3^' : : : : Southern (Including Atl. & Danville, F. & P. Virginia & Southwestern Virginian (Including one-half Norfolk Terrain Washington Lines (R. F. & P., Wash. So., anc Winchester & Potomac i 0=8 .... :^M Big Sandy & Cumberland Carolina, Clinchfield & Ohio Chesapeake & Ohio Cumberland Valley & Martinsburg. . Dun villa & Wpstprn Delaware, Maryland & Virginia Louisville & Nashville New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk. . . Norfolk Southern (Including one-hall Norfolk & Western (Including N. R. 1 ftp.fl.hnn rri Air I,inp. Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 137 This would necessitate on the part of some of the roads a more accurate apportionment of their earnings with reference to State lines, but, with the system of book-keeping now in vogue under .the require- ments made by the classifications prescribed by the Interstate Commerce Commission, it is believed that this could be done with fair accuracy without hardship. Indeed, a theoretically perfect system for such apportionment, known as the "point to point" system, is now used by some of the roads in Virginia. This system involves the summation of all business between each pair of points on the entire system, and the apportionment to States by the fixed percentage of main track miles where these two points 4ie across State lines. It has been found to be practicable and would give to each State a fairly accurate apportionment of the business actually done, and the revenue actually earned within its territory. Change in Method of Assessment. In view of the foregoing objections to the present method of assess- ing this class of property, and especially in view of the doubtful validity of the present law, we have thought it best to recommend a new system, and have prepared and present a bill for that purpose. The bill provides for an ad valorem assessment of all the property of railroad and canal corporations by a central authority, either the State Corporation Commission or the State Tax Commission., should such a commission be created by the General Assembly, believing that in any event the property of all public service corporations should be taxed as a unit by a State taxing authority as the only method by which uniformity in assessment can be secured. We have considered the various methods in use for fixing the value of properties in making the assessment, such as cost of construction, capitalization of net earnings, stock and bond valuation, etc., but, recog- nizing that there are valid objections to each of them as a single standard and that all are useful in determining a true valuation, we nave prescribed none, but require the different corporations to make such reports to the assessing power that full and complete information shall be at hand to make a just and equitable assessment without being hampered or tied by any prescribed rule which might work an injustice to the State or to any individual corporation. The assessment is to be made and apportioned between the communi- ties where the property is located according to the value of such property in each locality, and report made to the Auditor of Public Accounts and to the boards of supervisors and city and town councils. The Auditor extends the taxes at. the local rates levied in each community on the assessment as apportioned and collects the entire tax from the corpora- tion and pays it into the State treasury, where 45 per cent, of the amount is retained for State purposes, the remainder, 55 per cent, is paid to the localities by warrants drawn by the Auditor in favor of the various local treasurers. In fixing the percentage for apportionment between the State and the localities it is necessary that the State should have a larger percent- 138 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. age of the revenue than is paid by other classes of property assessed for State and local purposes. The State now receives from this source, not only the thirty-five cent rate on the physical valuation of the prop- erties, but, in addition thereto, a larger sum arising from the franchise tax. The revenue received by the State for the year 1913 was 41.3 per cent, of the total revenue paid by railway and canal corporations. In the scheme providing for partial segregation of subjects for State and local revenues which we submit in our report it is contemplated that the State shall receive in addition to the amount it now receives from the franchise tax, the entire tax on the rolling stock of railroad corporations within the State. This would amount to a little more than the present State revenue on the property valuation. We have, therefore, fixed the percentage named for the State on the assumption that the total revenue under the proposed bill, if adopted, would at least equal the revenue now received from this source, and that while the State would receive something more than it now receives, yet, by reason of the fact that the bill provides that the assessment of rolling stock shall be apportioned on a mileage basis to all the communities through which the lines of road run, the communities other than those cities which have heretofore received the tax on rolling stock will not receive less revenue than they have heretofore enjoyed. These communities will receive the benefit of the increased property valuation sufficient to raise the present franchise tax, which would be an increase of about 34.4 per cent, on present valuation, and they also share pro rata in the assessment of the rolling stock. As has been shown, the present State revenue is about 41.3 per cent, of the total revenue, State and local, received from this source. Under the segregation plan the prpposal to release to the communities the present State property tax on railroads, and to give' to the State in lieu thereof the total tax on rolling stock, the State would receive 44.5 per cent, of the total taxes paid. The cities mentioned cannot complain because they have already lost the rolling stock tax, and there is no probability that any future legis- lature will restore it to them. Indeed, under the percentage distribution provided in the proposed bill, they will fare better than under the pres- ent law. It will also, to some extent, benefit those communities which have no railroad mileage, but which contribute to the business which yields revenue to the roads. The principal advantage of the proposed bill over the present law. however, is that it will enable the taxing power to equalize the tax burden between the different roads. Under the present law, inequalities neces- sarily exist, as is shown by the tables filed with this report. In fact, the inequalities are almost as great as on real estate. Under the bill proposed, if any one standard of valuation would be unjust or onerous on a given road, the correction can be made and the value fixed by ap- plying different standards and accepting that valuation which would be most equitable and which would equalize it with other roads differently situated. We believe that under an ad valorem system administered by a com- petent board untrammeled by any single prescribed standard or rule, it is easier to establish justice in taxation than under any other method. Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 139 We must be made to realize that it is not only desirable but possible to establish justice and equality in taxation, and that until this is accomplished the demand for tax reform will necessarily continue. We cannot, however, expect this reform to be confined to any par- ticular class of property it must be general to accomplish its just pur- poses. We should not demand or expect that railroad property be as- sessed at its full and actual value and bear the same tax rate as other classes of property assessed at one-third or one-half their value. Mr. Allen Ripley Foote, in an address before the National Tax Asso- ciation, of which he was the President in 1911, said : "Under the ad valorem system, the total valuation and the total amount of revenue required determine the tax rate. The valuation of his property and the tax rate determine the amount each tax payer must pay . When all property is listed for taxation at full value, the tax rate, all other conditions remaining unchanged, will be as low as can be made. The only thing gained by undervaluation is an extra computation and a higher tax rate. The just ad valorem taxation of railroads requires the just ad valorem taxation of all property. The requirements of laws, the corrections of rules, and the efficiency of the administrative machinery must be identical for all classes of tax payers. To secure justice in taxation for themselves, the whole body of tax payers and railroad tax payers as a class, must co-operate with each other to develop, establish and maintain a just system of valuations for the purposes of taxation." Under our present law, we do not believe that the railroad companies in^the State are paying on a full valuation of their properties, but, as compared with the assessed values of other classes of property in the State, it is our opinion these companies as a whole are contributing a fair share to the public revenues. Some of them, largely due to the provisions of our present law, are not paying their due proportion or such proportion as they would pay under an ad valorem basis properly admin- istered. We believe the bill proposed would enable the Corporation Com- mission, or other assessing body, to remedy all such inequalities as they may find to exist. Under the system of segregation which we are required to report under the act creating this Committee, we considered the revenues de- rived from railroads and public service corporations to be natural sub- jects of segregation to the State, but our investigations showed that in a number of counties where the revenues received from this source were considerable, large bond issues for the construction of roads and other purposes had been voted, relying upon this revenue to support them, and that it would work a hardship in such instances to deprive the communities of this source of revenue. The construction of good roads and public improvements naturally inures to the benefit of the railroads and it is claimed with considerable force that they should con- tribute to the communities a just share of the additional burdens of taxation made necessary by reason of such improvements. We there- fore recommend that the communities retain practically the revenues they now receive from this source and the accompanying bill is drawn with that view. 140 Report of Committee on Tax Revision,. TABLE ^ ow I ^ Q 1 o ^O 1C '- 05 JS O I -> O O -*0- > r-t '<*croooiooiot^i U5 CO CO OO t^ CO O CO CO ( ' fl 1 to ^ S :j :| ;_C ^ tf :*) h ^ -o ^ :=3 ^ fc <^ Is !l w fe H,g Sn c si 1? fe c t c fe ' : i! rt :'E ] ':> < T : : i ; :j ! ^ Iphia & Norfolk Including one-h{ tf 5? .S 3 B 1 ig Atl. & Danvil Astern . . . ig one-half Norfo (R. F. & P., Was mac . . . 142 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. CO 5-0 -S 135 111 'S.5 a t-i_ l^ O O !--._ O O5 O CO CO CO U500 r-T "> 3 : : : a '. a -.3 . j^ s ^ ^ : c 5 .M -.2 >5 S; - : 2 a :'c 1 il & Norfolk line one-half Norfolk Termi C ^ a s ^ S ^ & Danville. F. & P.. and R -half Norfolk Terminal')'.'. '. &P., Wash. So., and Pot., < M*E Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 1413 o tf H O O ^ j/2 i i 1 o 2 9 o H W i H g r i *~i iS I a ;goooooo< it- OOi^COr-iOiiOOOOOOOOOiO " t>Tcq -H~ * Os" "^t* T-H -rj* i I ic" O^ 10" oT t* CO iO * i CO O CO WWW co coo -^ o 01 ^i ^ " IO *O -^ CO ........ sburg . ':* ia '*& ilH ?2 11 H S J Q 23 'I i J5|{ i* :|, : 5 y ill;? ||^ 'S : r S'ti":r : c 1 P c 1 ^ i liliglllllll BgJlB*SJ-SllJ r* J E- t^ ^ ^C r- r^ C fl'^^C fill ^3'3^ 3J2l< 144 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. E 301913 Virginia State Only T}* rjo I -^ I O >O O CO Ol r^ OO CO f^- C^J O O O ^ OSCOr^005l^iOI-^OiOOiQ-^'rSr-.^Tji(M OcOC^^OCCt^-i (^HOfjOCO*OOOOOS CC ^ oo-i^ ci'oofoi x : oi o *-H"odi-T 0 O C3 (i g CO i s 3 g H H ^l ^ ^ ^r o* ** * K*" 03 H i i **5 H O 10 S- O ; ; ; ; ItllllllllT-II <-< PJ 9 S o -3 < 9 g i : : : : ::::::::::::: H % a ;:;;:::::::::::::: w w I:::.............. 9 s Q d -3 Jj H a I* -oy H ? : : j '^ ': ^r ifS : g : : : : : : ^J :a :"!.: c^ ^ 'fe 'Hj^ ' fc : : : : : : :^^ : - .^^ . -S<>y ;0 to w s b All Track Miles \ i 23 PERCEI 1.1 1 5 SO ; ; ; ; ; ; III'. \\ : I M j 1 1 I'll : : : : : : : : : ' : :| ; : ; ; ; ;^ ;J ; ;g 1 ill M i|a ; i i * !i: : i i i IS 55 - :? :fS Atlantic Coast Line Big Sandy & Cumberland Carolina, Clinchfield & Ohio Chesapeake & Ohio Cumberland Valley & Martinsburg. . . Danville & Western Delaware, Maryland & Virginia Laurel Louisville & Nashville New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk. . . . Norfolk Southern (Including one-half I Norfolk & Western (Including N. R. H Seaboard Air Line Southern (Including Atl. & Danville, I Virginia & Southwestern Virginian (Including one-half Norfolk 1 Washington Lines (R. F. & P., Wash. S Winchester & Potomac . . . ' ' F i H 146 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. CON ER-STATE RAILROADS OPERATING IN VIRG YSIS OF TAXES. "8 -H S ooo 8 oo ssss 8SS SSg 8 RELATION OF VIRGINIA TAXES TO VIRGINIA EARNINGS AND VALUES V 3 8 8 3 1 w 2 i 1 02 38gSSSgo?S2EgS8g 3 |1 81 .w * 2 SS: ssssesss s Percentage All Va. Taxes to Net Earnings 00 OS 00 CO ~ 2 ss W ^ < Gross Earnings SSSSS gS S . S = S 8sa a d ' New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Norfolk Southnrn (Including one-half Norfolk Terminal)... Norfolk & Western (Including N. R. H. & W., Va. Car.) Southern (Including Atl. & Danville, F. & P., and R. & M.) Viro-i'nin & Smith wotitorn Virginian (Including one-half Norfolk Terminal) Washington Lines (R. F. & P., Wash. So., and Pot., & Petersb'g Con Winchester & Potomac Total . . . ; ;t . C 1 l! < 1 4 TJ "o c ic 6* |1 1J OC 1 1 8 o' ^ 11 5C 4 =8 1 1 f 11 & C ^ ^ % 1 1 E Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 147 1 o 8S8SS3SS8S88S^S 55 od 1 co o o GO o" 1 ^? ocTc^o oT c^i o co*oo o- o i-HCOiOCOCOl>-O CO O CO 1 i-H O t& cJi-i co" I b-H I a r^ OQ .2 1 'S, D "*""'' ^ 3 | 1 1 EH I 1 * Ne " ow rtrtl " rt ' hH a ^^^^2SS^g5^S^2S S 1 isi^isiisiiisi M 1 o ^COCO^QO.OCO^^^COOO^^C, s 3 1 1 g M i SS^o2!^S :2S?2 Ti O --i t^ O3 CO O -H >O T-I 00 O O >*M O IO OO 10 CO h- (M ' OO C^ (M -^i IM o> I of2 ri p Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 149 OF STOCKS UE TO EQUAL :RAGE RATE Decrease on Present Tax t^ eocflio "o N o oo co o o> ^H c g *l o e<-t~ 2 A ^ I B EH w? % h*5? go gS 5 O ^ Hd t i rrt wd S fe^ o !> W 3 SH !z;0 M x^ S H 1 O C4 CO ^ H 02 02H pq _ h I a Sco sssssssssssssssa o >o C4 CO EH 3 eg H W^ t_j - N W t^ > ^S S 3 S 8 c os" i M M t) <1 ^H ^ ^ P to >o oo eo *- >o co lus^ !t~- $ 258,713.44 ;o(Nw OOi-H 1C GO .COt-- CO ; - <": I I I 1 I ? '** 40,622.91 $2,061,815.44 $ 93,502.73 to to ^ ': i ::::,: I i M 1 $2,227,026.15 B- 8 - 3 " S SS C^ O5 OO ^* Tt< CC <" INTERSTATE RAILROADS c ! d M JD jHs : Norfolk Southern (Including one-half Norfolk Termin Norfolk & Western (Including N. R. H. & W., Va. Car Seaboard Air Line Southern (Including Atl. & Danville, F. & P., and R. Virginia & Southwestern Washington Lines (R. F. & P., Wash. So., and Pot., & Winchester & Potomac. . . \\i :^3' il _JJ3 ' & ^0 : | IS =2 ! Cfl^- 2 III! Miii ^ g c c. o = Sfl is ^ ^3.5? 3j=: 3 =3 : c S!IJ c > ll s #* s - ; IJ 111' aJ^2 Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 151 PQ -*f>iot--Tt- O O T iCO^-iO^iOOOOOOOOOiO !> O SO O iO -st" "^I^COCiO'^fOC^lOitNcO s **" t-C ^ lC"-IOOa5OCOrHOO- l^-^TfiOlScOIMi-il r^-t->-GOOSGO^t.GOOOiO C^t'-fMOCOCOcOC^OCO* lt-~Tt-Tt- r-T IO 1C" IM" . CD 1C 00 O --. . lOCOTtifMi-HOOGOTtH-l ^ rt ^ao^, urg ;;;;:: ; ;3 : M i i i i ; U i ii i ; ; i -s ; ;| ill URL ^ : :j2 : C9..H :^5 ,. .-J5 o . r; u nw " := .' ^^S 13 < ^5 O ^ I > rt ^ H O*.H t 1 ^. I b/l (/> bf Cd fiZ-g o ifl 2 'S"G^ :flaCi 1lgi|lliS; KJUTS.S a^-ss'isgsj 152 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. CO J 8H co rat^oO'- l feile* ^5 .Sr 03 -G J PQOO^ Chapter IV Public Service Corporations. 153 Street Railways. These companies are classed as railway companies and are assessed and taxed in the same manner. With one exception, all such roads operating in Virginia are intrastate. For the year ending June 30, 1913, they paid to the State on their railroad property taxes amounting to $72,061.81, and to the State and localities (including the taxes paid on their water, heat, light and power business) they paid the sum of $405,390.56, which was 13.88 per cent, of their net earnings for the year. The rate of taxes paid on net earnings capitalized at seven per cent, was ninety-three cents on each $100.00, and on stock and bond valuation eighty-three cents on each $100.00. Measured by the real estate standard it would seem that this class of property is paying its full share of taxes to the State and communi- ties. Two tables, marked "A" and "B," respectively, are appended to this report giving detailed information as to the several companies operating in Virginia. 154 Report of Committee ou Tax Revision. O PH WcT grf O H HO GO HH hHH HO OO M P^ PM O Ill > al -I 11 ISiil O O O O = = t^ ^H r^ -H "S to oo ^H eg O O os cc ro oo o o ^H ^ <=! ^S^.S co^cr- cst-: oo ooqo-^ odco TH"oio o ^oo''^- o C2 10 o r- co CN r--. o 03 O CO CO 00 6 6 cc 00 b fill b b II ^ ^ a a PH OH a a , ENTAGE ANA ill! rt a c3 H o H t^p|a^ 8 i H M ji > ; ^ ^ ; o go o co o o .T5 ."3 * o ^t^t^io i 1 I 1 ill ; ^ ^ . M bfi O 4) OCO--J I'll CC oo^cSl2^o5 CO CO CO tO CN O- si O J5 sss III 1 p a S "* 2 g 2 g : w l p ncocooso CO <5 1 : o : : : a > s= - 3 - H "' 4 "^ : ft Increase jfc During * * Year * 9r 9 Percentage of Previous Year's Collections 1908 16,740,138.001 - 1909 7,176,114.00 ' , $435,976.00 6.468 1910 . . 7,536,336.00 360,222.00 5.020 1911 8,125,755.00 589,419.00 7.821 1912 8,628,514.00 502,759.00 6.187 1913 9 292 849 00 664,335.00 7.699 FIRE AND MARINE 1908 $4 155 958 oo 1909 4,261,205.00 $105,247.00 2. 552 1910 4,332,860.00 71,655.00 1.682 1911 4,511,586.00 178,726.00 4.125 1912 4 849 267 00 337,681 00 7 485 1913 4,984,824.00 135,557.00 2.795 CASUALTY AND MISCELLANEOUS 1908 $ 735,871.00 1909 934 213 00 $198 342 00 26 953 1910 1,050,936.00 116,723.00 12.494 1911 1,140 131 00 89,195 00 8 487 1912 1 278 647 00 138 516 00 12 149 1913 1,427,550 00 148,903 00 11 645 INDUSTRIAL SICK BENEFIT 1908... 1909 ! $ 960,899.00 1,093,378.00 $132,479.00 1,348,611.00 255,233.00 1,537,273.00 , 188,662.00 1,809,949.00 272,676.00 2,155,082.00 ' 345,133.00 i 13.787 23.344 13.989 17.738 19.073 1910 1911 1912 1913 Life Companies Fire and Marine Casualty and Miscellaneous Industrial Sick Benefit Premium income for 1913 Premium income for 1908 $9,292,849.00 6,740,138.00 $4,984,824.00 4,155,958.00 $1,427,550.00 735,871.00 $2,155,082.00 960,899.00 Increase in income during 5 years. . . Said increase being equal to Or, an average annual increase Premium income for 1914, 1915 and 1916 based upon above increases. For 1914 $2,552,711.00 37.873 prct. 7.575 prct. 9,996,782.00 10,700,715.00 11,404,648.00 $ 828,866.00 19.944 prct. 3.989 prct. 5,183,669.00 5,382,514.00 5,581,359.00 $ 691,679.00 93.995 prct. 18.799 prct. 1,695,915.00 1,964,280.00 2,232,645.00 $1,194,183.00 124.278 prct. 24.856 prct. 2,690,749.00 3,226,416.00 3,762,082.00 1915 1916 * Of 1908 income. 184 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. A BILL To amend and re-enact sections 23, M and 26 of an act, entitled "an act to raise revenue for the support of the government and public free schools, and to pay the interest on the public debt, and to pro- vide a special tax for pensions as authorized by section 189 of the Constitution," approved April 16, 1903, and acts amendatory thereof. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That sections twenty-three, twenty-four and twenty-six of an act, entitled "an act to raise revenue for the support of the government and public free schools, and to pay the interest on the public debt, and to provide a special tax for pensions as authorized by section one hundred and eighty-nine of the Constitution," approved April sixteenth, nineteen hundred and three, and acts amendatory thereof, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows: Sec. 23. Every person, partnership, company or corporation, which contracts on his. their or its account to issue policies or contracts for or agreements for life, fire, marine, surety, guaranty, fidelity, employer's liability, liability, credit, health, accident, live stock, plate glass, tornado, automatic sprinkler, burglary, steam boiler, and all like insurance, shall pay an annual license tax based on the gross premium income derived from business in this State during each year ending the thirty-first day of December prior to the year for which such license tax is to be paid for the privilege of doing business in this State. The license year shall expire on the thirtieth of April of each year. No license shall be issued for less than a year, except to a person, part- nership, company or corporation, when he, they, or it first commenced business in this State, in which case the license shall be issued for that part of the year from the date of the issuance of the license to the thirtieth of April following, and the tax thereon shall bear such pro- portion to the annual license tax as the space of time between the is- suance of the license and the thirtieth of April following bears to the whole year. The license tax herein provided shall be paid into the State treasury on or before the first day of April of each year, but the auditor of public accounts shall not receive the same until the com- missioner of insurance has notified him in writing, showing the amount due, which information the commissioner of insurance shall furnish to the auditor of public accounts on or before the fifteenth day of March of each year. Every such person, partnership, company or corporation which con- tracts on his, their or its account to issue policies or contracts for or agreements for fire, marine, surety, guaranty, fidelity, employer's lia- bility, liability, credit, health, accident, live stock, plate glass, tornado, automatic sprinkler, burglary and steam boiler, and all like insurance, shall pay into the State treasury, as hereinabove provided, a license tax of Chapter V Taxation of Insurance Companies. 1.85 two and three-fourths per centum upon the gross amount of all premiums, assessments, dues and fees collected, received or derived, or obligations taken therefor, from business in this State during each year ending the thirty-first day of December, without any deduction for dividends paid, or deduction on any other account, except for premiums returned upon cancelled policies, and premiums paid for re-insurance upon business in this -State in companies duly authorized to do business in this State ; and every such person, partnership, company or corporation which con- tracts on his, their, or its account to issue policies or contracts for or agreements for life insurance, and all like insurance, shall pay into the State treasury, as hereinabove provided, a license tax of two and one-fourth per centum upon the gross amount of all premiums, assess- ments, dues and fees collected, received or derived, or obligations taken therefor, from business in this State during each year ending the thirty- first day of December, without any deduction for dividends paid, or deduction on any other account, except for premiums returned upon cancelled policies, and premiums paid for re-insurance upon business in this State in companies duly authorized to do business in this State. Provided, that any such insurance companies chartered by and doing business solely in this State which are purely mutual and have no capital stock, and are not designed to accumulate profits for the benefit of, or pay dividends to, the members thereof, or any insurance company chartered by and doing business solely in this State, with a capital stock not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars and which pays losses from as- sessments against its policy holders or members, shall pay a license tax of one per centum upon the gross amount of all premiums, assessments, dues and fees collected, received or derived, or obligations taken therefor, from business in this State during the year ending the thirty-first day of December, without any deduction for dividends paid, or deduction on any other account, except for premiums returned upon cancelled policies, and premiums paid for re-insurance upon business in this State in com- panies duly authorized to do business in this State. Provided, further, that nothing herein shall be construed to apply to mutual fire insurance companies chartered in this State and doing a local business in this State, as defined by an act approved March seventh, nineteen hundred and four, nor to industrial sick benefit companies, as defined by an act approved March sixteenth, nineteen hundred and ten, nor to fraternal beneficiary associations, as defined by chapter five of the act concerning the bureau of insurance, approved March ninth, nineteen hundred and six, as amended by an act approved March twenty-fourth, nineteen hun- dred and fourteen. And provided, further, that nothing herein shall be construed to apply to section twenty-eight of chapter one, and section fourteen of chapter two, of an act concerning the bureau of insurance, approved March ninth, nineteen hundred and six, providing that the expenses of maintaining the bureau of insurance shall be paid by the insurance companies doing business in this State, and providing that the expense of keeping the bonds deposited with the treasurer of the State shall be paid by the insurance company depositing same. The proceeds of the said license tax to be paid into the State treasury by every person, partnership, company or corporation doing an insurance 186 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. business in this State as herein provided, shall be retained for the ex- penses of the State government, except that one-fourth of the license taxes so paid into the State treasury from premiums, assessments, dues and fees collected on policies, 'contracts or agreements to persons or corporations domiciled in any city or incorporated town in this State, shall be returned and paid by the State on or before the first day of September following in each year, into the treasury of the city or incorporated town in which the insured was domiciled at the time of the collection of any such premiums, assessments, dues and fees. Sec. 24. Every such person, partnership, company or corporation shall, on or before the first of March of each year, report, under oath, to the commissioner of insurance, upon forms to be furnished by him, the gross amount of all premiums, assessments, dues and fees collected, re- ceived or derived, or obligations taken therefor, from business in this State during the preceding year ending the thirty-first day of December, without any deduction for dividends paid, or deduction on any other account, except for premiums returned upon cancelled policies, and pre- miums paid for re-insurance upon business in this State in companies duly authorized to do business in this State, and said report shall show separately the gross amounts of such premiums, assessments, dues and fees collected from persons or corporations domiciled, according to the books of such insurance companies, in any city or incorporated town in this State within the period aforesaid. The said annual report shall be examined into by the commissioner of insurance in order to ascertain as to its correctness, and it shall be his duty to file said report, or a copy thereof, when approved by him, with the auditor of public accounts. Every such person, partnership, company or corporation which shall fail to make the report of premium, assessments, dues and fees as herein required shall be fined fifty dollars for each day's failure to make such report, said fine to be imposed in the discretion of the circuit court of the city of Richmond, iipon the motion of the attorney general, after ten days' notice, made at the suggestion of the commissioner of insurance. The commissioner of insurance shall, upon notification from the auditor of public accounts, that the license tax on premiums, assess- ments, dues and fees, has not been paid, revoke the license issued the person, partnership, company or corporation. The auditor of public accounts shall, upon the failure of any such person, partnership, company or corporation to make the payment of the license tax on premiums, assessments, dues and fees, within the time required by law, add a penalty of ten per centum of the amount of said license tax to the same, and proceed to recover the penalty and the license tax by suit in the circuit court of the city of Richmond on the bond given by any such person, partnership, company or corporation to secure the payment of said tax. Sec. 26. The real estate and tangible personal property, situated or located in this State, of every person, partnership, company or corpora- tion, whether organized by the laws of another state or country, or organ- ized under the laws of this State, and doing an insurance business in this State, shall be listed and assessed on the land and property books of the commissioners of the revenue in the same manner as other real Chapter V Taxation of Insurance Companies. 187 estate and tangible personal property is assessed,, and shall be taxed at the same rate as other like property is taxed in this State. The license tax on gross premiums as provided in section twenty- three and the tax on real estate and tangible personal property herein provided to be paid by every person., partnership, company or corporation doing such an insurance business in this State, shall be in lieu of all other license fees, taxes or levies whatsoever for State, county, municipal or local purposes, which shall be construed to include their agents, except where any such agent shall represent more than one such person, partnership, company or corporation doing such an insurance business in this State, and except that the certificate fee of one dollar required to be paid by all such agents to the bureau of insurance shall be paid by them as heretofore. 2. The collection of the public revenue being affected hereby, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act shall be in force from its passage. JSToTE If a plan for segregation be adopted, and it provide that all insurance taxes shall be for State purposes only, then in the last para- graph of section 23, fourth line, all after the words "State government" should be stricken out, and section 24 should be amended so as not to require such companies to report separately premiums, assessments, dues and fees collected from persons or corporations domiciled in any city or incorporated town in this State, by striking out all after the word "State" in line ten in said section 24 to the end of the sentence, closing with the words "period aforesaid." 188 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. A BILL To amend and re-enact sections 5 and 6 of an act entitled "An Act to Define and Classify Industrial Sick Benefit Companies and Asso- ciations," approved March 16, 1910. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That sections five and six of an act entitled "An act to define and classify industrial ick benefit companies and associations," approved March sixteenth, nine- teen hundred and ten, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows : Sec. 5. Every association or joint stock company embraced in the first section of this act shall pay for the privilege of carrying on its business in this State, a license tax of one per centum upon the gross- amount of all premiums, assessments, dues and fees collected, or obliga- tions taken therefor, derived from its business in this State during each year ending the thirty-first day of December, which license tax shall be paid in the same manner and at the same time as is required by law of the regular life insurance companies; provided, however, that in the event such license tax on gross premiums shall not amount in the aggre- gate to as much as two hundred dollars in any one year, then such asso- ciation or joint stock company shall pay a specific license tax of two hundred dollars. The tax herein provided to be paid by the companies or associations embraced in this act shall be in lieu .of all other taxes, license fees or levies whatsoever for State, county, municipal or local purposes for the privilege of doing business in this State ; provided, that nothing in this act shall be construed to relieve any such company or association from taxation on its real estate, or tangible personal property, as required by law to be paid by the regular life insurance companies doing business in this State, nor to relieve such companies or associations from the tax for the maintenance of the bureau of insurance, as required by section twenty-eight of chapter one of the act concerning the bureau of insurance, approved March ninth, nineteen hundred and six, nor to relieve such companies or associations from the tax required to be paid to the treasurer of Virginia for keeping the bonds deposited by any such companies or associations ; and provided, further, that any industrial insurance company doing business on the legal reserve plan shall not be required to pay any licenses, fees or other taxes in excess of those required by this act on such part of its business as may be sick benefit insurance^ as defined in section one of this act; but all such sick benefit insurance shall be subject to the restrictions of this act as far as applicable; and provided, further, that such last mentioned companies doing business on the legal reserve plan shall pay on all sick benefit policies or contracts that provide a greater death benefit than two hundred and fifty dollars, or a greater weekly indemnity than ten dollars, and on all other life, limited payment and endowment insurance, the same license or other taxes as are required of all other legal reserve companies. Chapter V Taxation of Insurance Companies. 189 Every agent, canvasser or solicitor representing any company qualified to transact business under this act shall be subject to the laws governing agents of insurance companies. Sec. 6. All such companies or associations shall secure annually a license from the commissioner of insurance, who shall, before issuing said license, be satisfied that the company or association applying for same has complied with all the laws relating to companies or associations embraced in this act, and is solvent; and for this purpose the commis- sioner of insurance shall have authority, at any time, to examine any company or association mentioned in this act, and shall possess the same powers that are conferred upon him for examination of other insurance companies. Such license shall expire on the thirtieth day of April following its date, and all renewals thereof shall be obtainable in the same manner. 2. The collection of current revenues being affected, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this act shall be in force from its passage. 190 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. A BILL To amend and re-enact section 30 of chapter one, and section 13 of chapter two of an act, entitled "an act concerning the bureau of insurance, and insurance,, guaranty, trust, indemnity, fidelity, se- curity, and fraternal benefit companies, associations, societies and orders, and imposing penalties for its violation," approved March 9, 1906, and acts amendatory thereof. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That section thirty of chapter one, and section thirteen of chapter two of an act, entitled "an act concerning the bureau of insurance, and insurance,, guaranty, trust, indemnity, fidelity, security, and fraternal benefit com- panies, associations, societies and orders, and imposing penalties for its violation," approved March ninth, nineteen hundred and six, and acts amendatory thereof, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows : Sec. 30. All companies of the classes mentioned in this chapter, foreign, alien, or domestic shall, on or before the first day of March in each year, make report to the bureau of insurance upon forms to be furnished by the commissioner of insurance, of the amount of their gross premiums, assessments or dues for the preceding calendar year, and such other information as the bureau of insurance may require, in order to make such assessment. Sec. 13. Every such, insurance, guaranty, trust, indemnity, fidelity, security, or other like company, whether foreign, alien or domestic, shall obtain annually from the commissioner of insurance a renewal of its license or certificate of authority to transact business in this State, which shall not be issued unless and until every such insurance company shall have paid all taxes, fees and charges imposed by law; provided, that if the commissioner of insurance fails or refuses to renew the license of any such company, then such company can as a matter of right appeal from such decision to the State corporation commission for a renewal of its license, and such appeal shall be informal and heard at once. Chapter V Taxation of Insurance Companies. 191 A BILL Kelating to the issuance of fire insurance policies through an under- writers' agency, and providing a penalty for its violation. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That every fire insurance company shall conduct its business in this State in the name by which it is incorporated, and the policies issued by it shall be headed or entitled by such name. There shall not appear on the face of the policy or on its filing back anything that would indicate that it is an obligation of any other than the company responsible for the payment of losses under the policy, and the name or names of any fire insurance companies issuing policies through an underwriters' agency shall be stamped or printed on each policy issued by such underwriters' agency, and shall show on each such policy the name of such company or companies, and, where there is more than one company, their pro- portion of liability under said policies shall be distinctly stated therein. The words "underwriters' agency," as used in this act, shall be held to apply to a company or companies who issue policies severally or jointly under a name other than their own corporate name, or under a contract or agreement with any individual, partnership, corporation or association through whom such policies may be issued. Before an underwriters' agency shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, a policy in this State it shall pay an annual specific license tax of two hundred dollars for the privilege of doing business in this State as an underwriters' agency, and shall also deposit with the State treasurer bonds equal in amount to those deposited by the company or companies whose policies they issue, as required by section fourteen, chapter two of "An act concerning the bureau of insurance," approved March ninth, nineteen hundred and six, and no company shall be permitted to issue an underwriters' policy, or be a party thereto, which has not complied with all of the laws now in force relative to fire insurance companies. Pro- vided, that nothing herein shall be construed to exempt any fire insurance company from the payment of the license tax on premiums required by the laws of this State. 2. Any violation of this act shall be deemed a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars. Report of Committee on Tax Revision. CHAPTER VI. THE TAXATION OF BANKS AND OF TRUST AND SECURITY COMPANIES. There are two outstanding defects in our present method of taxing the stock of banks that the bill we present aims to correct. The Inequality of Local Rates. To meet the requirement imposed by Act of Congress, the tax actually paid by a national bank, other than the tax on real estate, is levied, not upon the bank itself, but upon the holders of its capital stock. The stock is assessed at its book value; that is, each share is assumed to be worth the amount given by dividing the sum of the bank's capital, surplus and undivided profits by the whole number of its shares. A share thus assessed is taxed at the combined State and local rates that prevail in the locality where the owner resides, if the owner so prefers ; if the owner does not declare his preference, or if he is not a resident of the State, the share is taxed at the combined State and local rates that prevail where the bank is situated. In practice, however, the tax is paid, not by the owner of the share, but by the bank itself. Under this method., since local rates vary widely, banks in different localities bear a very unequal burden of taxation. Thus in Big Stone Gap a tax of $937.50 would be collected on bank stock of the value of $25,000; while in Nor- folk, stock of equal value would be taxed only $287.50. It is true that these illustrations are drawn from opposite extremities of the State, between which there is little competition in banking; and it is also true that they mark the extremes of divergence in the tax rates. But many other instances might be adduced to show that banks which do compete for business within the Commonwealth are very unequally handicapped by local taxes. The local rate in Norfolk for example, is only eighty cents; while in the adjacent cities of Portsmouth and Newport News it is a dollar and a quarter. It seems to us necessary to the welfare of the State and of the bank- ing business that a uniform tax be substituted for the innumerable rates that now prevail. The wisdom of making banking facilities more readily accessible to all classes of our citizens has been universally recognized by the business men and legislators of Virginia ever since the depression following the panic of 1893. Since that date the Commonwealth has seen a remarkable growth in this field of enterprise. But the growth has come, not because of, but in spite of our tax laws. Our desire to afford better facilities to our people has not been reflected in our fiscal policy. The State, it is true, has not been exorbitant in her demands upon the banks; but she has allowed a grievous discrimination against them on the part of the municipalities. At the present time, the local bank, like the local merchant, has metropolitan competitors for a portion Chapter VI Taxation of Banks; Trust and Security Companies. 193 of the business that should normally come to it. The development of the means of communication, the general growth of business, every step in the direction of greater general prosperity tends to widen the scope of a strong bank's activities, with the result that the city bank reaches far into the field that the country bank should occupy. The small local bank cannot meet such a competitor if it is burdened with an excessive tax. And yet it is necessary that the local bank should be preserved; for it is only a portion of its business that its competitor is willing to undertake. The small borrower and the small depositor can find ready accommodation only in the local bank of the community where he is known, a bank organized on a scale and working under methods that make the business of the small customer attractive to it. To permit these banks to be unduly taxed, is, therefore, to discriminate against a class of our citizens that stands most in need of better financial facili- ties. Hence, we believe that wise public policy, as well as strict justice, requires that a uniform rate be fixed for all banks in the State. Apportionment of the Tax. But while we would thus limit the rate of the tax, we do not recom- mend that its total yield should be segregated for State use. Our ob- jection to such a measure is two-fold. In the first place, many of our municipalities, particularly some of the towns and small cities, have entered upon policies of development and assumed obligations that are based on their retention of this source of revenue. Other sources of equal yield could not readily be opened by them. In many cases these policies and obligations are of very long standing. The whole fiscal system of the communities where they exist has been built up with the bank taxes as one of the sustaining props, and suddenly to withdraw that prop would bring down the structure. Keadjustment would not be im- possible, but it would be slow and costly, and could be effected only after a considerable period of confusion and impaired credit. Only a great necessity could justify the General Assembly in imposing this handicap upon the localities concerned. We object to the segregation of the bank tax, in the second place, because we regard it as just that a bank should contribute to the necessi- ties of the locality where it is situated. It is true that a portion of a bank's business is often extra-local, sometimes, indeed, statewide, and even wider. But with rare exceptions the prosperity of our banks is intimately connected with that of the communities where they exist. Enough of every bank's business is local to make it in large measure dependent upon the well being of its locality. It benefits by every ex- penditure made for protection or development. It is vitally concerned in the maintenance of order and the promotion of growth. It owes fully as much to its community as any other business that exists there. No reason is known to us for relieving it from the obligation to con- tribute its fair share to the necessities of the local government. There- fore, the bill we present provides that the State shall retain only the moderate amount it now collects from the banks, and that the remain- ing, and much greater, part of the tax shall be returned to the localities. 194 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. The Discrimination Against Banks, Under the present law taxes are levied at exactly the same rate upon the assessed value of real estate and other classes of property as upon bank stock. But real estate is assessed at far less than its selling value, and other property when it is not under-assessed evades taxation in large measure through concealment. For bank stock, however, escape* is not so easv as for other property. It cannot be concealed, and the assessment of it can always be made in a manner purely mechanical and independent of prejudice or favoritism. When it is thus assessed, it is, along with securities held by fiduciaries and exceptionally honest men, the most highly taxed property in the State. In recognition of this the General Assembly in 1908 permitted the deduction from the value of bank stock held by shareholders of debts owing by them and not deducted from the value of their other property, provided. that such deductions should not exceed ten per cent, of the value of all the stock of the bank. Our bill eliminates this deduction. It appears that the working of the act is attended by much confusion; that many have not taken advantage of it, while others have abused it, thus increasing the inequality among them. It has come to our knowledge that start- ling irregularities exist in the local taxation of banks. Some pay no county taxes at all, and others pay on stock which is assessed for local taxation at a small fraction of its value for State taxation. It sometimes happens that a bank pays taxes on stock valued at one amount to the State, at another and smaller amount to the town, and at a third and much smaller amount to the county. Some pay a flat tax, in the nature of a license, to the locality and pay no local tax on stock at all. We present in the Appendix a table which shows the degree and the preva- lence of these irregularities. Their existence is sufficient evidence of the need of a uniform rate and the elimination of deductions for debts. Additional reasons for the elimination are: first, that the amount of the deduction is purely arbitrary, and may or may not afford the just degree of relief; and, second, that no similar deduction is made on' account of debts due by owners of real estate and certain other classes of property. We believe that a just distribution of the tax burden can be secured, not through attempts to patch up unequal assessments by means of arbitrary deductions and exemptions, but rather by making the assessments and tax rates right from the first. The proper relief for the banks, therefore, is to be sought, not through an artificial understatement of the taxable value of their stock, but through the ascertainment of the true taxable value of other kinds of property. From this would result a lower tax rate on all classes. The Rate Recommended for the Bank Tax. In view of these considerations we recommend a uniform tax rate of $1.35 on the $100.00 of the book value of bank stock. Of this we recommend that $0.35, which is the present State tax, be retained by the State, and that $1.00 be returned to the locality where the bank is situated. Chapter VI Taxation of Banks; Trust and Security Companies. 195 We may seem inconsistent in recommending a rate of $1.35 on bank stock, since we present elsewhere a bill providing for a tax of only $1.00 on the securities of other corporations. But it should be remembered that this is the only tax which a bank pays. Other corporations are taxed on their property and franchises,, so that the tax paid by the holders of their securities is a second tax levied upon the same property or industry. Not so with the banks. Congress has forbidden the taxa- tion of national banks, and, of course, state banks, in order to remain in business, must be given an equal exemption. But Congress permits the stock to be taxed in the hands of the holder,, and this is the only way in which revenue can be raised from this important and remunera- tive branch of commerce. We are convinced that $0.35 on the $100.00, the difference between the tax on bank stock and that on the securities of other corporations, is by no means excessive if it be regarded in comparison with the property and franchise taxes paid by other cor- porations. The Yield of the Proposed Tax. In spite of our defective tax methods the growth of banking in Virginia has been swift and continuous. In January, 1911, the total capital, surplus, and undivided profits for both State and National banks, after deducting the value of their real estate, amounted to $39,102,- 781.60. The following figures show the growth by January, 1914: National Banks Capital $17,658,500 00 Surplus 11,799,503 53 Undivided profits 3,510,394 96 $32,968,398 49 State Banks Capital $13,785,330 85 Surplus 7,634,415 02 Undivided profits 2,055,750 05 $23,475,475 92 Total $56,443,874 41 Deduct value of real estate 5,320,823 76 Taxable value of bank stock $51,123,050 65 A tax on bank stock as of January 1, 1914, at the rate of $1.35 would yield $690,161.17. Legality of a Rate of $1.35. The Act of Congress regulating the tax on national bank stock pro- vides "that the -taxation shall not b^ at a greater rate than is assessed upon other moneyed capital in the hands of individual citizens." Doubt IDG Report of Committee on Tax Revision. long prevailed as to the meaning of "other moneyed capital," and as to whether under this provision it was lawful to tax bank stock at a rate different from the rate on any other class of investments. This doubt has now been allayed by a series of decisions of the Supreme Court. The leading cases are Mercantile National Bank v. City of New York, 121 U. S., 157, and First National Bank of Aberdeen v. Chehalie County, 166 IT. S., 440. As nearly all previous decisions are reviewed in these cases we do not reproduce them here, but limit ourselves to directing attention to a few important points. In the case of the Mercantile National Bank v. City of New York it was contended that there was discrimination against national bank stock, inasmuch as the deposits of trust companies -and savings banks, the bonds issued by New York City, the stocks, bonds, loans, and mort- gages held by life insurance companies, the shares of stock in foreign corporations held by residents of New York, and certain other classes of holdings and investments were either altogether exempt or were taxed at a rate lower than that on bank stock. The court decided against the contention on all points. In construing the meaning of "other moneyed capital" it says : "The main purpose, therefore, of Congress in fixing limits to state taxation on investments in the shares of national banks was to render it impossible for the State, in levying such a tax, to create and foster an unequal and unfriendly competition by favoring institutions or individuals carrying on a similar business and operations and invest- ments of a like character. The language of the Act of Congress is to be read in the light of this policy. Applying this rule of construction, we are lead, in the first place, to consider the meaning of the words 'other moneyed capital' as used in the statute. Of course, it includes shares in national banks; the use of the word 'other' requires that. If bank shares were not moneyed capital, the word 'other' in this connection would be without significance. But 'moneyed capital' does not mean all capital, the value of which is measured in terms of money. In this sense, all kinds of real and personal property would be embraced by it, for they all have an estimated value as the subjects of sale. Neither does it include all forms of investment in which the interest of the owner is expressed in money." Again, in the case of the National Bank of Baltimore v. City of Baltimore, 100 Federal Reporter, 24, a Maryland statute was attacked on the ground that it taxed the stock of Baltimore national banks more heavily than it, taxed certain other classes of investments. The Circuit Court of Appeals for the fourth district, which includes Virginia, upheld the Maryland statute. In its decision it is declared: "The policy and purpose of Congress was to protect the instru- mentalities created by it from unfair competition, by requiring that all persons engaged in like business should pay upon the capital so employed a like and equal rate of taxation. The true test is the nature of the business in which the person is engaged, and that cannot be determined by the character of the investment." Finally, we call attention to the most recent decision in this field, that of Amoskeag Savings Bank v. Purdy, a case decided by the Supreme Chapter VI Taxation of Banks; Trust and Security Companies. 197 Court, December 1, 1913, and reported in 231 U. S. 373. The court quotes with approval the construction of the term "other moneyed capi- tal" in Mercantile National Bank v. City of New York. It Bays further : "The holders of shares in state banks are subjected to precisely the same taxation, and with respect to other competitive institutions, such as trust companies, the franchise taxes imposed upon them apparently result in a substantially similar burden upon the shareholder. Nor is there any discrimination in favor of savings bank&. With respect to individual bankers, there is a difference, they being apparently subject to the local rate of taxation and entitled to the privilego of deduction for personal debts; but as they are taxable upon the amount of capital invested in the banking business, which is normally only such as remains after deduction of debts, it is not plain that they possess any valuable privilege of reducing the tax assessment by deducting debts. Foreign bankers are separately treated, for reasons sufficiently obvious; but no criticism is made of this. If there be other forms of 'moneyed capital* in the hands of individual citizens' of tl-e JSlute employed in a banking or quasi-banking business in r-ojij petition w>th the national banks and which are subjected to a more favorable rule of taxation, cur attention is not called to them." From these decisions three facts stand oat. First, "'inonej'ed capital does not mean all capital." Second, "the true test is the nature of the business in which the person [owning the capital] is engaged." And third, it is moneyed capital "employed in a banking or quasi-banking business in competition with the national banks" that is contemplated by the statute. Since all incorporated companies that do a banking business are subjected in the bill we propose to the same tax, the only possible discrimination against national banks would have to occur in the taxation of unchartered hanks. It happens that there a^e very few such institutions in Virginia, and all of these are relatively unim- portant, so that there is little practical significance in our method of taxing them. In fact, however, we do tax them at a higher rate than other banks. In addition to paying at the combined State and local rates on their capital, such banks have to take out a license, which is graded from a minimum of $50.00. We recommend the retention of the license requirement, and the substitution of a uniform tax on their capital at the rate of one per cent, for the State a ad local rate that now prevail. While this would somewhat reduce the present tax on private banks it would still leave it higher than the tax on the stock of other banks. Thus, under the bill we propose, a chartered bank would pay on stock of the book value of $30,000.00 a tax of $405.00. A private banker would pay on capital of the same amount only $300. 00, but his license would cost him $250.00. For every increase of $1,000.00 beyond $30,000.00 the chartered bank would pay an additional tax of $13.50, while for the private banker the additional license and property tax would amount to $15.00. It is obvious, therefore, that the change's we propose in no way infringe the Federal law. By an act passed in 1910 a Banking Department was established within the State Corporation Commission, which is maintained by the fund derived from fees paid by the banks as provided by section 1169-b of 198 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Pollard's Code. While the amount now derived from this assessment against banks for such purposes is somewhat more than the expenses here- tofore necessary for the maintenance of the Department, we recommend that the existing scale of fees be continued, because it is necessary that the State Corporation Commission shall have at its command a fund sufficient to provide for careful supervision, as required by law. In the Appendix will be found a table showing the taxes paid for all purposes by Virginia banks and trust companies for the year 1913. The table shows the great irregularity of the local rates, an inequality that is peculiarly marked in the case of the incorporated towns. It would be difficult to adduce a stronger argument in favor of our recom- mendation of a uniform rate on all banks. Chapter VI Taxation of Banks; Trust and Security Companies. 199 A BILL To amend and re-enact sections 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 of an act, en- titled "an act to raise revenue for the support of the government and public free schools, and to pay the interest on the public debt, and to provide a special tax for pensions, as authorized by section 189 of the Constitution," approved April lt>, 1903, and acti amen- datory thereof. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That sections seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one and twenty-two of an act, entitled "an act to raise revenue for the support of the government and public free schools, and to pay the interest on the public debt, and to provide a special tax for pensions, as authorized by section one hun- dred and eighty-nine of the Constitution," approved April sixteenth, nineteen hundred and three, and acts amendatory thereof, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows: Sec. 17. No tax shall be assessed upon the capital of any bank or banking association organized under the authority of this State or of the United States, nor upon capital of any tmst or security company chartered by this State, but the stockholders in such banks, banking associations, trust and security companies shall be assessed and taxed on their shares of stock therein. Each bank, banking association, trust and security company aforesaid, on the first day of February in each year, shall make up and return to the commissioner o? tlio revenue of the county, city or town, or district in which said bank, banking asso- ciation, trust or security company is located, av a 15-TC Report of Committee on Tax Revision. confiscatory tax. So long, indeed, as it can be concealed, or through connivance of assessors can evade payment, it may remain, but any serious attempt to collect the tax will put it to flight. Capital, there- fore, in our opinion, will not be driven from Virginia except by exorbi- tant taxation; and a reasonable extension of the duties of Examiners of Record may be regarded without apprehension. It is the difficulty of finding and assessing intangible property that has led in some States to its partial or total exemption from taxation. Neither public opinion nor considerations of justice call for such a policy in Virginia. In Relation to Licenses. The heterogeneous group of payments known in this State as "li- cense taxes" is in a chaotic condition. They have been imposed from time to time as new forms of enterprise arose; they are often crudely adjusted to the ability of the payer; and little attention has been given to their influence on business. What is known, for instance, as a merchant's license is not a license in the true sense; it is a tax in lieu of the property tax, and, on the whole, it is an admirable sub- stitute for it. That it is badly administered is a matter of common knowledge, and the rates of assessment, as we have said in another connection, in our opinion, have been wrong. Furthermore, the local taxes on merchants are very variable and often too high. Business has not suffered, however, in great degree, because the payment has been widely evaded. Again, there is no justification in licenses required of professional men, in addition to the income tax, except the need of revenue, and public policy would require the satisfying of that need iu some other way. A graded license tax on professional men in lieu of an income tax would be far more defensible. In short, the whole field of licenses should be carefully studied, the payments should be adjusted on more reasonable grounds, and better methods of admin- istering the law should be devised. To do this effectively, however, to make the burden imposed by these taxes uniform with that imposed by a property tax, and to watch their effect on industrial conditions, would require a close observation of their working through a period, not of several months, but of several years. The relation of taxation to business is very close, and the haphazard system that now prevails is certainly not compatible with intelligent efforts to promote the pros- perity of the Commonwealth. We see no means of providing the in- formation needed for wise legislation except through some permanent body created for the purpose. In Relation to Corporations. We strongly recommend that the same body that supervises tlie other parts of our tax system should likewise have charge of the work in this field now done by the Corporation Commission. There seerns to be no reason why the assessment of mineral lands was put upon this Chapter IX State Tax Commission. 227 Commission, except that there was no other agency existing to which the General Assembly might entrust it. The same is, in part, true of the assessment of corporations; though an additional reason is found in the fact that corporations had to make certain reports to the Com- mission for other purposes, and it was assumed that these reports might be made to suffice for purposes of assessment. Our recommendation that the Commission be relieved of these duties is in no way intended as a criticism of the way it has discharged them. It is based on our belief that uniformity and equality require that the supervising au- thority should be the same for all subjects of State taxation. This appears to us so obvious as to require no comment. Report of Committee on Tax Revision. A BILL To create a State tax commission; to define its powers and duties; to fix the compensation of its members, and to appropriate money to carry out the provisions of this act. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That there is hereby created a commission composed of three members, to be designated and known as the Virginia tax commission. Appointment of Members ; Term of Office ; Vacancies ; Removal From Office. 2. The three members first to compose said commission shall be ap- pointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, if practicable, before the adjournment of the present session of the general assembly. Of such three members, one shall be appointed and designated by the governor for a term ending on the first day of February, 1918, one for a term ending on the first day of February, 1920, and one for a term ending on the first day of February, 1922, or until their successors shall be appointed and shall qualify. Upon the expiration of the terms, respectively, of the three com- missioners first appointed and designated as aforesaid, each succeed- ing commissioner shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, at a regular session of the general assembly, and the term of office of such succeeding commissioner shall be for six years, or until his successor shall have been appointed and shall qualify. Should a vacancy occur when the general assembly is not in session, it shall be filled by the governor's appointment for the unexpired term, subject to confirmation by the senate at the next session of the general assembly. And said commissioners, or any of them, may be removed by the governor for cause shown, with the advice and consent of the senate: and if cause for such removal shall arise when the senate is not in session, the governor may suspend one or more of said commissioners. and fill the vacancies thus created until the general assembly shall next convene. Qualifications of Members; Oath. 3. Each member of the commission shall, during his term, devote his entire time to the duties of his office; he shall hold no other office under the laws of the United States nor of Virginia, nor of any other State ; he shall serve neither on nor under any commitee of any political party; he shall make no contribution to anv political cause within this State; and he shall in no way use his office to promote the political aspirations of himself nor of any other person. Chapter IX State Tax Commission. 229 And each commissioner before entering upon office shall take, sub- scribe and file with the secretary of the Commonwealth the oath pre- scribed by law for State officers. Salaries; Place of Meeting; Organization. 4. The salary of each member of the commission shall be four thou- sand dollars per annum. The commissioners first appointed shall meet without delay at the capitol in Richmond, and shall organize by electing one of their number as chairman and another as secretary. Two members shall constitute a quorum of the commission for the transaction of all business. The commission shall have the power to employ and remove such clerks and other assistants as may from time to time be necessary, to prescribe their duties and to fix their compensation; provided, that the total expenditures of the said commission shall not exceed the amount appropriated by law. Office; Sessions; Travelling Expenses. 5. The office of the commission shall be in Richmond, where suitable rooms shall be provided for it by the governor and the register of the land office. But the commission may hold sessions, and one or more members may conduct investigations and hearings at any other place when necessary to the proper performance of the duties pre- scribed by law; and members of the commission and its employees shall receive from the State the amount of their actual necessary ex- penses while absent from Richmond on the business of the commission, such expenses to be sworn to by the person incurring them and approved by the chairman of the commission. Powers and Duties. 6. It shall be the duty of the Virginia tax commission, and it shall have the power and authority (1) To supervise the administration of the assessment and tax laws of this State with a view to ascertaining the best methods of reaching all property, of effecting equitable assessments, and of avoid- ing conflicts and duplication of taxation of the same property; and to recommend to the governor and the general assembly such measures as will promote uniform assessments, just rates, and harmony and co- operation among all officials connected with the revenue system of the State. (2) To exercise general supervision over the assessors of real estate and over commissioners of the revenue, and over all other public officers so far as the duties of such officers pertain to the public rev- enues, and it shall be the duty of said tax commission to confer with, 230 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. instruct and advise all such public officers in the performance of their duties, and to investigate at any time the assessment and collection of taxes in any county or city, and when the assessment is found unreason- able and unjust, to take steps to correct the same in the manner provided by law; and to remove, for cause shown in writing, assessors of real estate for incompetency, neglect or other official misconduct, and to institute proceedings by motion in writing in the proper court, or before the judge of such court in vacation, for the removal or suspension for like cause of commissioners of the revenue, all to the end that the as- sessment of property of every kind, class and character shall be just and uniform, and that all taxable property shall be put upon the assessment rolls, and that equality of taxation among persons, corporations and localities shall be secured according to the intent of the law. (3) To prescribe the forms of books and schedules to be used in the assessment and collection of taxes, and to call for and prescribe the forms of such statistical reports, notices and other papers as said tax com- mission may deem necessary to the proper administration of the law, and to prescribe and install a uniform system of accounts to be used by revenue officials. (4) To collect, digest and preserve information relating to the value and ownership of real and personal property with a view to in- structing, aiding and checking assessors and commissioners of the revenue. (5) To furnish to assessors and commissioners of the revenue such classification of property, both real and personal, for the purposes of uniform valuation, as will promote fairness of assessment. (6) To investigate and supervise the enforcement of the laws with regard to rates, fees and charges for mercantile, professional and all other licenses, to the end that the burden of taxation may be fairly equalized among all classes of residents within the Commonwealth. (7) To make all assessments for such taxes as are now or may hereafter be made payable directly to the Commonwealth, and all reports on which any such tax is based shall be made to the said Virginia tax commission; and the amount of such taxes shall be certified to the auditor of public accounts by the tax commission for collection. (8) To direct such proceedings, actions and prosecutions to be instituted as may be needful to enforce the revenue laws of the State, and to call on the attorney general, or other proper officer, to prosecute such actions and proceedings. (9) To intervene, by petition or otherwise, whenever deemed ad- visable in any action or proceeding pending in any court wherein the constitutionality or construction of any tax or revenue statute or the validity of any tax is in question; and the court wherein such action or proceeding is pending may, by order entered therein, make the said Virginia tax commission a party thereto whenever deemed necessary. (10) To make a report of its proceedings and recommendations to the Governor on or before the first day of November preceding a regu- lar session of the general assembly; and the governor shall cause Chapter IX State Tax Commission. 231 copies of said report to be printed, one of which copies he shall cause to be sent to each member of the general assembly at least twenty days before the beginning of a regular session. Processes. 7. The Virginia tax commission shall, in all matters within its jurisdiction, have the power and authority to award and issue, have served and executed and returned, any writ, notice, process, order or order of publication which may by law be awarded, issued, served, executed or returned by or to any court of law or equity in this Com- monwealth for the purpose of compelling the attendance of witnesses, the production of books and papers, and the enforcement and execution of its findings, orders and judgments. All writs, processes and orders of the commission shall run in the name of the commonwealth, shall be signed by the chairman of the commission and be attested by its secretary, or any clerk designated by the commission for that purpose, and shall be directed to any ser- geant, sheriff or constable of any county or city wherein such writ, process or order is to be executed. All writs, notices, processes or orders of the commission may be executed and returned in like manner and upon like persons or property as the processes, writs, notices or orders of the courts of record of this Commonwealth, and so served, executed and returned shall have the same legal effect. The officer serving or executing any writ, notice, process or order of the com- mission shall receive the same fees allowed by law for like services to sergeants and sheriffs of the counties and cities. Any officer who shall fail to execute and return any writ, process, notice or order of the commission shall be subject to the same penalties provided by law for the failure to execute and return the process of any court, which penalties, after due notice to the officer so failing, may be enforced by the judgment of the commission, which is hereby clothed with power to carry this provision into effect. The commission shall make such allowances for fees and mileage of witnesses summoned before it as are allowed by law for witnesses summoned by the Commonwealth in felony cases, to be paid out of the fund at the disposal of the commission. Information to be Confidential. 8. It shall be unlawful for any member or ex-member of the Virginia tax commission, or for any assessor or commissioner of the revenue, or for any employee or agent of the tax commission, to divulge any information acquired by him in respect to the transactions, property, income or business of any person, firm or corporation when in the performance of his duties under this act. Any violation of the pro- visions of this section shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or by 232 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. both, at the discretion of the court; provided, however, that the gov- ernor may at any time by written order direct that any information herein referred to shall be made public or be laid before any court; and provided, further, that this information does not extend to any matters required by law to be entered on any assessment roll or book. Supplies, Printing, Expenses, Etc. 9. That the commission shall have the authority to purchase all neces- sary furniture and supplies, and have all necessary printing and pub- lishing done, and secure all telephone and telegraph service necessary to the efficient discharge of its duties, and the same shall be paidout of the fund hereinafter appropriated; provided, however, that all print- ing necessary for the commission shall be done by the public printer, on its order, to be paid out of the general printing fund. Appropriation. 10. That the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) annually, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be, and the same is Lereb\ r , appropriated to be paid out of any funds in the treasury not other- wise appropriated, to carry out the purposes of this act, to be paid by the auditor of publice accounts upon the warrants of the chairman of said tax commission, countersigned by its secretary. Repeal of Other Acts. 11. That all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act be, and the same are hereby, repealed, but said repeal shall not revive any laws heretofore repealed, nor affect any suits or proceedings that have been instituted under any of said acts, APPENDIX TABLE I. LOTS AND IMPROVEMENTS. COMPUTED TRUE VALUE IN COUNTIES, BASED ON SELLING VALUE. I s "< CO 11 = ^-o '2' C . "g * a s. * ^ S '*-> "qj 8 S" o P* $ 53,923 $ 155,166 34.80 $ 799,180 $ 2,294,000 39,308 127,339 30.85 51,235 166,500 206,260 651,453 31.70 193,415 610,000 9,010 23,559 38.30 1,470,220 3,844,000 1 480 4 428 31 10 12,611 26,299 47.90 361,902 755,100 Appomattox Augusta 2,980 47,663 5,400 114,408 55.20 41.60 161,574 1,003,730 292,500 2,414,000 Bath 5,656 17,910 31 55 Bedford 39 299 81 381 48 25 877 602 1,818,000 Bland 1 087 7 626 14 25 15 800 110 900 Botetourt - 27,212 62,138 43 80 255 200 582 000 Brunswick 36 987 65 460 65 80 483 453 725 COO Buchanan 3 910 11 488 34 10 17 785 59 200 Buckingham 2 200 3 500 fi9 80 Campbell 94 760 204 r 03 46 20 321 314 694 000 Caroline 7 975 16 776 47 50 1fi7 00*1 351 500 Carroll 3 125 16 888 18 50 cfi QQS 324 C 00 Charlotte 6,756 10 701 63 20 Chesterfield 103 582 270 272 38 30 1 762 780 4 F 90 000 Clarke _ _ 36 460 108 169 33 70 303 720 900 000 Craig 3 662 17 727 20 70 49 060 237 500 Culpeper _ 21 676 58 355 37 20 572 563 1 540 000 Cumberland 1 101 1 435 76 80 21 021 27.3FO Dickenson 2 990 10 000 29 90 35 280 118 000 Dinwiddie 4 665 8 815 53 00 81 978 154 800 Elixabeth City 76 677 170 237 45 10 3 710 247 8 230 000 Essex 2 340 5 885 39 70 84 920 214 2CO Fairfax 106 119 251 895 42 20 * 140 679 2 705,000 Fauquier 23 333 52 565 44 40 888 434 2 000 000 Floyd 3 417 18 378 18 59 45 89 9 2 '6 800 Fluvanna 1 000 2 800 35 70 26 210 73 400 Franklin _. 3 318 11 994 27 65 151 514 548,000 Frederick 5 097 18 915 26 92 124 476 461, OCO Giles - 6 455 21 600 29 90 168 225 462,400 Gloucester 1 640 7*723 21 25 Graysqn Greene 11,462 38,784 29.53 40 80 235,354 27 525 797,000 67 350 Greensville 15 993 47 815 33 42 574 150 1 719 000 Halifax 38 291 74 765 51 20 1 425 175 f> 785 000 Hanover 15 390 36*125 42 70 387 100 907,500 Henrico 205 125 651*301 31 50 5 652 440 17 940 000 Henry 15 527 36 046 43 10 807 726 1 877 000 Highland 3 113 10 ' 829 28 72 60 900 212 000 Isle of Wight 8 325 22 Oil 37 80 586 555 1 550 000 James City - - 1 356 2 770 48 90 King George 550 1 200 45 80 2 035 5 125 King and Queen 452 895 50 40 Kinf William 1 505 2 995 50 25 237 666 473 000 Lancaster 2 384 7 289 32 70 Lee - 13,403 45 018 29 75 130 813 439 000 Loudoun 33 599 71 040 47 30 1 062 313 o 244 O n O Louisa 7 410 14 560 50 80 115 200 22(5 8 r () Lunenburg 16,521 51 758 31 90 210 600 65 l ) 000 Madison 1 510 4 843 31 20 43 Tig 140 200 Mathews 1 018 3 265 31*10 Mecklenburg 19,337 57 948 33 30 805 422 2 415 000 Middlesex . 5.748 12.601 45.70 131.035 287.200 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE I LOTS AND IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUED. COUNTIES Assessed value of pro- perty sold Consideration paid 3 11 > 3* $ Total assessment, lots and improvements _t-* aa, "l I III si*: g c. SOg g 03 a j* 4~ a? ^ -~H s 2 E s e. b4 Montgomery -. . $ 30,317 $ 104,122 29.15 $ 529,127 $ 1,816,000 46 265 103,893 44.60 1,561 5,686 27.42 6?, 846 239,200 New Kent 4,783 12,250 39.10 13,000 33,300 Norfolk 54,561 129,400 42.20 7,524,160 17 850 (>OD Northampton - ____. 26,100 83,488 31.30 563,500 1,800 000 10,675 30,676 34.80 Nottoway 2*. 444 55,615 51.20 1,106,972 2 165,000 Orange 8.99:5 20,490 43.80 381,305 875, COO Page - -- - 17,540 60,155 29.20 220,510 755,000 Patrick ?,228 8,575 37.70 68,093 180,400 Pittsylvania _,451 1 400 80,932 2,000 35.10 74 50 372,070 10 375 1,060,000 13 J20 Prince Edward -- 37,740 59,910 63.00 1,196,040 1,900,000 Prince George -- 5,512 6,658 82.70 27,095 32,750 Princess Anne 71,340 152,180 46.90 824,267 1,758 030 Prince William 11,062 32,721 33.80 645,639 1,910,000 Pulaski 28,435 97,761 29.10 1,058,380 3,6 '0 003 Rappahannock 2,930 525 13,030 1 538 22.50 34.10 73,490 326,800 Roanoke - 164,908 529,086 31.10 1,490,834 4,780,000 Rockbridpe 28,332 73,528 38.50 1,128,287 2 930, K) Rockingham _ -_ 139,720 340,910 41.00 2,842,385 6,910,00.1 Rti^ell 10 765 57 326 18 75 64 08 1 341 300 Sro* f 12,162 37,891 32.10 141,970 4 2,100 Shcnandoan _, 21,259 60,559 35.10 828,995 2, 650, TOO Smyth ?1 385 67 788 31.50 454,099 1,4 '0,000 Southampton - 36,693 78,933 46.50 759,234 1,631,000 Spotsylvania 360 1.235 29.10 38,688 132,900 Stafford 659 2 330 ?8.30 28,715 101 ,'00 Surry 10,040 17,211 58.30 367,118 628 000 Sussex 15 437 16 078 95 80 411 186 427 r OO Tazewell _ _ _ _ _. 45,132 156,848 28 70 1,171 062 4,075 000 Warren 26 245 80 422 32 60 214 610 780 000 Warwick 9,660 16 250 59 40 542*485 913 OCO Washington 36 219 113 238 31 90 537 709 1 68 9 0^0 Westmoreland 5 330 8 585 62 10 3155 375 572 500 Wise 48,870 156,625 31 20 797 275 2 5 r 2 000 Wythe _ 42 070 133 777 81 40 656 200 2 090 OD York 595 1 930 30 80 29 675 96 250 Totals $ 2 519 546 $ 6 848 676 38 55 $ 55 508 132 $ 143 896 395 CITIES Alexandria Bristol $ 33,775 57 250 $ 65,195 121 478 51.80 47 20 $ 5,485,845 2 370 820 $ 10,600,000 5 025 000 Buena Vista Oharlottesville Clifton Forge 21,255 132,700 21 105 35,476 270,328 45 325 59.90 49.20 46 60 678,243 3,026,200 1 563 425 1,132,000 6,ro,oao 3 3-4 OQO Danville '. Fredericksburg 254,650 22,350 398,877 29 220 63.80 76 50 8,916,424 2 405 907 13,980,000 3 140,000 Lynchburg 354 065 629 732 56 20 17 712 272 31 500 000 Newport News - 121,951 173 911 70 20 9 432 370 13 470 000 Norfolk __ 1,177,200 2,298,444 51 25 49 339 660 96,250,000 Petersburg 213 470 402 876 62 90 10 865 770 17 260 000 Portsmouth Radford 346,750 28 310 744,387 47 488 46.70 59 70 9,518,783 1 274 030 20,450,000 2 137 000 Richmond Roanoke 2,426,459 992,810 4,427,384 2 032,820 54.80 48 80 96,212,226 15 468 715 175,600,000 81 700 000 Staunton - 89 400 189 541 47 20 4 036 095 8 540 000 Suffolk 63 895 134 785 47 40 2 172 7-10 4 566 000 Williamsburg > 7 150 10 235 69 90 576 980 ooc nrv) Winchester . 70 885 157 954 44 90 2 465 425 5 485 000 Totals $ 6 475 430 $ 12 215 456 54 20 (toiq eo-i nor. Total counties and cities $ 8,994,976 $ 19,064,132 50.25 $298,950,062 $ r95,060,395 Appendix. TABLE II. LANDS AND IMPROVEMENTS. COMPUTED TRUE VALUE IN COUNTIES, BASED ON SELLING VALUE. COUNTLES 6 a a 32 ^2 1$ ii > ji Consideration paid for property gold Ratio of assessment to consideration Total assessment of lands and improve- ments Estimated true value of lands and im- provements based on ratio of assessments to selling value Nelson $ 21,647 $ 82,191 26.35 $ 2,190,499 $ 8, 310, OOo New Kent 10,142 31,222 32.50 623,524 1,940 000 Norfolk 4,425 10,000 44.25 8,996,593 20,320,000 Northampton 45,698 220,013 20.75 2,029,759 9,775,000 *Northumberland 23 326 66,759 34 90 1,663,397 4 760 000 Nottoway 53 467 132,572 40.30 1,312,792 3,259 000 Orange 53 677 130,648 41.00 2,407,404 5 865,000 Page 24,985 95,426 26.20 1,832,515 7,000,000 Patrick _ 21,524 75,969 28.30 1,035,563 3,660 000 Pittsylvania -- -- _ 146,177 456,324 32.10 6,453,551 20,120,000 Powhatan -_ 28,034 79,580 35.20 1,082,168 3,073,000 Prince Edward 42,719 120,406 35.50 1,387,135 3,910,000 Prince George ' 41 919 104,411 40.20 1,871,398 4,660,000 Princess Anne - - 128,145 553,297 23.20 2,703,087 11, 660, COO Prince William 61 861 168,416 36 80 2,250,370 6,120,000 Pulaski _ _ __ 40,818 195,591 20.88 1,968,518 9,430,000 Rappahannock __ 9,194 22,685 40.60 1,451,163 3,580,000 'Richmond 11 144 21 665 50 30 781,386 1 554 000 Roanoke 158 618 543 961 29 20 4,155 082 14,250 000 Rockbridge _ _. 40,954 117 321 42 20 3 273,798 7 750,000 Rockingham 296 440 755 006 39 30 9 187,940 23,400,000 Russell 34 252 204 420 16 75 2 gig 546 15 620 000 Scott 20 629 88 475 23 30 1 566 081 6 720 000 Shenandoah 46,499 159,266 29.20 3 [569,' 605 12,220,QOO Smyth 32 482 153 190 21 20 2 640 114 12 450 000 Southampton _ 125 997 300,360 41 80 3 107 873 7 420,000 Spotsylvania 25,897 61 628 42 10 1 418 404 3 370,000 Stafford 12,716 50 703 25 10 898 093 3 590 000 Surry 64 196 112 678 } 57 00 1 414 452 2 480 000 Sussex 65 769 128 267 51 30 2 126 938 4 135 000 Tazewell 39 421 242 543 16 25 3 '717' 506 22 850 000 Warren 19 480 61 266 31 80 1 225 635 3 855 000 Warwick 8,126 15 295 53 10 1*098 532 2 068 000 Washington 55 437 199 915 27 70 3 204 848 11 580 000 Wp.ptTTinreiand 11 476 24 913 46 10 1 056 030 2 29 9 000 Wise 14 957 58 856 25 50 6 752 95 26 540 000 Wythe 60,700 210 'oi8 28 90 2*769*230 9 "80 000 York 14 775 46 182 32 00 842 727 2 630 000 Totals $ 5 409 869 $ 16 818 054 30 25 $251 391 032 $ 832 802 000 *Ratio is given for all sales. Auditor reports no assessments of lots, although some saleg wera tabulated as such. Appendix. 237 TABLE III. ALL EEAL ESTATE. ESTIMATED TRUE VALUE. COUNTIES Assessed Value. Etet'd True Value Based on Sales. COUNTIES Assessed Value. Est'd True Value Based on Sales. Accomac $ 5,301,360 5,748,994 4,625,265 4,206,242 1,187,410 2,526,512 1,198,263 10,866,796 2,178,725 4,429,858 742,524 3,227,439 3,951,248 4,148,581 1,820,022 4,351,653 2,218,147 909,836 804,730 2,678,061 6,254,200 2,576,101 1,073,533 3,001,843 1,151,551 3,303,486 2,103,974 4,387,462 1,277,807 5,706,933 7,650,835 912,466 782,255 1,814,392 3,359,576 ! $ 18,864,000 19,166,rOO 18,870,000 12,364,000 3,580,000 7,515,100 3,362,500 34,414,000 6,140,000 13,538,000 3,480,900 9,282,000 6,665,000 12,212,200 3,821,250 28,944,000 4,321,500 7,604,500 2,554,000 5,465,000 17,680,000 11,460,0-0 7,177,500 8,170,000 2,360,350 16,188,000 4,884,800 10,661,000 3,824,200 15,355,000 19,350.00,0 5,086,800 4,211,400 6,698,000 12 891,000 4,982,^00 4,440,000 2,970,000 7,237,000 : 1,721,3:10 4,759.000 i 12, 65', 000 6,627,- r OO 59.840.000 '^."7 000 5,682,0 A 6,750,000 1,831,000 1,788,125 2,585,000 i 2,927,000 2,539.000 8,999,000 20,244,000 6,301.800 4^99 oon 5,880,200 3,128,000 9,640,000 . 2,977.200 11,616.0-0 i 6,500.000 8,5^9.200 1,973,309 Norfolk $ 16,520,753 2,593,259 1,663,397 2,419,764 2,791,709 2,053,025 1,103,656 6,825,621 1,092,543 2,583,175 1,898,493 3,527,354 2,896,009 3,026,898 1,524,653 781,386 5,645,916 4,402,085 12,030,325 2,680,630 1,708,051 4,398,600 3,094,218 3,867,107 1,457,092 926,808 1,781,570 2,538,124 4,888,568 1,480,245 1,641,017 2,742,557 1,411,405 7,549,570 3,425,430 872,402 $ 38, 170,00,0 11,575,000 4,760,000 5,424,000 6,740,000 7,755,000 3,840,400 21,180,000 3,086,920 5,810,000 4,692,750 13,418,000 8,030,000 13, 070, COO 3,906.800 1,554,000 19,030,000 io,68o,or,o 30,340.000 15,961,300 7,162,100 14,870,010 13,890,000 9,054,000 3,502,901) 3,691,400 3,108,000 4,562,500 26,925,000 4,635,000 2,981,000 13,262,000 2,864,500 29,092,000 11,670,000 2,726,250 Albemarle __ - Alexandria - Northumberland Allephany Amelia _ _ Amherst Page Appomattox Patrick Augusta - Pittsylvania Bath Bedford Bland Bofi-tnnrt Branswick Buchanan Pulaski Buckingham Campbell _ Caroline oanoKe Carroll Charles City ocKpnage Charlotte _ Chesterfield Clarke Shenandoah Craig Culpeper _ _ Cumberland Southampton Dickenson Pinwiddie Surry Elizabeth City Essex Fairfax Fauquier Hovd Fluvanna Franklin Frederick Wythe Giles 1,251,363 1,500,680 YnrV Gloucester _ _ Totals Goochland 1,331,162 1,163,.)99 703,360 3,712,770 5,115,576 3,345,440 13,954,250 2,045 356 $ 306,899,164 $ 976,698,395 Gravson CITIES Greene > 5,485,845 2,370,820 678,243 3,026,200 1,563.425 8,916,424 2,405,907 17,712,372 9,432,270 49,339,660 10,865,770 9,518,783 1.274,030 96,212.226 15,468,715 i 4,036,095 2,172,740 576,980 2,465,425 $ 10,600,000 5, 02.-;, ooo 1,132,000 6,150,000 3,354.000 13,980.000 3,140.000 31,500,0^0 13,470.000 96,250,000 17,260.000 20,450,000 2,137,000 175,600.000 31,700,000 8,540,000 4,566,000 825.000 5,485,000 Green sville _ Halifax Hanover Bristol Henrico __ Buena Vista Henrv f^iriottesville Clifton Forge Highland 2,508.101 2,912,915 852,444 633,698 956,099 1,151,771 l,13t,084 2,375,356 8,478,410 i 2.272,446 1,310,137 1,817,859 927,152 3,043,176 J, 1*5.015 2.446,572 2 WS.6U 2 2:'3 3 '5 636.521 Isle of Wight James City Fredericksburg King George _ _ __ King pnd Queen King William _. _ Norfolk Lancaster TPA Loudoun i R^dford Louisa __ _ ' Lunenburg- Mathews Suffolk MecVi^nburg __ _ Middlesex _ _ Totals y^s^mond Vplcon * 243,521,930 i p 451,164,000 Totals co's and cities X("v Kent ^ 550 421,094 ? KL, 427, 862, 395 238 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE IV. Tax Levies and Tax Rates. By compiling the amount of taxes on real estate, it is possible to show the tax rates on the average assessed and on the estimated true value of real estate in the various cities and counties and for the State as a whole. These rates are of service not merely as showing the variations among the municipal divisions, but also the comparative tax burden as between real estate and other properties. The compilation of the data necessary for these comparisons has been somewhat difficult. The State tax levy was of course easily obtainable from the auditor's report. Theoretically, the tax levy of counties and cities should have been equally accessible ; but, in fact, this was not altogether true. The primary source of the information was, of course, the tabular material in the Auditor's Report relative to the revenue and expense of the counties and cities. An examination of this Report revealed the fact, however, that not all of the reports had been made in the manner contemplated by the Auditor's interrogatory, although these schedule forms required a separate statement of taxes levied on real estate, personal property, railroads, canals, etc. A considerable number of counties had reported these various levies in lump sums without mak- ing the reparations required. Furthermore, several counties and cities had made no report whatever. In the cities, it was further found, that the taxes on public service corporations were almost uniformly reported with the real estate. Naturally some officials, having taken the easiest way to make these reports in the first instance, were hard to persuade to furnish the needed information later. However, practically all of these data were worked out from correspondence or from collateral sources of information, such as the Report of the Corporation Commission. A further difficult was encountered in some instances because the rates of taxation reported could not be made to agree with the revenue secured. The most notable instance of this condition is Princess Anne county. In this county real estate levies of thirteen thousand, two hundred and ninety-one dollars and twenty-seven cents were reported. The rates for county purposes were stated to total sixty cents, and for district pur- poses twenty cents, a total of eighty cents. The assessed value of Princess Anne county real estate was reported as three million, five hundred and twenty-seven thousand, three hundred and fifty-four dollars; and a tax of eighty cents on this valuation would have produced a total levy of twenty-eight thousand, two hundred and eighteen dollars and eighty-three cents. The tax of sixty cents, presumably uniform over the entire county, would have produced a revenue of twenty-one thousand, one hundred and sixty-four dollars and twelve cents. The revenue report, however, shows every evidence of accuracy, and has accordingly been accepted. This is the largest of these variations ; and as they do not all run in any one direc- (ion, the error, if any there be, can hardly be considerable. Appendix. 239 In addition to taxes levied by the State, counties and districts, taxes- are also levied by towns. The district levies are extended on the county property books and collected with the county taxes so that they are fully accounted for in the county reports. This practice is also followed in some towns. As a general rule, however, a copy of the property books is made up for the towns and the taxes are collected by town officials. In conse- quence, no record is available in the counties of these town levies. To meet this difficulty, a schedule form was drafted and submitted by the committee to the town officers. Some difficulty was experienced in securing the names of the officials from whom the information could be secured. Of one hundred and fifty-seven towns, reports of town levies weje secured from only ninety-seven. Repeated and urgent requests and appeals failed to move the remaining sixty. However, these officials were mainly of the smaller towns, and a rough estimate was made by which at least the aggregate tax which was probably levied in these towns was computed. To make this estimate, the towns were arranged in order of population, the average taxes levied, for instance by towns having a popu- lation between one and two hundred, was computed for towns of that size- reported, and entered for towns of similar size not reported. Such an estimate is, of course, only an approximation for any one town not reporting. It is better, however, than an entire omission of the sixty towns. Inasmuch as the entire town levies amount to only two hundred and ninety-three thousand dollars out of eight million, two hun- dred and twenty-seven thousand dollars, it will be seen that any error in these figures arising from this cause could hardly materially affect the conclusions drawn from these statistics. The table of taxes and tax rates follows : 240 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE IV TAX LEVIES AND TAX RATES CONTINUED. COUNTIES Taxes Levied on Real Eat 1 1 1 E-i Av. Tax Rates 8 6 By counties, ci- ties and dis- tricts I ft On assessed values irjn |. B- i!' Accomac . $ 18,554 76 $ 40,788 17 44,693 93 61,684 18 36,887 61 11,695 35 27,541 51 13,065 56 92,565 54 25,425 20 89,083 11 11,766 74 34,206 56 31,158 54 23,199 62 16,885 42 41,317 83 18,901 86 10,617 33 7,667 01 22,068 87 45,533 46 20,985 26 11,583 31 24,148 99 13,754 59 31,665 33 24,267 92 29.896 95 10,489 31 43,712 ^2 46,379 28 14,427 94 8,582 64 28,002 66 22.282 23 14,054 96 14,222 13 11,346 36 22,171 10 6,561 11 23,472 74 46,621 45 28,938 36 87,502 63 28,292 65 15,135 41 23,771 31 8,561 57 6,937 86 8,659 35 8,382 13 12,745 96 39 963 43 $ 2,881 25 $ 62,224 18 64,819 33 78,751 89 59,383 52 15,855 14 36,566 77 17,316 12 135,509 40 33,050 72 63,548 74 14,370 11 46,839 88 50,978 66 37,694 32 24,029 60 58,267 32 27,108 91 14,177 10 10,482 79 32,945 88 67,429 46 31,668 48 15,715 70 38,280 44 17,642 86 42,967 70 32,061 92 49,738 57 15,361 37 68,123 67 77,725 92 17,761 46 11,365 03 34,931 47 34,476 33 20,674 51 19,479 86 16,024 00 31,991 68 9,022 86 35,539 45 78,055 83 44,510 00 153,850 21 44,093 85 24,076 59 37,163 06 11,546 92 9,157 13 12,033 00 14,842 06 16,720 78 48,278 67 78,561 81 28,210 87 19,803 08 20,964 13 12,164 74 58,659 ]Q 16,643 35 35,375 71 33,766 35 23,960 65 9,227 43 172,052 41 31,354 46 I $ 117 1 13 1 70 1 41 1 34 1 45 1 45 1 25 1 52 1 43 1 94 1 45 1 29 91 1 32 1 34 1 25 1 56 1 30 1 23 1 08 1 23 1 46 1 28 1 53 1 30 1 52 1 13 1 20 1 19 1 19 1 88 1 45 1 92 1 03 1 65 1 30 1 30 2 75 1 28 2 07 1 60 1 23 1 10 2 16 96 1 28 1 35 1 45 1 26 1 29 1 47 2 04 93 1 24 1 51 1 15 1 31 1 93 1 44 1 45 1 32 1 06 1 45 1 04 1 21 $ 33 34 42 48 44 49 ' 52 39 54 47 41 51 77 31 63 20 63 29 41 60 37 28 22 47 75 27 66 47 40 44 40 85 27 52 27 42. 44 54 44 52 75 62 67 26 75 42 56 64 51 47 51 66 54 39 45 44 36 39 61 56 30 52 23 47 45 27 Albemarle 20,125 40 Alexandria 16,206 46 861 25 7,693 58 Alleghany _ 14,802 33 Amelia 4,159 79 Amherst 8,845 53 179 73 72 96 4,904 11 Appomattox 4 177 60 Augusta 38 039 75 Bath 7,625 52 15,505 63 2,603 37 11,300 02 13,831 15 i 14,494 70 | 6,394 14 15, 2 '2 41 7,773 20 3,184 75 2,815 78 9,379 79 21,896 00 9,019 50 3,757 37 10,524 03 3,888 27 11,302 35 7,794 00 15,356 07 4,511 17 19,975 52 26,797 57 3,300 35 2,747 76 6,351 75 11,762 09 4,383 28 5,257 73 4,677 64 4,071 54 2,461 75 6,002 61 17,921 57 11,726 64 48,839 90 7,171 30 8,784 93 10,196 21 2,985 35 2,219 27 3,373 65 4,030 96 3,974 82 8,315 24 29,678 43 7,974 91 4,596 96 6,369 48 3,245 03 10,666 01 4,045 70 8.586 59 8,971 72 7,888 87 2,228 36 57,825 22 9,076 40 Bedford 8,960 00 Bland - - 1,333 30 5,988 97 Buchanan -_ 750 04 1,707 08 433 85 375 02 Campbell - -- Carroll . - Charles City Charlotte 1,497 22 Chesterfield Clarke 1,663 72 375 02 3,607 42 Craig - Culpeper - -- Cumberland - -- Dickenson -- Dmwiddie -- Elizabeth City -- 4,485 55 360 89 4,435 73 4,549 07 33 17 34 63 577 06 432 01 2,236 27 Essex -- Fairfax - muvanna Franklin .- Giles Goochland Grayson 5,749 04 Gree^isville 6,06t ]0 13,512 81 3,845 00 17,507 68 8,629 90 156 25 3,195 54 Halifax Hanover - _ _ _ Henrico - - -- -- Henry -- -- -- -- Highland Isle of Wight James City King George - King and Queen - King William _ 2,428 97 Lancaster Lee _ Loudoun _ 45,592 32 3,291 06 19,292 55 943 41 13,402 39 1,803 73 14 594 65 1 Louisa Lunenburg _ __ Madison Ma thews _ 8,919 71 . 42,574 85 12,051 65 21,853 50 24,639 51 16,071 78 _ 6,999 07 . Mecklenburg 5,418 24 546 00 4,935 62 155 12 Middlesex Montgomery Nansemond Nelson _. New Kent Norfolk Northampton 16,914 05 5,364 01 Appendix. TABLE IV TAX LEVIES AND TAX RATES CONTINUED. COUNTIES Taxes Levied on Real Est a I t>> pq S 1 S % 3 " "o H Av. Tax Rates- .2 i By counties, ci- ties and dis- tricts On a s s B ssed values S*. M = 2* in o $ 5,823 63 8,480 91 9,780 66 7,202 23 3,862 84 23,890 01 3,831 25 9,047 73 6,649 15 12,345 87 10,309 46 10,596 48 5,335 91 2,734 89 19,760 82 15,554 42 42,120 76 9,382 26 5,981 44 15,455 98 10,835 14 13,534 93 5,104 08 3,241 69 6,235 53 8,884 51 17,112 88 5,185 92 5,744 90 13,128 72 4,979 92 26,423 45 11.992 80 3,068 05 $ 14,168 94 27,474 94 22,221 51 17,216 99 18,149 17 68,904 31 14,144 45 19,954 22 19,926 17 13,291 27 24,215 03 31,106 56 15,376 49 9,300 47 40,665 73 40,214 45 102,047 31 45,871 78 17,088 78 33,226 91 34,159 99 33,427 81 15,365 55 13,382 13 16,909 22 28,634 56 50,403 17 18,403 99 13,619 03 51,238 03 12,601 00 104,768 69 31.693 93 10,068 23 $ 19 992 57 $1 20 1 83 1 24 1 47 $ 42 2 51 39 58 46 58 59 57 19 46 40 53 78 40 61 58 35 33 37 41 58 9 45 84 87 30 55 65 52 64 50 42 49 * 43 8,364 82 2,649 25 5,710 65 257 01 3,553 18 44,320 67 34,651 42 30,129 87 22,269 02 96,347 50 17,975 70 34,378 70 26,575 32 25,894 15 37,29i 04 51,727 12 20,896 58 12,035 36 75,873 23 65,450 17 159,403 01 55,571 07 23,808 33 54,956 51 56,358 02 52,358 00 20,469 63 16,623 82 26,033 33 39,778 14 80,426 73 25,465 29 19,363 93 69,365 57 18,301 95 146,200 47 48.917 57 13,209 24 $4,149,397 34 $ 85,687 79 47,001 04 11,590 42 45,730 45 32,661 99 156.037 44 38.6E8 12 301,192 11 14f ,744 46 872,619 87 171,646 63 156.776 62 20,384 47 1,625,896 57 233,542 40 54,950 30 39,788 78 7,815 45 27.370 35 Patrick 2 01 1 41 1 65 1 33 1 40 75 1 29 1 71 Pittsylvania - - -- 5,376 75 Princess Anne -- 257 01 2,769 55 10,024 08 184 18 Prince William - Pulaski -_ -- Rappahannock 1 37 1 54 1 34 1 49 1 32 2 08 1 40 1 25 1 82 1 35 1 41 1 79 1 46 1 57 1 65 1 72 1 18 1 85 1 30 1 94 1 43 1 51 Richmond -- 15,446 68 9,681 30 15,234 94 317 03 738 11 6,273 62 11,362 89 5,395 26 Rockbridge -- Rockingham Russell _. _ Scott _ _____ Shenandoah _ Smyth Southampton Spotsylvania - Stafford - Surry __ __ __ __ _ 2,888 58 2,259 07 12,910 68 1,875 38 Sussex Tazewell Warren Warwick Washington 4,998 82 721 03 15,008 33 5.230 84 72 96 Westmoreland Wise Wythe York Totals lor counties CITIES Alexandria $1,075,213 17 $2,780,646 79 293,537 38 1 35 $ 19,203 75 8,304 57 i 2,392 09 10,591 70 5,492 26 31.207 50 8,422 89 62,000 40 33,012 94 172,688 81 38,032 99 33,315 95 4,459 10 336,739 75 54,142 40 14,129 01 7,604 59 2,019 43 8.628 99 $ 66,484 04 38,696 41 9,198 33 35,138 75 27,169 73 124.829 94 30,235 23 239,191 71 115,731 52 699,931 06 133,613 64 123.460 67 15,925 37 1,289,156 82 179,400 00 40,821 29 32,184 19 5,796 02 18.741 36 1 56 1 98 1 71 1 51 2 09 1 75 1 61 70 58 77 58 65 61 69 51 36 88 1 35 1 11 81 93 1 02 74 97 ] 11 1 23 96 1 10 91 99 77 96 93 74 61 87 95 50 Bristol _ _ Buena Vista Charlottesville Clifton Forge Danville Fredericksburg Lynchburg Newport News Norfolk Petersburg Portsmouth Radford Richmond Roanoke Staunton _ _ Suffolk Williamsburg _ __ _ Winchester Totals for cities Total counties and cities- il, 927, 602 29 $ 3.225,706 14 6,006,352 93 293,537 38 4,078,095 26 { 3,227,492 60 |$ 1 68 1 49 91 5 16-TC 24:2 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE V. LIVE STOCK. ASSESSED AND CENSUS VALUES Horses, Mules, Etc. NUMBER VALUE COUNTIES Asst. 1913 Census 1910 Asst. 1913 Total Val. Assessed Average Value Assessed Census 1910 Total Val. Census Average Value Accomac 7,681 8,331 $ 434,695 $ 57 00 $ 857,879 $ 103 CO Albemarle -- 7,734 8,613 482,310 62 00 925,326 107 00 1 165 1,807 69,205 59 00 238, -184 132 (0 1,635 1,880 118,387 72 00 221,630 118 00 Amelia 2,336 2,409 164,240 70 00 269,532 112 00 Amherst 4,046 4,819 210,272 52 00 547,009 114 00 Appomattox 1,533 2,367 137,291 90 00 253,010 107 00 Augusta -- -- -- 11,968 13,278 928,806 78 00 1,554,854 117 00 Bath 1 756 1,863 134,710 77 00 218,584 162 CO Bedford 7,564 9,0-'0 562,681 7* 00 948,575 105 00 Bland 1,762 2,031 146,320 83 00 229,190 113 (0 Botetourt 3,746 4,884 266,002 71 00 545,949 112 00 Brunswick - 4,036 3,615 334,125 83 00 438,661 121 CO 2 110 2,267 97,078 46 00 273,342 120 00 Buckingham -- -- -- - 3,198 3,538 218,990 68 00 388 817 no ro Campbell 4,634 4,778 338,675 73 00 533,857 112 00 Caroline 4,378 5,105 330,662 76 00 577,231 113 00 Carroll 3,249 3,422 166,029 51 00 396,r;71 116 CO Charles City - 1,304 1,315 103,785 80 00 157,895 120 00 Charlotte - 3,764 3,537 313,560 83 00 401,249 115 00 Chesterfield 3 225 3,914 264,355 82 00 422 069 108 00 Clarke 3,969 4,678 263,895 66 00 537 564 115 00 Craig 1,514 1,685 72,600 48 00 193,493 115 00 Culpeper 4,940 5,834 253,927 51 00 638,006 ]<;9 CO Cumberland 2,223 2,415 179,540 81 00 261,711 108 00 Dickenson - - 1,953 1,793 142,027 73 00 196,706 110 CO Dlnwiddie 3 638 3,466 284 290 78 00 443 721 12-i 01 Elizabeth City 1,191 1,315 60,840 51 00 139 266 106 00 Essex 2,572 3,0^2 134,579 52 00 278 451 91 00 Fairfax 5,390 6,320 350,623 65 00 683 019 10S 00 Fauquier - -- 9,351 11,309 693,725 74 00 1 237 743 109 00 Floyd 3,770 3,959 238,955 63 00 439 405 111 00 2 213 2,452 112 643 51 00 238 683 97 00 Franklin 6 155 6,766 299 611 49 00 742 395 110 CO Frederick 5,610 7,233 360 040 64 00 820*358 11 I f Giles 3,081 3,345 140,703 46 00 376 895 113 00 2 837 3 475 1^6 875 55 00 319 677 92 co 2 305 2 550 171 105 74 00 279 909 no co Orayson 4,381 4,788 335 850 77 00 545 225 114 00 Greene -- -- 2,064 2,197 112 479 55 00 231 ' 083 105 00 Greensville -- 1,881 1,673 147 632 78 00 216 124 129 00 Halifax 8,004 8 539 661 592 83 00 1 050 5F6 123 CO 4,934 5 254 356*322 79 00 523 1"6 99 00 3,931 3,918 302 369 77 00 481 932 123 CO Henry - -- 2,915 2 QOO 164 181 56 00 367 52? ' 123 00 Highland 2 425 2 733 119 170 49 00 312 805 115 00 Isle of Wight 3,490 3 341 242*311 70 00 311 635 93 00 James City - -- - 960 992 , 70 119 73 00 101 170 102 00 King George - 2,216 : 2 589 117 251 53 00 274 339 106 CO King and Queen _. _. __ 2,766 3,051 154,625 56 00 272 786 89 00 King William _ 2,895 2,878 170,510 59 00 298 851 lOt 00 1,938 1 982 113 365 58 00 153 408 ' Lee 5,611 6 046 316 211 56 00 612 014 Loudoun _ -- _- 11,256 12 234 953 668 85 00 ' 1 408*203 4 066 4 148 246 695 61 00 498 S b ? ' Lunenburg 3,240 2 962 235 585 73 00 OQO in Madison - - 3,472 3 956 167 912 48 00 391 566 Mathews 1,553 1,661 68 155 44 00 165 905 ! 100 00 Mecklenburg 6 341 6 090 461 497 73 00 CQ- 1709 Middlesex 2,173 2 198 113 127 52 00 IQI coo Montgomery .. _- 3,762 4,142 277 757 74 00 423 869 Nansemond 3 977 4 303 253 057 Nelson _ 3.956 4.210 978 'jRK 7n nn 41 rt fill 01 AA Appendix. 243 TABLE V HORSES, MULES, ETC. CONTINUED. NUMBER VALUE COUNTIES Asst. 1913 Asst. Census 1913 1910 Total Val Assessed Average Value Assessed Census 1910 Total Val Census Average Value New Kent 1,553 4,870 4,866 2,856 1,330 4,731 4,494 2,948 2,599 4,998 3,535 2,929 9,167 1,989 2,783 2,424 3,039 4,391 3,217 3,551 2,041 3,736 7,495 12,956 6,000 7,033 7,804 4,731 3,907 3,839 2,548 1,999 2,945 5,317 3,056 763 8,268 2,911 2,973 5,401 1,484 $ 86,175 362,900 316,004 185,694 165,216 249,081 211,185 226,456 569,505 133,654 195,195 220,650 220,103 292,527 191,680 174,285 122.193 237,009 445,516 838,721 307,116 360,587 571,143 224,475 459,550 238,039 159,910 149,790 220,190 252,009 92,025 40,420 331,063 142,896 193,688 274,867 71,050 1 $ 55 00 75 00 65 00 65 00 65 00 59 00 66 00 77 00 68 00 94 00 78 00 85 00 66 00 73 00 67 00 57 00 62 00 73 00 66 00 74 00 58 00 60 00 84 00 59 00 90 00 65 00 68 00 71 00 81 00 56 00 40 00 . 57 00 33 00 55 00 63 00 65 00 52 00 $ 142,340 523,079 480,902 242,801 293,211 572,807 365,773 336,205 1,176,838 223,965 355,265 294,980 267,085 451,635 378,937 390,065 156,100 394,251 797,953 1,613,743 677,983 691,367 907,832 487,182 423,889 378,456 240,985 237,081 3.-9,976 580,119 335,735 76,350 882,333 229,435 319,704 594,808 127,375 $ 107 GO 110 00 117 00 82 00 113 00 115 00 103 00 115 00 128 00 112 00 128 00 122 00 88 00 103 00 118 00 110 00 76 00 106 00 107 00 125 00 113 CO 98 00 116 00 103 CO 109 00 99 00 95 00 119 00 122 00 109 00 110 00 ICO 00 107 00 79 00 107 00 110 00 86 00 5 HO CO Norfolk Northampton Northumberland Nottoway 2,529 4,223 3,186 2,927 8,425 1,427 2,507 2,580 3,357 4,029 2,877 3,071 1,972 3,260 6,774 11,363 5,256 6,016 6,815 3,835 5,126 3,642 2,364 2,123 2,721 4,521 2,302 712 6,198 2,607 3,060 4,215 1,365 Orange .. - Page - - - - - Patrick _ _ - Pittsylvania Powhatan Prince Edward Prince George Princess Anne Prince William Pulaski _ Rappahannock Richmond Roanoke Rockbridge .. Rockingham - Russell Scott Shenandoah _ _ _ Smyth _ _ Southampton Spotsylvania Stafford Surry Sussex Tazewell Warren Warwick __ Washingtpn __ Westmoreland Wise Wythe - - York _- _ Totals 381,273 418,669 $25, no, 648 $ 71 00 i?45,961,596 CITIES Alexandria 320 171 135 374 166 772 i 278 i 943 ; 409 1,475 639 260 2,952 1,193 405 299 139 371 12,000 379 288 189 383 182 877 i 313 1,159 363 2,143 710 903 243 4,530 1,360 548 $ 22,835 12,118 10,185 35,485 13,020 i 78,470 ! 18,744 99,486 31,515 135,640 66,505 i 57,195 21,028 287,075 90,209 36,490 23,940 9,536 24,845 1,074.321 $ 26,784,969 Fredericksburg _ ! Lynchburg Newport News Norfolk Petersburg Portsmouth _ Radford Richmond Roanoke . Staunton 135 00 171 00 Suffolk _. _ _ Williamsburg Winchester 108 490 15, 168. ^ 11,060 60,583 107 00 124 00 Total counties and cities 2,121,933 f 48,083,529 ? 133 00 111 00 393,273 433,837 3 244 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE V LIVE STOCK CONTINUED. Cattle. COUNTIES NUMBER VALUE Asst. 1913 Census 1910 Asst. 1913 Total Val Assessed Averag Value Assesse 3 Census 1910 d Total Val Census Average . Value Accomac 3,34 5,690 18,777 790 5,550 3,942 9,468 3,881 29,071 6,275 19,866 7,656 11,455 7,200 6,953 6,769 9,266 7,202 17,538 2,466 5,961 5,913 6,438 5,716 15,872 4 691 $ 42,337 230,390 16,070 66,518 46,995 82,630 35,759 476,929 93,333 211,390 147,438 129,697 69,655 50,411 73,821 116,845 72,023 147,915 22,640 72,019 81,345 101,792 55,443 241,303 55,792 60,573 58,910 21,793 39,846 187,711 710,717 174,767 38,895 111,497 127,440 106,355 44,655 56,950 328,951 55,916 20,411 131,756 90,593 180,729 49,279 132,237 33,484 19,602 38,963 39,730 38,924 I 27,531 231,489 627,621 93,465 45,534 131,662 18,087 96,915 27,334 174,885 32,133 97,773 15,583 98,480 21,885 $ 1200 19 00 25 00 18 00 14 00 15 00 12 00 20 00 21 00 16 28 00 17 00 12 00 11 00 16 00 17 16 00 12 00 16 00 17 00 21 00 22 00 14 00 20 00 17 00 15 00 15 00 21 00 12 00 23 00 30 00 14 00 13 00 10 00 19 00 14 00 12 00 16 00 23 00 16 00 10 00 14 00 17 00 33 00 15 00 17 00 12 00 16 00 14 00 13 00 14 00 18 00 15 00 30 00 16 00 13 00 17 00 12 00 12 00 15 00 18 00 11 00 18 00 13 00 24 00 15 00 $ 125 12 $ 22 00 25 03 29 00 24 00 23 00 24 00 20 00 27 00 25 00 22 00 27 00 23 00 16 00 19 00 21 CO 23 00 20 00 24 00 28 00 20 00 27 00 29 00 26 CO 26 CO 20 00 20 00 22 00 32 00 20 00 30 00 33 00 22 00 20 00 19 00 25 00 26 CO 22 00 22 00 27 00 21 00 17 00 19 CO 22 00 36 00 18 00 30 00 16 00 23 00 21 00 20 00 21 00 23 00 23 00 32 00 22 00 20 00 21 00 26 00 18 CO 23 00 24 00 17 CO 21 00 22 00 32 00 23 00 Albemarle Alexandria Alleghany 12,19 63 3,60 471,53 23,19 131,30 90,96 229,45 78,27 772,23 158,18 433,21 203,28 267,76 117,92 131,78 145,32 210,833 146,29 418,37 68,709 118,662 160,454 187,039 149,492 411,073 95,529 105,975 129,614 58,279 92,855 346,373 877,926 374,839 96,431 321,300 276,493 241,705 105,747 115,920 501,629 98,212 45,212 280,833 157,731 254,437 122,402 368,895 58,4J6 31,601 98,087 91,623 75,539 51,968 418,231 771,046 189,988 96,468 212,159 54,758 192,109 58,932 293,277 76,702 165,547 41,117 142,738 46.954 Amelia _ 3,260 5,365 2,94 23,43 4,47 13,09 6,33 7,468 5,65 4,71 4,58 6,72 4,59 12,560 1,460 4,278 3,954 4,652 3,936 11,841 3,247 4,145 4,005 1,024 3,235 8,078 23,752 12,350 3,050 11,340 6,764 7,379 3,773 3,510 14,319 3,407 1,967 9,308 5,295 5,443 3,197 7,784 2,780 1,221 2,860 3,267 2,820 1,560 15,301 20,662 6,018 3,404 7,730 1,519 7,876 1,802 9,786 2,815 5,444 1,248 4,125 1,453 Amherst Appomattox __ Augusta Bath Bedford _ - Bland Botetourt Brunswick - Buchanan Buckingham . Campbell Caroline Carroll - Charles City - Charlotte Chesterfield Clarke Craig Culpeper Cumberland Dickenson _ 5,400 5,993 1,806 4,691 11,696 26,277 16,880 4,709 16,647 11,147 9,419 4,771 5,351 18,678 4,642 2,693 14,468 7,180 7,087 6,637 12,355 3,720 1,366 4,646 4,665 3,518 2,305 18,412 23,703 8,490 4,740 10,250 2,137 10,725 2,568 12,066 4,485 8,033 1,864 4,399 2,078 Dinwiddie . Elizabeth City Essex Fairfax Fauquier _ Floyd Fluvanna Franklin Frederick _ Giles Gloucester Goochland Grayson _ Greene Greens ville Halifax Hanover _ Henrico Henry Highland Isle of Wight _ James City _ King George _ King and Queen King William .. Lancaster _ _ Lee Loudoun _ Louisa Lunenburg Madison Mathews Mecklenburg _. Middlesex _. _. _ Montgomery .. Nansemond Nelson New Kent Norfolk Northampton . Appendix. 245 TABLE V CATTLE CONTINUED. COUNTIES NUMBER VALUE Asst. 1913 Asst. Census 1913 1910 Total Val Assessed Average Census Value ! 1910 Assessed Total Val. 1 Census Average Value 2,575 3,534 7,436 6,399 6,827 9,846 2,439 3,085 2,063 2,248 6,868 9,381 9,532 2,713 6,088 11,202 21,361 19,816 11,516 10,319 11,625 4,510 5,175 3,711 1,675 2,626 19,333 3,128 1,017 16,662 3,288 6,116 11,442 2,135 652,851 34 88 1-43 104 147 419 93 4-13 102 45 112 j 66 396 : 38 610 127 31 67 94 3,583 4,962 10,192 7,664 9,624 13,788 3,209 4,584 2,596 3,059 8,949 11,154 11,912 3,710 8,124 15,374 27,324 20,873 18,074 14,164 15,192 7,115 7,602 5,509 2,422 3,834 23,832 6,221 1,448 24,654 4,510 8,732 16,307 3,138 $ 46,692 53,651 131,916 112,930 107,879 107,784 39,654 49,836 33,337 33,332 163,948 225,903 197,105 42,887 119,307 199,224 466,824 409,683 188,317 221,336 222,341 64,564 76,259 69,919 17,318 35,302 419,940 37,230 18,935 253,260 49,119 125,372 241,157 27,873 $11,994,717 $ 18 00 15 00 18 00 18 00 16 00 11 00 16 00 16 00 16 00 15 00 24 00 24 00 21 00 16 00 20 00 18 00 22 00 21 00 16 00 22 00 19 00 15 00 15 00 19 00 10 00 13 00 21 00 12 00 19 00 15 00 15 00 20 00 21 00 13 00 $ 81,306 110,907 239,774 172,734 198,586 28 1, 593 70,068 114,895 53,545 60,225 261,445 410.281 367,779 78,271 223,476 342,594 757,093 577,607 397.820 340.526 438,693 85,172 144, 9i4 127,034 44,195 75,752 765,583 156,337 39,250 632,440 94,033 213,456 522,374 62,121 $ 23 00 22 CO 24 00 23 00 21 CO 21 CO 22 00 25 00 21 00 20 00 29 CO 37 00 31 00 21 00 28 00 22 00 28 00 28 00 22 00 2t 00 29 00 12 00 19 CO 22 CO 18 00 20 00 S3 OT 2^ 00 27 00 26 00 20 00 24 00 32 OD 20 00 Patrick Prince "William Pulaski -- Rappahannock - Richmond - Roanoke - _- __ __ Rockbridge _ __ _ Rockingham __ Russell __ __ __ Scott Shenandoah Smyth Southampton Spotsylvania _ Stafford Surry _ Sussex Ta zewell Warren Warwick Washington Westmoreland _ Wise Wythe York Totals _. _ 890,538 173 434 124 259 556 119 663 101 127 301 141 474 310 710 280 8 18 00 $22,031,162 $ 2t 00 CITIES Alexandria __ _ $ 740 2,245 5,245 3,015 3,345 8,824 1,967 11,175 3,220 1.480 2,985 1,470 9,266 P65 11,811 3,855 650 1,501 2,190 ? 75,949 ' $ 22 00 26 00 37 00 29 00 23 00 21 00 21 00 25 00 31 00 33 00 27 00 22 00 23 00 2'i 00 19 00 30 00 21 00 22 00 23 00 5 24 00 $ 2,345 6,076 12,496 4,400 8,389 19.016 4,592 20,756 4,225 6.278 9,^60 5,433 15,159 9,814 23 267 10,040 fc 33 00 35 00 29 00 35 00 32 00 21 00 39 00 31 00 42 00 49 CO 31 00 39 00 32 00 32 00 33 00 36 00 Bristol Buena Vista _ Charlottesville - Clifton Forge _ Danville Fredericksburg Lynchburg Newport News Norfolk Petersburg _ __ _ Portsmouth Radford Richmond _ Roanoke __ __ _ Stannton __ Suffolk Williamsburg _ Winchester 136 213 5,190 2 891 6,454 fr 171,091 * 21 00 30 00 Totals counties and cities.. 3,159 656,010 5 33 00 895,728 02,070,666 5 18 00 (22,202,253 $ ?4 CO 246 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE V LIVE STOCK CONTINUED. Sheep and Goats. COUNTIES NUMBER VALUE Asst. 1913 Census 1910 Asst. 1913 Total Val Assessed Average Value Assessec i Census 1910 1 Total Val. Census Average Value Accomac 1 954 3,019 11,365 12 5,594 1,290 2,745 581 34,568 16,644 5,775 13,295 3,667 2,691 10,004 2,041 ?,060 1,138 16,011 2,134 1,711 1,527 20,499 8,390 13,845 641 1 6,438 1,079 451 3,175 3,253 i 18,642 ; 18,377 ?,028 I 5,177 20,425 i 23,427 3,631 , 1,676 19,338 8,984 447 ! 2,931 5,044 i 963 i 1,332 ; 33,534 ' 717 i 747 3,884 2,274 3,162 902 i 6,676 3,462 1,757 1,042 6,958 1,085 2,907 ! 1,350 i 30,839 1,456 3,187 902 969 3,469 $ 4,434 19,868 135 7,363 2,325 3,139 775 53,250 30,749 8,067 16,446 5,361 6,757 5,881 4,069 3,343 1,663 14,276 3,335 2,513 2,324 26,450 7,994 24,570 1,126 4,655 1,642 805 4,217 6,317 37,792 18,562 3,915 4,924 19,186 30,882 4,853 2,380 27,482 4,474 544 4,218 8,139 1,344 1,774 54,939 1,044 1,167 6,427 2,6^3 5,256 951 4,324 44,933 2,448 1,626 9,145 650 5,449 1,600 25,588 884 4,863 1,247 1,650 4,027 $ 2 27 4 06 5 00 2 76 3 45 437 2 99 4 05 3 22 3 32 2 97 3 74 3 82 1 00 3 61 3 24 3 04 2 28 2 82 2 87 3 03 3 85 2 23 3 87 3 23 1 10 3 21 3 54 3 02 4 17 4 66 2 54 3 83 2 43 2 57 3 08 2 13 3 15 3 29 3 07 2 24 3 21 3 27 3 00 3 04 2 98 1 92 2 92 3 21 2 68 3 10 3 21 1 74 3 80 3 00 2 81 3 49 1 53 2 44 2 13 2 70 1 62 3 28 2 37 2 13 2 65 J $ 8,430 53,286 65 20,8f>8 4,782 14,664 2,280 145,101 63,796 22,457 48,404 16,312 7,802 30,049 7,283 7,527 4,096 59,226 10,686 5,328 6.162 92,491 82,294 67,881 2,342 18,199 4,019 1.866 11,789 17,441 85,934 67,628 , 7,362 14,861 i 91,528 89,7-!8 $ 2 79 4 70 5 42 3 73 3 71 5 34 3 93 4 20 3 88 3 89 3 61 4 45 2 CO 3 00 3 56 3 65 3 CO 3 70 Albemarle 4 894 Alexandria 27 Alleghany 2,668 674 717 268 13,133 9,577 2,881 5,547 1,432 1,767 5,854 1,127 1,031 548 6,261 1,182 874 7,766 6,871 3,584 6,346 348 4,231 508 227 1,395 1,513 8,131 7,302 1,022 2,021 7,016 10,021 2,279 754 8,361 1,458 243 1,311 2,4?6 J4& 581 18,451 545 399 2,005 990 1,696 296 2,484 11,821 815 577 2,615 425 2,028 752 9,468 547 1,485 527 776 1,515 Amelia - Amherst Appomattox Augusta Bath Bedford Bland Botetourt Brunswick _ Buchanan __ Buckingham _ _ _ Dampbell Caroline Oarroll _ Charles City Charlotte _. 3 11 4 04 4 51 3 85 4 90 3 65 2 83 3 73 4 14 3 71 5 36 4 61 3 68 3 63 3 87 4 48 3 83 3 17 4 07 4 58 4 18 2 39 3 74 4 ^0 4 18 3 60 4 05 2 60 2 92 4 50 3 09 4 16 4 05 2 95 4 08 4 ^0 3 73 3 nl 3 62 3 13 4 27 4 08 2 62 3 09 3 74 2 93 3 35 Chesterfield - Clarke Craig _ Culpeper Cumberland Dickenson Dinwiddie - Elizabeth City Essex Fairfax __ . Fauquier _ Floyd _ Fluvanna _ Franklin .. Frederick Giles Gloucester Goochland _ 6,833 88,578 16,482 1,070 10,968 22,173 4,030 i 4,801 135,860 1,867 2,182 : 17,455 ! 7,034 13,186 3,657 19,726 147,971 7,784 3,892 26,089 i 3,192 i 9,110 5,772 125,991 i 3,816 11,790 3,375 2,845 11,626 Grayson Greene Greensville Halifax Hanover __ _ Henrico __ Henry Highland Isle of Wight James City King Georee King and Queen _ King William Lancaster Lee Loudoun Louisa Lunenburg Madison _ __ Mathews Mecklenburg _ Middlesex ... Montgomery Nansemond Nelson New Kent - Norfolk Northampton Appendix. 247 TABLE V SHEEP AND GOATS CONTINUED. NUMBER VALUE COUNTIES Asst. 1913 Census 1910 Asst. 1913 Total Val. Assessed Average Value Assessed Census 1910 Total Val. Census Average Value 1,231 2,856 $ 4,101 $ 3 33 $ 11,068 $ 3 88 641 1,131 1,708 2 66 4,219 3 73 3,058 7,753 11,911 3 90 35,331 4 55 Page 2,528 4,564 9,688 3 83 18,251 4 CO Patrick 1,694 4,355 3,531 2 08 15,116 3 48 Pittsylvania 847 2,090 2,588 3 05 6,366 3 05 1,103 1,332 3,293 2 98 5,632 4 22 Prince Edward 477 1,120 1,768 3 70 4,369 3 90 Prince George 782 1,899 2,129 2 72 6,814 3 59 Princess Anne 2,980 4,996 6,747 2 26 12,626 2 53 Prince William 2,005 4,404 8,838 4 41 20,972 4 75 Pulaski 11,681 30,830 34,759 2 97 134,480 4 36 Rappah annock 4,475 9,650 16,425 3 67 45,507 4 72 1 144 2 246 3 248 2 83 7 674 3 41 Roanoke - 1,083 3,483 2,463 2 27 14,740 4 22 Rockbridge - 6,296 14,861 27,145 4 31 . 62,090 4 18 Rockingham _ 8,242 25,464 24,633 2 99 105,404 4 14 Russell _ _ _ - 14,496 43,918 36,905 2 55 177,088 4 (.3 Scott - -- 4,073 12,108 6,324 1 55 41,647 3 44 Shenandoah 6,349 16,035 21,029 3 31 66,062 4 12 Smyth 8,110 22,044 17,822 2 20 92 582 5 20 Southampton _ __ _ 1,808 1,697 3,180 1 76 3,498 2 C6 Spotsylvania - - 1,306 2,736 4,218 3 23 10,581 3 87 Stafford _- -- - -- -- 470 888 1,417 3 01 3,143 3 54 Surry 235 276 494 2 10 832 3 02 Sussex ._- _ . 912 1,637 2,532 2 77 4,437 2 71 Tazewell 17 281 45,490 43 884 2 54 185,132 4 07 Warren 2 494 9,156 9,100 3 65 40,581 4 43 Warwick 179 381 535 2 99 1,423 3 73 Washington 11 309 30,372 33,032 2 92 138,934 4 -.8 Westmoreland - 1,227 2 682 4,121 3 36 10,919 4 08 Wise _- 2 123 3,983 3 166 1 *9 12,404 3 11 Wythe 14 859 35,601 32,852 2 21 159 261 4 47 York 322 730 779 2 42 1 873 2 57 Totals _ 339 134 787 062 $1,011 554 ? 2 98 f3,337 183 $ 4 24 CITIES Alexandria 3 $ ."5 $ 1 83 Bristol 4 17 4 25 Buena Vista Charlottesville 1 5 5 00 Clifton Forge Danville 2 Q $ 8 $ 4 00 23 4 16 Fredericksburg 13 84 6 46 Lynchburg Q 19 3 16 Newoort News 1 I 10 10 00 2 2 00 Norfolk 62 243 o no Petersburg 2 g 25 12 50 40 5 00 Portsmouth 2 22 5 2 50 105 21 00 Radford _ 40 99 120 3 00 480 4 85 Richmond 36 411 11 40 Roanoke 2 9 30 15 00 65 7 22 Stannton - -- 2 12 6 00 Suffolk _ Williamsburg 4 6 1 50 Winchester 31 261 100 3 23 1 341 5 14 Totals 84 533 $ 304 $ 3 62 $ 2 904 f> 5 45 Totals counties and cities.- 339,218 787,595 $1,011,858 $ 3 00 $3,340,087 $ 4 00 248 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE V LIVE STOCK CONTINUED. Hogs. COUNTIES NUMBER VALUE Asst. 1913 Census 1910 Asst. 1913 Total Val. Assessed Average Value Assessed Census 1910 Total Val. Census Average Value Accomac 4,842 7,559 338 1,715 3,297 3,810 2,065 14,133 2,320 6,369 2,807 3,161 6,282 7,766 3,823 4,672 3,230 4,429 1,944 5,277 1,711 5,644 1,364 4,824 2,979 4,546 3,868 951 3,048 3,595 11,351 3,384 2,528 5,758 5,538 4,543 2,981 3,043 4,336 3,141 3,181 10,172 4,224 2,659 2,824 3,059 13,204 1,074 2,283 , 2,240 2,162 1,446 7,845 8,117 3,894 3,416 4,901 1,871 8,474 2,344 4,977 9,308 3,805 1,353 7,814 4,478 17,574 15,722 22 3,001 4,670 7,337 3,723 22,367 3,991 11,748 4,252 6,699 9,598 8,439 6,418 7,261 9,260 9,860 4,003 7,422 7,467 9,079 2,814 9.6 8 4,951 4,582 9,792 2,551 5,028 7,935 17,910 7,751 3,959 10,065 11,359 7,393 7,147 3,939 9,118 5,064 4,766 16,650 9,397 6,267 5,493 4,333 19,216 1,451 3,867 5,458 4,332 3,208 11,767 18,816 6,736 5,849 8,706 3,878 12,212 4,811 9,716 19,325 7,336 2,947 10,334 9.152 $ 20,194 31,961 1,770 6,279 11,010 12,448 5,805 60,372 7,042 24,953 7,004 14,107 18,783 11,029 12,827 19,917 12,107 11,995 8,050 19,805 10,326 27,288 2,998 17,686 10,187 9,939 13,082 4,515 7,693 18,138 57,223 10,606 7,411 14,730 21,803 9,980 8,006 10,970 16,639 8,423 7,996 38,422 16,490 15,908 9,448 6,904 29,803 4,652 7,773 6,146 7,925 5,095 19,089 51,892 15,213 10,457 12,752 6,171 26,934 6,937 18,5.50 23,924 15,704 5,380 25,525 14.611 $ 4 17 4 23 5 23 3 66 3 34 3 27 2 81 4 27 3 03 3 85 2 50 4 46 2 98 1 42 3 36 4 26 3 75 2 70 4 14 3 75 6 04 4 84 2 20 3 66 3 42 2 19 3 38 4 75 2 52 5 05 5 04 3 14 2 93 2 56 3 94 2 20 3 61 3 85 3 68 2 51 .3 78 3 90 6 00 3 3.5 2 26 2 26 4 33 S 40 2 74 3 66 3 52 2 43 ,1S 3 91 3 06 2 60 3 30 3 18 2 96 3 73 2 57 4 13 3 97 3 27 3 9.R $ 116,751 86,995 3,498 20,356 22,221 41,220 18,179 14,187 74 ',313 20,294 46,402 38,313 27,721 31 ,020 42,367 51,648 64,572 28,357 31,323 49,269 50,070 15,315 51,451 23,008 17,749 48,175 13,146 21,811 54,517 102,272 46,658 19,662 57,581 74,193 40,483 35,705 22,091 54,722 25,023 15,690 92,392 43,770 40,810 34,608 22,445 .'0,275 9,131 20,340 17,894 22,016 12,604 62,229 118,896 33,767 26,648 34,384 31,633 54,674 19,782 58,852 58,453 32,490 14,127 48,282 43 fiSfi $ 6 65 5 54 6 70 6 77 4 76 5 62 4 88 6 50 6 08 6 32 4 77 6 93 3 99 3 28 4 as 5 83 5 58 6 r>r. 7 08 4 62 6 60 .5 52 f> '.5 5 33 4 C6 3 87 4 92 5 15 4 33 6 8S 5 72 6 (3 4 96 5 73 653 r> 47 5 (0 5 62 6 00 4 94 S 29 5 55 4 66 6 T2 6 31 .5 IS 2 C2 6 29 5 25 3 28 5 08 3 93 5 29 6 33 5 CO 4 56 3 94 8 16 4 48 4 11 6 05 3 03 4 43 4 79 4 67 4. 77 Albemarle - Alexandria - - -- -- Alleghany ______ Amelia Amherst Appomattox Augusta Bath _ Bedford - _- Bland Botetourt Brunswick Buchanan Buckingham Campbell Caroline Oarro'l __ _ __ __ __ Charles City Charlotte - Chesterfield - Clarke _- Craig Culpeper Cumberland _ Dickenson Dinwiddie _ Elizabeth City Essex Fairfax Fauquier Floyd _ _ _ Fluvanna _ _ Franklin Frederick Giles Gloucester Goochland Grayson _ Greene Greensville Halifax _. Hanover _____ Henrico Henry _ _ Highland Isle of Wight James City * King George King and Queen _ King William _ Lancaster Lee Loudoun _ Louisa Lunenburg Madison ^. Mathews Mecklenburg Middlesex _ _ Montgomery _ _. Nanspmond Nelson New Kent Norfolk _ Northampton -. Appendix. 249 TABLE V HOGS CONTINUED. COUNTIES NUMBER VALUE Asst. Census 1913 1910 Asst. 1913 Total Val Assessed Average Value Assessed Census 1910 Total Val. Census Average Value Northumberland 8,880 3,069 4,471 4,535 3,208 8,047 1,602 3,278 3,241 4,945 3,652 5,494 3,888 2,824 2,772 6,844 14,146 8-, 661 6,364 9,812 4,175 18,516 3.246 1,858 2,960 4,475 6,999 1,603 971 6,019 2,356 5,177 10,876 1,563 465,074 5,133 5,623 8,732 5,899 6,177 14,961 3,852 6,147 6,426 8,688 6,476 9,437 7,445 4,044 5,663 11,652 20,982 10,551 11,496 13,543 8,573 35,8^8 6.684 4,111 10,209 10,682 8.818 4,978 1,783 12.989 4,9~2 6,870 13,248 4,518 834,672 12 99 261 1 19 2i Ir8 2 24 29 66 3 288 31 75 220 $ 11,386 10,016 14,542 14,035 9,252 26,232 8,339 11,234 12,963 14,545 18,799 16,544 13,152 8,404 12,010 24, 6 '0 60,973 21,174 16,709 46,397 12,470 52,999 11.105 7.524 9,642 14,735 14,616 4,526 3,840 18,230 7,083 14,946 18,761 4,945 $1,581,641 $ 3 42 3 26 3 25 3 10 2 89 2 25 5 20 3 48 4 00 2 94 5 15 3 01 3 38 2 98 4 34 3 60 4 30 2 43 2 63 4 72 2 98 2 86 3 42 4 05 3 25 3 30 2 09 2 82 3 95 3 03 3 00 2 88 1 72 3 16 $ 3 40 $ 25,860 24,429 46,401 31,536 41,099 97,776 20,723 33,025 28,236 41,214 42,103 $ 5 03 4 35 5 31 5 8> 666 6 53 5 33 5 38 4 40 4 75 6 50 6 60 5 20 4 02 8 00 5 80 6 86 6 07 5 77 6 70 6 10 2 80 3 52 5 19 2 T9 3 88 5 70 5 FO 5 12 6 37 3 73 5 2 5 40 4 08 $ 5 26 Nottoway _. _ Orange _- Page Patrick Pittsylvania Powhatan _ __ __ Prince Edward _- -- Prince George - Princess Anne - _ Prince William Pulaski Rappahannock _ __ _ 38,656 16 2'2 45,249 67,617 143,891 63,998 66,374 90,634 52 214 100,230 28 509 21,343 21,331 41,423 50,488 27,384 9,117 82,744 18,522 37,974 71,678 18,432 $4,389,567 $ 117 989 1,963 6 204 132 1,008 15 103 193 213 10 1.941 126 1,012 1,402 Richmond - Roanoke - Rockbridge Rockingham Russell Scott Shenandoah Smyth _ r Southampton __ Spotsvlvania Stafford _ Surry __ _ Sussex Tazewell _ _ Warren Warwick __ Washington Westmoreland _ Wise Wvthe York Totals CUTIES Alexandria . ^ 9 85 10 00 7 50 6 00 10 73 * 28 6 33 7 50 4 28 6 66 3 28 3 35 6 75 4 06 13.. r O 6 38 Bristol _ Buena Vista 200 $ 620 $ 3 15 Oharlottesville . _ Clifton Forge Fredericksburg _ 49 171 3 49 Lynchburg __. Newrtort News - Norfolk Petersburg _ 4 35 8 75 Portsmouth Radford 227 780 3 44 Richmond __ _ Roanoke _. _ 17 61 5 5 166 180 237 10 40 513 10 60 4 65 2 00 8 00 3 08 Staunton Suffolk Williamsburg Winchester 71 350 9'3 2,484 13 2S 7 10 Totals 734 1,734 $ 2,586 $ 3 53 $ 12,861 $4,402,428 $ 7 40 Totals counties and cities. - 465,808 836,406 $1,584,227 $ 3 40 * 52 250 'Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE VI. FARM MACHINERY. ASSESSED AND CENSUS VALUE. COUNTIES Assessment 1913. Census 1910. COUNTIES Assessment 1913. Census 1910. n $ 43 701 $ 382 444 ! Norfolk $ 41,855 $ 220,542: 85 006 413,739 Northampton 40,835 205,364 Alexandria 2,000 27,215 Northumberland 23,102 125,248- 10 644 84 677 Nottoway 17,780 118,232 16 640 109 852 Orange 31,584 232,904 13 946 182 977 1 Page 26,266 152, 382 15 979 128 087 Patrick 16,332 1-13,462 144 624 ' 759,477 Pittsylvania 56,501 ! 509,126 Bath 12 636 71,694 Powhatan 16,966 217,074 Bedford 52,765 326,939 Prince Edward 20,148 128,060 Bland 8 4^1 57,203 Prince George 29,145 . 128,844 37 787 255,280 Princess Anne 30,181 199,023 24 819 ' 154,828 Prince William 49,546 164,910 1 786 29,511 Pulaski 23,550 143,608 24 768 i 152,422 Rappahannock 18,710 131,176 Campbell 42 765 210,897 Richmond 20,141 70,817 29 731 222,038 Roanoke 82,752 197,376 Carroll 18 515 224,456 Rockbridge 59,639 300,947 Charles City 15 985 68,649 I Rockingham 144,310 721,446 Charlotte 34 265 155 536 ! Russell 14,554 132,809 Chesterfield 35 377 216 095 Scott 21 825 157 774 Clarke 36 520 166,403 Shenandoah 87,275 357,374 Craig 6 961 76 133 Smyth 23,298 174,391 Culpeper 35 755 ' 254,522 Southampton ~ 42,459 212,920 Cumberland 18 058 102 861 Spotsylvania _ 30,239 157,647 3 280 20 287 Stafford 16,500 107,723 Dinwiddie 31,994 206,551 I Surry 11,892 105,519 Eli/abeth City 5 945 45 278 Sussex 17 429 162 198 Essex 16 457 92,239 Tazewell 15,409 116,263 Fairfax 56,346 487,351 Warren 11,765 104,223 78 904 409 269 Warwick 6 925 34,555 Floyd 18 681 161 405 Washington 27,399 302,847 15 276 ( 95 331 Westmoreland 21 717 94 747 Franklin 28 402 274 253 Wise 3 490 39 683 Frederick 52 856 346 326 Wythe - 32 862 233,862 Giles 15 973 104,387 York 10 453 69,221 21 578 162 439 19 255 121 805 Totals $ 2 928 308 $ 18,095 868 17 162 191 823 Greene 13,071 81,173 CITIES Greensville 10,220 ; 82,643 Halifax 63,052 ' 370,316 Alexandria $ 1,550 Hanover 36,303 235,334 Bristol 205 Henrico 43,5"0 299,864 Buena Vista $ 155 780 Henry 14,096 12i,458 Charlottesville 55 50 Highland -- 19,170 86,758 i Clifton Forge Isle of Wight- 41,429 125,621 1 Danville 95 880 James City 12,948 i 35,728 Fredericksburg 685 King George _- __ -- 13,454 I 97,731 Lynchburg 385 King and Queen 15,706 87 275 Newport News 50 King William ... 19,121 82,578 Norfolk 190 1,- ( 00 Lancaster - __ 11,862 ! 68,546 Petersburg 300 910 Lee 21 570 ' 150 039 60 Loudoun 123,386 514,941 Radford 556 7,313 Louisa 24 890 174 939 1 300 Lunenburg _ - _ 21,842 127,271 Roanoke 75 11 Madison 29,015 ! 171,481 Staunton 1 183 Mathews 7,137 105,809 Suffolk 55 Mecklenburg _ 41,341 199,162 Williamsburg 185 1 040 Middlesex _ __ 15,249 1 100,587 Winchester 317 2 958 Montgomery 21,711 162,257 Nansemond 31,282 199,955 Totals $ 2 728 $ 20 015 Nelson 21 621 i 131 539 New Kent 8 815 47 860 $ 2 931 036 $ 18 115 883 Appendix. 251 TABLE VII. PROPERTY DIRECTLY COMPARABLE. ASSESSED AND CENSUS VALUE. COUNTIES Total Enumerated Items. Ratio Ass'd to Census Value Balance Schedule B. Asst. 1913 Census 1910 Asst. 1913 Est'd Trua Value Based on Same Ratio Accomac $ 545,361 849,535 89,180 209,191 241,210 322,435 195,609 1,663,981 278,470 859,856 325,699 452,954 454,139 166,185 334,475 521,545 446,186 358,760 153,795 442,162 393,727 455,945 145,996 573,241 264,703 220,474 389,918 93,900 202,792 619,135 1,578 361 $ 1,490,633 1,950,883 292,484 478,825 497.354 1,015,320 479,831 3,376,849 536,523 1,805,496 558,377 1,131,707 757,524 492,411 724,864 1,005,481 1,001,307 1,163,199 334,296 719,098 854,049 1,033,567 466,724 1,422,933 485,451 358,916 832,080 257,835 497,145 1,588,701 2,713,144 1,089,955 457,470 1,410,480 1,608,898 8'3,218 636,533 546,558 1,381,977 451,973 360,769 1,805,095 982,164 1,081,073 653,791 926,763 547,844 179,812 497,496 487,068 492,170 ?90,183 1,262,239 2,961,057 835,310 637,989 835,679 361,297 1,140,787 376,959 1,064,246 809.958 36.50 43.40 50.58 43.70 48.45 31.78 40.80 49.30 51.80 47.65 55.35 40.00 59.85 33.72 46.16 51.83 44.58 30.88 45.95 61.60 46.05 44.12 31.30 40.20 54.54 61.40 46.80 36.40 40.75 38.92 58.20 42.40 38.93 32.50 36.85 35.25 37.05 47.70 52.53 43.05 51.75 49.75 51.70 50.30 36.78 35.90 63.65 60.35 36.93 44.95 49.10 54.66 46.98 60.80 45.80 49.20 41.90 27.72 55.40 43.60 48.70 45.20 $ 760,309 542,451 290,990 601,215 151,970 208, 2 J2 122,618 766,047 214,805 477,249 54,851 364,573 351 ,861 287,108 187,524 540,314 216,857 131,673 64,925 291,818 1,907,198 210,970 55,729 265,136 139,283 138,915 244,270 831,480 110,018 545,705 532,615 105,856 96,681 182,416 249,932 234,657 268,668 100,790 131,836 63,364 289,287 1,049,594 314,143 1,161,940 271,233 106,301 302,679 88,322 79,322 118,610 191,663 592,145 241,075 674,456 200,304 244,073 130,336 163,449 540,970 220,323 241,110 391. 911 $ 2.0SO.OCO 1,250, COO 952,500 1,400,000 313,900 605,800 300, 510 1,555,000 410,500 1,002 ,(00 99, ICO 91 2, COO 587,200 830, 0:0 405,800 1,043,0:0 487, OCO 426,500 141,000 473,500 2,622,000 478,1 TOO 178,100 659,500 255,500 225,900 522,000 2, 28;5, 000 270, COO 1,404,000 915,200 219,500 218,500 561,200 691.200 606,000 725,800 2,114,0(0 251,1(0 147.200 558,400 2,108,0 607,800 2,312,000 741,600 296,5(0 476,000 146,400 214,700 263, 4CQ 390,800 1,083,500 512,800 1,107,000 436, SCO 496,500 310,800 588,500 976,200 505,800 495,000 711 non Albemarle Alexandria Alleghany -- Amherst Appomattox Augusta - -- Bath Bedford - - - Bland -- - -- Botetourt - - Brunswick Buchanan Buckingham Campbell Caroline Carroll Charles City Charlotte Chesterfield Clarke Craig Culpeper Cumberland Dickenson Dinwiddie Elizabeth City Essex - Fairfax __ Fauquier _ Floyd -- 461,571 178,140 459,164 581,325 303,893 235,967 260,660 726,084 194,363 186,803 899,040 507,847 543,900 238,798 332,420 348,063 108,488 183,868 218,860 241,736 158,804 592,683 1,801,500 382,711 315,044 350,486 100,200 632,136 164,247 518,491 341.280 Fluvanna Franklin Frederick Giles Gloucester Goochland Grayson _ Greene Greensville - Halifax Hanover Henry Highland Isle of Wight James City King George _ _ King and Queen King William Lancaster Lee Loudoun _- Louisa Lunenburg Madison _ Mathews _- _. __ Mecklenburg Middlesex - Montgomery _. Nansemond - Report of Committee on Tax Uevixion.. TABLE VII PROPERTY DIRECTLY COMPARABLE CONTINUED. COUNTIES Total Enumerated Items. Ratio Ass'd to Census Value Balance Schedule B. Asst. 1913 | Census 1910 Asst. 1913 Est'd True Value Based on Same Ratio Nelson _. $ 418,446 117,200 530,400 397,362 270,975 218,371 439,034 374,104 363,450 762,610 201,906 278,201 298,224 304,908 533,658 492,436 419,677 196,873 403,541 756,164 1,535,461 789,432 593,762 950,180 500,406 622,752 359,860 255.270 189,136 290,188 745,858 154,645 70,655 663,034 224,936 340,662 600,499 115,100 $ 758,260 248,819 937,486 788,532 486,283 550,938 1,127,217 740,676 734,468 2,074,699 537,462 635,614 512,419 546,060 975,178 1,129,671 973,183 329,114 875,092 1,571,231 3,341,577 1,629,485 1,354,982 1,762,428 1,245,062 827,709 720,137 500,228 408,957 643,786 1,697,530 664,260 160,695 2,039,348 447,686 623.221 1,586,983 279,022 55.20 47.12 56.65 50.44 55.75 45.05 38.92 50.50 49.50 36.70 37.50 43.75 8.25 55.80 54.67 43.60 43.10 59.75 46.05 48.15 45.87 48.45 43.75 53.95 40.15 75.25 49.97 50.75 46.20 45.10 43.90 23.30 43.93 32.25 50.25 54.70 37.90 41.25 $ 249,794 88,560 2,226,795 459,638 779,107 303,351 240,377 244,894 143,523 478,790 91,894 232,032 184,411 755,442 338,141 253,454 123,403 142,222 580,: 26 459,657 806,096 397,983 178,877 483,150 221,434 771,238 150,123 106,431 208,166 270,509 330,812 93,985 116,665 231,046 150,523 642,094 300,761 ir9,520 ! $ 452 500 188,000 3, 938, (00 911,000 1,397,000 673,5(K) 6 17, 5(10 485, OCO 290, Of 1,305,000 244,800 530.00:) 316,5(0 1,354,000 618,200 581,800 286,8 2,7,8 1,262,00:) 95', 500 1,760,000 S2i,r,o:> 40S,5fO 895.200 550.FOO 1,026,0 302,600 209,400 450,500 600, 000 752, 30D 40^,7"'0 New Kent Norfolk Northampton Northumberland - Nottoway Orange Page Patrick Pittsylvania Powhatan - Prince Edward Prince George -- -- - Princoss Anne Prince William Pulaski Rappahannock Richmond -- - Roanoke Rockbridge Rockingham Russell _ Scott Shenandoah __ Smyth Southampton _ Spotsylvania Stafford _ Surry Sussex Ta?ewell Warren _ Warwick Washington 716,000 299,20) i,i74,oro 795 O'O 386 800 Westmoreland Wise Wythe - York Totals $ 43,226,868 $ 93,815,376 45.40 $ 33,881,034 $ 74,616,100 CITIES Alexandria - $ 23,575 14,363 16.205 38,555 16,365 87,397 21,567 110,661 34,745 137,310 69,850 58,730 31,750 288,040 102,305 JO, 582 24,655 11.268 27,965 $ 57,872 50,508 37,544 72 408 30,258 1^8.808 50,614 182,299 P4.680 322,733 98,679 113,148 57,670 636,660 208,677 106,492 40.75 27.45 43 20 53.25 54.05 55.10 42.60 63.97 63 55 $ 234,902 209,517 237,701 347,915 169,511 4,418,187 213,684 1,583,415 645,075 3,255.070 2,619.690 8' 5 008 269.580 7,181,611 1, -130 422 471.571 277.711 76,030 227,684 $ 5-7.0 o 737, TOO 5 "0,500 653, fOO 311, 0^0 8 O'O 000 W>l, r 01 Bristol . Buena Vista Charlottesville Clifton Forge Danville Fredericksburg _ Lynchburg Newport News _. 1.015,500 7 650,00) 3 70". 00) I,627,0 r -489,500 15 865 POO 2,920.000 1.097, Of 614 0"0 107,500 601,000 Norfolk . 42.58 70.80 51.87 55.10 45.25 49.00 42.98 45.20 70.75 37.90 Petersburg Portsmouth Radford Richmond _ _ Roanoke _ Stannton _ Suffolk Williamsburg 15,934 73,820 Winchester Totals - $ 1,155,888 $ 2,328,804 50.00 $ 24,714.31' $ 49. .5-0, 10') Total counties and cities-. $ 44,382,756 $ 96,144,180 47.30 $ 58,595,348 $ 124,156,200 Appendix. 253 TABLE VIII. ALL TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY. TOTAL ASSESSED AND ESTIMATED TRUE VALUE. COUNTIES Assessment 1913. Estimated True Value. COUNTIES Assessment 1913. Estimated True Value. $ 1,305,670 1,391,986 380,170 810,406 393,180 530,677 318,227 2,430,028 493,365 1,337,105 380,550 817,527 806,000 453,293 521,999 1,061,859 663,043 490,433 218,720 733,980 1,600,920 666,915 201,725 838,377 403,986 359,389 634,188 925,380 312,810 1,164,840 2,110,976 567,427 274,821 641,580 831,257 538,550 504,635 361,450 857,920 257,727 476,090 1,948,634 821,990 1,705,840 510,031 438,721 650,742 196,810 263,190 337,470 433,399 750,949 833,758 2,475,956 583,015 559,117 480,822 263,649 1,173,106 384,570 759,601 662,491 668,240 205,760 $ 3,570,633 3,200,883 1,244,984 1,878,825 811,254 1,671,120 780,331 4,931,849 947,023 2,807,496 657,477 2,043,707 1,314,724 1,342,411 1,130,664 2,048,481 1,488,307 1,589,699 475,296 1,192,598 3,476,0i9 1,512,067 644,824 2,082,433 740,951 584,816 1,354,080 2,543,833 767,145 2,992,701 3,628,344 1,339,455 705,970 1,971,680 2,300,Ot/8 1,519,218 1,362,333 2,660,558 1,633,077 599,173 919,169 3,913,095 1,589,964 3,393,073 1,395,391 1,223,263 1,023,844 326,212 712,196 750,468 882,970 1,373,683 1,775,039 4,068,057 1,272,110 1,134,489 1,146,479 949,797 2,116,987 882,759 1,559,246 1,520,958 1,210,760 436,819 Norfolk $ 2,757,195 857,000 1,050,082 551,722 679,411 618,998 506,973 1,241,400 293,800 510,233 482,635 1,060,350 871,799 745,890 543,080 339,095 984,067 1,215,821 2,341,557 1,187,415 772,639 1,433,330 721,840 1,394,050 509,983 361,701 397,302 560,697 1,076,670 248,630 187,320 894,080 375,459 982,756 901,260 274,620 $ 4,875,486 1,699,532 1,883,283 1,224,498 1,744,717 1,225,676 1,024,468 3,379,699 782,262 1,165,614 828,919 1,900,060 1,593,378 1,711,471 1,259,983 566,914 2,137,092 2,525,731 5,101,577 2,450,985 1,763,482 2,657,628 1,795,562 1,853,709 1,022,737 709,628 859,457 1,243,786 2,449,830 1,067,960 425,695 2,755,348 746,886 1,797,221 2,381,983 665,822 Northampton _- Northumberland Nottoway -- Amelia ' Orange - -- Pago Patrick Pittsylvania Powhatan Bath Bedford Prince Edward Prince George Botetourt - Princess Anne -- Brunswick _ Prince William Buchanan Pulaski Buckingham Rappahannock __ Campbell Carroll Rockbridge Charles City Rockingham Charlotte Russell Chesterfield Scott Clarke Shenandoah Craig Smyth Southampton Spotsylvania Stafford Dinwiddie Surry Elizabeth City Sussex -_ Essex Tazewell Fairfax Warren FauQuier Warwick Floyd Washington Fluvanna Westmoreland Franklin Wise Frederick Wythe Giles York _ Totals Goochland $ 77,107,902 $ 168,431,476 CITIES Alexandria Greene $ 258,477 ?23,880 253,906 386,500 1^5,876 4,505,584 $ 634,872 788,108 588,044 725,408 344,258 8,198,808 552,114 2,657,299 1,070,180 7,972,733 3,803,679 1,740,148 547,170 16,501,660 3,128,677 1,203,492 614,000 123,434 674,820 Green sville Halifax Hanover Bristol Henrico Buena Vista Henry Charlottesville Highland Clifton Forge [sle of Wight Danville James City Fredericksburg 235,251 1,694,076 679,820 3,392,380 2,689,540 903,738 301,330 7,469,651 1,532,727 512.153 302.366 87,298 255,649 King George Lynchburg _ King and Queen King William Newport News Norfolk Lancaster _ Petersburg Lee - - Portsmouth Loudoun Radford Louisa - - ------ Richmond Lunenburg _ -- Roanoke _ Madison _ __ _ Staunton Mathews - - - Suffolk Mecklenburg Williamsburg Middlesex _- -- Winchester __ _- __ Totals Nansemond - $ 25,870,202 $ 51,868,904 Nelson Total co's and cities- New Kent $102,978,104 $ 220 300 380 254: Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE IX. INSURANCE TAXES FOB THE YEAR 1913. FIRE AND MARINE COMPANIES. CO S if f Municipal licenses, fees and taxes paid 2 X "o Per cent, taxes to pre- mium income Aachen and Munich Fire Ins Co $ 951 46 $ 945 67 $ 1,897 13 498 Aetna Insurance Co 3 140 40 1 568 34 4 708 74 2Q9 Agricultural Ins Co 906 48 989 91 1 896 39 5 56 American Central Ins Co 1 095 41 1,656 99 2 752 40 4 72 American Ins Co 924 99 1,162 51 2 087 50 5 23 Atlas Assurance Co., Ltd Boston Insurance Co 857 51 588 47 1,012 29 175 00 1,869 80 763 47 5.86 5 07 British American Assurance Co. Caledonian Insurance Co - 427 71 572 39 469 88 722 53 897 59 1,294 92 3.37 7.53 693 21 895 14 1,588 35 5 54 806 16 772 78 1,578 94 4 64 Citizens Insurance Company of Missouri Columbia Insurance Co - - -- 1,174 45 320 00 1,202 24 2,376 69 320 00 6.02 26.21 296 85 296 85 4.92 Commercial Unioo Assurance Co , Ltd-- 1,839 52 1,344 38 3,183 90 3.84 Commonwealth Insurance Company of N. Y. 360 56 1,150 99 418 25 1,111 49 77881 2,262 48 7.35 4.47 Continental Insurance Co 2,468 40 1,610 19 4,078 59 4.02 County Fire Insurance Co. of Philadelphia-- Detroit National Fire Insurance Co 305 40 271 84 356 25 121 25 661 65 393 09 6.85 9.56 Dixie Fire Insurance Co _ 924 76 1,008 58 1,933 34 6.43 Eastern Shore of Va. Fire Ins. Co., Inc Equitable Fire Insurance Co 716 83 758 55 31 14 1,064 89 747 97 1,823 44 2.02 6.32 Equitable Fire and Marine Insurance Co Fidelity-Phoenix Fire Ins. Co. of New York- Fire Association of Philadelphia 399 85 1,900 89 1,613 72 593 35 1,403 88 1,640 32 993 20 3,304 77 3,254 04 6.38 3.70 4.98 Fireman's Fund Insurance Co 2,471 46 1,510 16 3,981 62 3.52 First National Fire Ins. Co. of the U. S Franklin Fire Insurance Co. of Philadelphia- Georgia Home Insurance Co 312 10 559 04 1,073 65 144 75 694 42 1,345 53 456 85 1,253 46 2,419 18 3.81 6.75 5.98 German Alliance Insurance Co 525 57 1,247 51 1,773 08 17.75 German American Insurance Co 3,957 87 2,130 09 6 087 96 2 72 German Fire Insurance Co _ _ 400 54 120 44 520 98 6 87 Germania Fire Insurance Co 1,461 15 1,497 14 2 958 29 4 85 Girard Fire and Marine Insurance Co 894 30 1,096 36 1 990 66 5 21 Glens Falls Insurance Co 989 18 1 172 72 i 2 161 90 6 17 Globe and Rutgers Fire Insurance Co 1 235 03 961 35 ! 2 196 40 3 18 Granite State Fire Insurance Co 507 78 i 782 76 > 1 2^0 54 7 11 Hamberg-Bremen Fire Insurance Co 1,663 96 1 462 47 3 126 43 4,59 Hanover Fire Insurance Co 1 155 52 I 1 175 87 2 331 39 6 13 Hartford Fire Insurance Co__ 4,978 77 | 3 110 11 ' 8 088 88 3 11 Home Fire Insurance Corporation of Va Home Insurance Co 627 62 i 4 155 84 379 18 2 255 11 1,006 80 4.25 Insurance Company of North America l'777 73 1 692 18 Insurance Co. of the State of Pennsylvania- Liverpool and London and Globe Ins. Co London Assurance Corporation 918 57 4,189 48 | 1 019 92 820 30 2,051 35 1 086 45 1,738 87 6,240 83 5.9) 3.01 London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Co- Lumberman's Marine Insurance Co Maryland Motor Car and Insurance Co Milwaukee Mechanics Insurance Co 820 49 347 27 463 73 1 144 31 840 92 ! 100 50 236 51 ; 1,661 41 447 77 700 27 5.08 5.27 4.48 Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia 2 288 43 3 339 63 5.07 Mutual Fire Ins. Co. of Loudoun County National Fire Ins. Co. of Hartford . 838 20 1 911 91 433 35 1 fiQ7 tt 1,271 55 2 09 National Union Fire Insurance Co 1 363 51 National Fire Insurance Co 498 71 5 . 07 Newark Fire Insurance Co- 439 53 6.08 New Brunswick Fire Insurance Co Kffr -ii 2.94 New Hampshire Fire Insurance Co 1 019 28 1,027 11 5.67 Niagara Fire Insurance Co. 827 14 2,218 66 5.01 North British and Mercantile Insurance Co 1,517 80 1,242 74 1,947 86 2,760 54 4.87 3.97 Appendix. 255 , TABLE IX INSURANCE TAXES CONTINUED. 3 I 1 OQ 13 +j g a S S FIRE AND MARINE COMPANIES. 2| i 3| Sg "3 os S "S Q St** 11 1 "a S 1 t-> = North Carolina Home Insurance Co North River Insurance Co Northern Assurance Co., Ltd Northern Neck Mutual Fire Asso. of Virginia Northwestern National Insurance Co Norwich Union Fire Insurance Soc., Ltd Orient Insurance Co Palatine Insurance Co., Ltd Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co People's National Fire Insurance Co Petersburg Savings and Insurance Co Phoenix Assurance Co., Ltd Phoenix Insurance Co Providence Washington Insurance Co Queen Insurance Co. of America Rhode Island Insurance Co Royal Exchange Assurance Royal Insurance Company, Ltd Scottish Union and National Insurance Co Security Insurance Co. of New Haven Southern Underwriters Springfield Fire and Marine Co St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co Standard Marine Insurance Co., Ltd Sterling Fire Insurance Co Subscribers at U. S. "Lloyds" Sun Insurance Company Office _ Union Fire Insurance Office United States Fire Insurance Co Virginia Fire and Marine Insurance Co Westchester Fire Insurance Co Western Assurance Co Williamsburg City Fire Insurance Co 422 38 1,034 79 1,298 87 533 99 599 68 980 85 593 89 767 17 1,343 03 495 14 1,436 55 1,380 97 1,808 82 852 82 1,324 03 535 58 1,571 82 2,83i 04 1,104 09 978 72 920 98 2,964 84 1,106 15 1,132 33 566 14 657 02 1,119 70 Totals 391 78 273 99 990 54 520 41 522 41 6,605 55 1,147 57 840 93 913 72 584 78 1.212 62 847 32 907 64 1,144 S3 471 01 S30 10 1,009 53 1,188 47 843 48 1,386 31 572 70 1,517 06 1,531 18 1,327 12 1.213 60 fi46 17 1,566 49 728 68 $ 114,617 75 1,217 61 569 79 5,714 42 1,264 96 841 96 $ 96,866 55 988 52 1,691 81 2,418 57 533 99 1,184 46 2,193 47 1,441 21 1,674 81 2,487 36 966 15 2,366 65 2,390 50 2,997 29 1,696 30 2,710 34 1,108 28 3,088 88 4,365 22 2,431 21 2,192 32 1,567 15 4,531 33 1,834 83 1,132 33 1,018 61 273 99 2,208 15 1,090 20 522 41 12,319 97 2,412 53 1,682 89 1,707 34 $ 211,484 30 7.14 4.49 4.15 1.82 9.36 5.31 9.07 5.64 4.21 7.58 3.72 4.12 3.08 2.84 5.31 6.83 4.88 2.98 5.09 5.63 3.48 3.25 5.02 7.25 7.16 18.45 5.63 6.95 3.21 4.70 4.53 5.45 5.99 4.25 256 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. , TABLE IX INSURANCE TAXES CONTINUED. LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES 5 5 si ealo ftja P Municipal licenses, fees and taxes paid 2 -M 1 EH Percentage of taxes to premium income Aetna Life Insurance" Co - - - $ 1,864 44 $ 255 00 $ 2,119 44 1 93 1 413 50 1 413 50 4 61 5 661 26 5 368 39 11 029 65 2 58 Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co 445 29 130 75 576 04 3 09 Equitable Life Assurance Society of U. S Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Co 11,751 01 1,997 17 1,59698 205 00 13,347 99 2 202 17 1.58 1 76 838 53 100 00 938 53 2 22 1,529 51 371 00 1,900 51 2 01 Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Oo 472 73 472 73 1 12 Life Insurance Company of Virginia 17,011 10 10,644 14 27,655 24 2 74 Maryland Life Insurance Oo. of Baltimore-- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. 1,287 91 4,249 18 17 925 53 512 00 793 35 2 541 11 1,799 91 5,042 53 20 466 64 1.88 1.67 1 55 Missouri State Life Insurance Co 618 35 52 90 671 25 2 57 Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co 7,449 28 1,363 86 8 813 14 1 68 Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York National Life Insurance Oo 11,341 41 1,637 92 1,060 15 456 50 12,401 56 2 094 42 1.48 1 88 New England Mutual Life Insurance Co- 551 51 290 50 842 01 3 82 New York Life Insurance Co- _ _ _ 9,320 57 1,221 25 10 541 82 1 65 Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Oo 11,454 73 1,442 40 12 897 13 1 67 Pacific Mutual Life Ins. Co. of California- Pan-American Life Insurance Co 497 73 437 00 663 97 250 25 1,161 70 687 25 3.55 59 70 Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co 4 324 39 615 25 4 939 64 1 71 Philadelphia Life Insurance Oo 169 17 169 17 7 71 Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Oo Pittsburg Life and Trust Co Provident Life and Trust Co. of Philadelphia Prudential Insurance Co. of America.- _ 780 26 956 44 2,032 81 3,192 89 230 00 97 50 870 75 1 398 21 1,010 26 1,053 94 2,903 56 4 591 10 2.23 2.27 1.88 2 07 Reliance L*fe Insurance Co 918 60 381 00 1 299 60 2 37 Reserve Loan Life Insurance Co 453 96 5 00 458 96 2 28 Security Life Insurance Co. of America Southern Life and Trust Co 681 87 396 89 227 75 91 25 909 62 488 14 ?.71 2 37 State Life Insurance Co- 897 05 249 00 1 146 05 2 38 Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada Union Central Life Insurance Co Union Mutual Life Insurance Co__ 1,665 49 6,523 48 1,398 62 667 50 1,106 15 387 04 2,332 99 7,629 63 1 785 66 2.02 1.67 2 22 Totals - $ 134 147 58 $ 35 645 90 $16Q 7Q'4 48 Appendix. 257 , TABLE IX INSURANCE TAXES CONTINUED. CASUALTY, FIDELITY AND MISCEL- LANEOUS COMPANIES 33 Is CS If "0*0 Municipal licenses, fees and taxes paid 1 'a ~o Percentage of Taxes to premium income Aetna Accident and Liability Co $ 450 66 $ 143 19 $ 593 81 3 84 Aetna Life Insurance Co -- -- - -- 1,409 83 1 409 83 1 62 American Credit-Indemnity Co. of New York American Security Company of New York Appomattox Casualty Co., Inc_ __ _ __ ;!08 77 1,233 98 630 17 100 00 453 00 14 58 608 77 1,686 98 644 75 5.66 4.37 2 gg Continental Casualty Co _ _ _ - 2,383 15 464 82 2,847 97 2 37 Employers' Liability Assurance Corporation. Fidelity and Casualty Co. of New York Fidelity and Deposit Co. of Maryland-- 979 73 2,279 37 1,462 67 218 25 929 10 667 49 1,197 98 3,208 47 2,130 16 2.78 2.68 2 49 General Accident, Fire and Life Assur. Corp. Globe Indemnity Co 1,276 02 404 98 326 25 218 25 1,602 27 623 23 2.71 3 13 Guarantee Company of North America-- 364 20 364 20 5 51 Hartford Steam Boiler Inspec'n and Ins Co_ Illinois Surety Co 632 36 234 95 172 03 5 00 804 39 239 95 4.37 8 02 Kentucky Live Stock Insurance Co - - 442 40 442 40 5 33 Lloyds Plate Glass Insurance Co_ _ _ 319 31 71 25 390 56 11 73 London Guarantee and Accident Co Ltd 494 62 494 62 6 28 Maryland Casualty Co _ _ __ 2,236 87 551 76 2 788 63 2 2? Masonic Protective Association 166 67 166 67 4 90< National Life and Accident Insurance Co__ 400 20 400 20 4 28 National Surety Co __ 1,068 36 446 25 1 516 61 4 69* New York Plate Glass Insurance Co - - 3 6 07 102 75 458 8 9 9 05 Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corp., Ltd Pacific Mutual Insurance Co. of California - 1,221 02 403 02 433 25 1,654 27 403 0%. 2.63-. 1 34 Philadelphia Life Insurance Co 159 50 159 50 Provident Life and Accident Insurance Com- panv of Chattanooga 1 399 66 58 85 1 <*58 51 1 Vi Ridgely Protective Association 116 67 116 67 OK o or> Royal Indemnity Co _ _ 592 00 352 35 944 35 o 07- Standard Accident Insurance Co 6 J 2 85 64 75 707 60 q 40. Travelers' Insurance Co 5 736 98 966 73 6 703 71 1 Q3' United States Casualty Co 694 93 25 PQ 720 43 1 87 United States Fidelity and Guaranty Co 1,833 46 937 01 2,770 47 a.oa Totals $ 32 535 43 $7 799 41 ' . .._ 2.56 INDUSTRIAL SICK BENEFIT COMPANIES American Beneficial Insurance Co $ 970 42 Home Beneficial Association 4 799 33 Mutual Insurance Co. of Richmond, Va National Insurance Co. of Virginia 795 61 649 52 2 94 8,805 39 798 55 1.23 .65 Peninsular Casualty Co 581 87 694 52 .81 People's Mutual Benefit Insurance Co 645 40 581 87 2.06 Provident Relief Asso. of Washington, D. C Richmond Beneficial Insurance Co 1,918 14 1 218 67 5 00 755 40 1,923 14 .87 .61 Southern Aid Society of Virginia, Inc.- Southern Mutual Aid Asscwiafir n. Virginia Beneficial Insurance Co. , Inc I,c94 76 529 91 1,594 76 1,361 60 .61 .60 .54 Totals ' ._, $ 19,249 12 .85 17-TC 258 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE X. INSURANCE TAXATION. FIRE AND MARINE COMPANIES Premhrro Income. Admitted Assets. Total Virginia Total Real Estate ^Aachen and Munich Fire Insurance Co -Aetna Insurance Co -- -- - $ 1,252,184 9,948,471 1,700,810 3,400,143 4,210,348 1,725,124 3,228,129 1,097,703 1,419,644 1,578,274 528,381 457,952 366,770 110,147 4,725,717 873,449 3,888,022 8,095,893 369,836 132,512 442,835 37,088 133,122 343,229 6,289,890 4,258,129 7,462,947 404,978 1,403,791 304,320 628,327 9,069,134 200,307 2,978,178 815,376 2,217,163 4,452,098 617, 7?0 1,299,915 2,528,857 16,454,395 23,673 14,603,435 9,394,123 2,145,936 8,908,995 2,638,900 2,711,700 8,666 161,918 2,003,152 65,540 60,838 8,454,041 2,702,2f6 271,194 938, , r 93 545,970 2,422,091 3,201,841 5,186,048 114,712 1,640,770 2,730,793 29,301 2,711,008 1,713.746 1,627,747 1,767,861 $ 38,037 160,646 34,119 58,301 39,955 31,820 15,024 26,659 17,205 28,699 34,250 39,429 1,221 6,034 82,894 10,583 50,584 118,887 9,663 4,105 30,052 37,088 28,837 15,540 89,345 65,346 113,241 12,006 18,553 40,491 9,996 223,690 7,586 60,995 38,323 35,053 68,898 18,151 68,072 38,014 2>9,664 23,673 223,809 87,862 29,451 207,043 43,074 32,676 8,666 15,681 45,575 65,540 60.838 108,112 58,^31 14,315 B0,15 18,104 44,235 39,954 69.521 , 13,836 37,757 58,1-12 29,301 12,639 41,269 15,889 29.691 $ 2,589,572 22,481,250 4,302,768 5,413,219 10,004,903 2,867,750 6,381,742 1,889,181 2,2'0,445 3,056,406 1,739,997 810,840 973,680 759,187 7,441,934 2,633,267 6,761,549 27,628,477 1,158,072 86,634 1,071,241 103,346 401,741 960,526 14,958,098 9,154,808 9,864,872 1,630,980 3,245,736 713,138 1,846,013 21,724.918 1,489,678 7,260,197 2,532,070 5,525,539 8,020,276 1,198,826 1,944,015 4,743,233 26,525,974 71,337 33,139,916 17.880,122 ; 4,006,653 14,263,847 i 3 814 383 ! $ 627,207 93 35,832 51 493,000 00 83,878 81 393,197 69 Atlas Assurance Co., Ltd Boston Insurance Co British American Assurance Co Caledonian Insurance Co 439,510 58 105,036 19 Camden Fire Insurance Association Citizens Fire Insurance Co Citi/ons Insurance Co of Missouri-. _- Columbia Insurance Co __ Commercial Fire Insurance Co. of D. C-- Commercial Union Assurance Co., Ltd Commonwealth Ins. Co. of New York 350,000 00 698,163 62 Connecticut Fire Insurance Co 3,250 00 1,175,000 00 55,0^7 18 ^Continental Insurance Co County Fire Ins. Co. of Philadelphia Ttetroit National Fire Insurance Co Dixie Fire Insurance Co __ - 112,500 00 1,500 00 15,582 93 101,180 00 572,500 00 737,162 67 473,442 39 350,000 00 146,444 r-3 60,000 00 Eastern Shore of Va Fire Ins. Co_ _ l^Quitable Fire Insurance Co.- _ __ __ ^Equitable Fire and Marine Insurance Co_. Fidelity-Phoenix Fire Ins. Co. of N. _.. Fire Association of Philadelphia Fireman's Fund Insurance Co First National Fire Ins. Co. of U. 8 Franklin Ffre Ins. Co. of Philadelphia Georgia Home Insurance Co German Alliance Insurance Co- German American Insurance Co 2,678,347 74 German Fire Insurance Co Germania Fire Insurance Co. 750,000 00 211,497 32 218,4(8 43 72,915 00 46,954 28 Girard Fire and Marine Insurance Co Glens Falls Insurance Co Globe and Rutgers Fire Insurance Co Granite State Fire Insurance Co__ .. .. Hamberg-Bremen Fire Insurance Co Hanover Fire Insurance Co 907,956 00 734,219 58 Hartford Fire Insurance Co Home Fire Insurance Cor. of Virginia Home Insurance Co Insurance Co of North America 235,3 X) 00 413,753 49 1,2 8,191 85 Insurance Co. of State of Pennsylvania- Liverpool and London and Globe Ins. Co. London Assurance Corporation * London and Lancashire Fire Ins. Co Lumberman's Marine Insurance Co 4,871,204 61,271 ; 431,882 4,436,716 2,449,178 70,171 15,485,762 4,683,605 708,202 2,009,893 1,046.932 6,250.527 6 916 922 300,000 00 Maryland Motor Car Insurance Co Milwaukee Mechanics Insurance Co Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia Mutual Fire Ins. Co. of Loudoun County National Fire Insurance Co. of Hartfcrd National Union Fire Insurance Co National Fire Insurance Co 52.825 00 867,934 00 3.300 00 597; 364 24 30,654 40 Newark Fire Insurance Co 1 -15,523 21 132,362 00 95,000 00 New Brunswick Fire Insurance Co New Hampshire Fire Insurance Co Niagara Fire Insurance Co North British and Mer. Insurance Co North Carolina Home Insurance Co North River Insurance Co 8,787,206 432,332 2,733,108 5,137,850 12,533 6,644,768 3,013,723 i 3,487,488 3.199.623 Northern Assurance Co., Ltd 115,000 00 Northern Neck Mutual Fire Asso. of Va_. Northwestern National Insurance Co Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society 178,000 CO Orient Insurance Co 167, C86 38 Palatine Insurance Co., Ltd - Appendix. 259 TABLE X INSURANCE TAXATION CONTINUED. Premium Income. Admitted Assets. FIRE; AND MARINE COMPANIES Total Virginia Total Real E'statet Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co $ 3,444,, 785, ( 117 / 2,418,* 5,799,f >63 )27 24 21 28 71 50 40 46 52 93 52 55 18 55 90 26 73 74 62 35 08 11 58 15 1 i $ 59,082 12,762 63,703 57,893 97,373 59,709 51,115 16,205 63,184 146,581 47,703 38,968 44,966 139,636 36,546 15,604 14,206 1,485 39,277 15,687 16,251 261,911 53,251 30,874 28,470 $ 8,002,962 1,870,816 3,286,800 3,890,965 14,568,056 4,928,081 9,980,013 1,359,103 2,887,993 12,599,303 5,954,448 4,104,636 386,734 10,943,903 9,464,890 1,113,704 1,607,020 1,242,172 4,866,148 951,323 1,196,263 1,780,007 5,218,654 2,578,165 4,872,223 $ 189,377 07 72,399 10 60,992 05 People's National Fire Insurance Co Petersourg Savings and Insurance Co. Phoenix Assurance Co., Ltd _- _ - Phoenix Insurance Co _ _. 119,635 64 Providence Washington Insurance Co. 3,603,e 4,968,7 590,7 8,235, 1,956,S 2,265,2 2,119,2 108,7 5,743,1 6,109,8 841,7 424,6 1,316,6 2,766,8 Queen Insurance Co. of America Rhode Island Insurance Co Royal Exchange Assurance Royal Insurance Company, Ltd 4,348,500 00 250,564 10 239,218 25 Scottish Union and National Ins. Co Security Insurance Co. of New Haven Southern Underwriters _____ _ ___ Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Co. St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co_- Standard Marine Insurance Co., Ltd Sterling Fire Insurance Co 300,000 00 254,580 84 Subscribers at U S "Lloyds" Sun Insurance Office 171,925 04 Union Fire Insurance Co Office- 390,7 780,1 742,1 3,231,5 1,582,7 2,580,5 United States Fire Insurance Co- Virginia Fire and Marine Insurance Co_~ Westchester Fire Insurance Co 118, 458 44 5,876 00 Western Assurance Co Williamsburg City Fire Insurance Co Totals 107,373 70 $253,065,003 $ 4,984,824 ' $512,347,634 $23,481,575 27 LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES 4.etna Life Insurance Co $ 12,024,878 30,631 751,541 7,003,525 55,141,610 4,871,542 6,177,392 4,088,092 1,388,393 3,344.495 385,509 10,881 ,233 97,214,702 2,801,731 23,936,471 57,954,050 6,893,199 9,091,420 89,627,788 45,583,284 5,416,597 429,967 21,634,929 868,383 5,734,288 2,941,759 $ 109,802 i $ 30,631 444,264 i 18,603 : 845,819 1 125,080 42,269 94,451 42,110 ' 1,008,233 95,582 301,157 1,320,125 26,057 i 525,843 i 831,249 111,009 22,000 638,964 771,593 32,707 1,151 288,947 2,194 43,333 46,345 154,414 | 222,076 54,699 . 20,151 33,477 20,605 47,999 115,271 457,963 80,226 104,850,675 98,756 2,204,635 68,914,653 525,345,619 28,896,393 49,748,862 29,181,999 4,629,928 9,749,372 8,460,068 73,723,812 447,829,229 9,032,737 166,142,214 607,057,045 58,941,982 66,168,703 748,497,740 310,556,962 27,140,597 2,030,6-3 142,461,658 3,708,129 36,166,310 23,810,617 80,776,359 322,769,320 4,255,991 3 050,597 i $ 557,453 Appalachian Insurance Co Atlantic Life Insurance Co _- 3,674 3,063,651 16,541,021 1,330,169 4,800,241 1,450,000 51,912 484,730 2<2,5!)0 961,500 21,728,740 Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co-- Equitable Life Assurance Society- -- _ Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Co Home Life Insurance Co__ -- _ Jefferson Standtrd Life Insurance Co Life Insurance Company of Virginia.,. Maryland Life Ins. Co. of Baltimore-- Massachusetts Mutual Life Ins. Co Metropolitan Life Insurance Co Missouri State Life Insurance Co Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co 3,184,836 23,548.627 210,000 1,897,295 9.196,. r 8f> 3 77-5.720 1, 09 1, 2.37 45 000 2,822,945 86,088 695,550 5,101,589 1,321,706 17,992,882 160,098 Mutual Life Ins. Co. of New York National Life Insurance Co New England Mutual Life Insurance Co_ New York Life Insurance Co Northwestern Mutual Life Ins. Co _ Pacific Life Insurance Co. of California Pan-American Life Insurance Co Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co _ - Philadelphia Life Insurance Co Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Co Pittsburg Life and Trust Co_ _ Provident Life and Trust Co. of Phila- Prudential Insurance Co. of America Reliance Life Insurance Co __ __ __ 10,349,120 81,109,006 1,502,210 794,207 543,531 307, L18 2,445,087 10, -992, 883 12,774,517 2,369,850 Reserve Loan Life Insurance Co__.._ Security Life Insurance Co. of America- Southern Life and Trust Co 2,132,962 1,510,585 13,396,699 55,726,347 99,100,689 18,150,712 5,fO) 111,199 1, COS, 088 1,367,457 3,497,841 958,6 r 3 State Life Insurance Co Sun Life Insurance Co. of Canada Union Central Life Insurance Co Union Mutual Life Insurance Co Totals 99,494,978 $ 9,026,399 $4 151,265,604 ? 132,341,997 260 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE X INSURANCE TAXATION CONTINUED. CASUALTY, FIDELITY AND MISCEL- LANEOUS COMPANIES Premium Income Total Virginia Admitted Assets Total Real Estate Aetna Accident and Liability Co $ 1,373,127 $ 15,446 $ 3,083,698 7,594,507 86,926 9,106,323 $ 9 618 93 American Credit-Indemnity Co. of N. Y_ 715,351 10,745 1,216,347 3,070,761 38,558 8 871 339 3 480 000 00 Appomattox Casualty Co., Inc 23,766 21,619 28,026 3,345,328 119,895 2,003,575 35 000 00 Employers' Liability Ass'ce Corp., Ltd 6,151,052 43,150 7,318,463 Fidelity and Casualty Co. of New York_ Fidelity and Deposit Co. of Maryland-- General Accident, Fire and Life Assurance 8,589,461 6,664,897 4,126,501 119,755 85,363 59,515 11,063,357 11,241,268 2,867,458 1,393,893 45 2,549,827 83 213 160 58 Globe Indemnity Co - 2,987,722 19,913 3,260,421 Guarantee Co of North America.- 215,394 6,609 1,840,954 213 19Q 86 Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and In- surance Co. -- - 1,614,155 18,369 5,412,496 90 300 00 Illinois Surety Co 395,002 2,990 896,217 Kentucky Live Stock Insurance Co 78, in 8,294 268,205 94,000 00 Lloyd's Plate Glass Insurance Co 569,801 3,330 910 057 255 763 18 London Guaranty and Accident Co., Ltd- Maryland Casualty Co * ' " 3,966,076 6,185,482 7,869 125 478 4,030,415 6 628 777 1 254~087~79 Masonic Protective Association 447,391 3,400 427,334 National Life and Accident Insurance Co- National Surety Co- 2,823,924 3,113,508 9,341 32,278 1,141,739 7 159 259 71,326 59 193 306 99 New York Plate Glass Insurance Co_ 953,569 5,062 953 569 Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corp., Ltd Pacific Mutual Life Ins. Co. of California 4,306,421 2,004,983 63,004 30,159 4,882,372 2,197,554 Philadelphia Life Insurance Co 247,134 4,856 Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company of Chattanooga-- 282,673 107,496 234 271 Ridgely Protective Association 398,889 46 415 845 Royal Indemnity Co 2,794,755 28,005 3 514 126 Standard Accident Insurance Co __ 3,159,250 20,678 4 457 338 Travelers' Insurance Co_ _ 22 532 882 346 747 87 767 387 2 240 050 00 United States Casualty Co- 1 898 671 38 511 2 668 088 4 500 00 United States Fidelity and Guaranty Co.. 6,296,725 91,242 7,701,075 609,400 00 Totals $108 927 329 $ 1 574 649 $203 569 353 *\L2 707 426 20 INDUSTRIAL SICK BENEFIT COMPANIES American Benefit Insurance Co $ 121 613 $ 121 292 Home Beneficial Association- 1 497 316 718 912 Mutual Insurance Co. of Richmond, Va__ 123,609 123,609 15,659 National Insurance Co. of Virginia, Inc 86,015 86,015 11,726 Peninsular Casualty Co 395,293 28 219 275 093 People's Mutual Benefit Insurance Co Provident Relief Association of Washing- ton, D. C. 301,881 414 292 87,081 0117 (W-1 51,139 15,737 10 Richmond Beneficial Insurance Co 212 688 201 923 59 927 Southern Aid Society of Virginia, Inc.. Southern Mutual Aid Association 267,110 471,735 267,110 252 404 174,402 39 726 101,978 30 Virginia Beneficial and Ins. Co., Inc.. 52,082 52,082 29,647 11,945 14 Totals $ 3 943 634 Appendix. 261 TABLE XI. TAXATION OF BANKS. Ratio of total taxes now levied to the book value of stocks less real estate $ 1 53 Ratio of proposed tax to the value of stock less real estate 135 Total proposed reduction 73,494 43 Ratio of earnings to book value of stock less real estate (reported by 198 banks) 10 07 Ratio of present tax to earnings 15 40 Ratio of proposed tax to earnings 1340 He port of Committee on Tax Revision. 00 '001$ CO t^ CO P CO $P O 00 rH O - S 3 g r-i s.. oc80'5 X c z c, . a-g-^ ' Ig^lilgllllgl^B 1 els ^s-H^g- >!, ! (^^ rH rH Appendix. 263 in o m co C5 IM 01 r-l t^ O a> OT Appendix. SS g ig 5 S 8S63S S 8 88 rH C<1 i I M t- < Oi O i 2 8 8g8 g 5 S 83 3 8 gg SS 888 !$ g I 01 10 Oi co ^ c lot- 00J rH r-( r-t H OQ 3888883 8SSS SS S 8 ! $3 O {> U5 O 00 rH in rH COO5O5I> fOOOI- 1 "^JOCOOO^rHO^ OCO^X QOOCO 1 p e i 525 i H 5 1 5 S SS3 SS8 8 Sii^ h P3 rH rH rH rH rH at H "O "ft c^ CO ^ CO^W O Oi rH O ^S ^ [SS5 m ^ * > ^^" 1 5 B Zr- Ml O5C Cf; OS^ ^O OUin rH OQ rH^ OO- E"( a Sc 1 (f *- 1 oo o oot^rH to r^ ^ji o eoo m c-, o o S cooso '^[DO^S jo anjBA 5[oog c 7 8 S JSgfe S S S S iS8 ft S?S - S g82 ^ . 1 II j j j ! I c til 1 a a,2 -^ P t! ^ I & -,'a 'G "c " j|| | ! u^j iii jS^'i^a rXpq SE^ *- -1 S^M 1 s "sf J 5ii| 3 fe P5 5S . r3j -2 .2 o H^' ^ ^ .s* P) ^ C f rt 2 tS 03 rr- ^5 " *- "-" C CS liilWilK !!iiIifi!|iPii!liil 8lSS3ii*|i|l|l|l a ll|lII E lgl|il||l fn Cu CQ ErtS i (S 2 (S fi^E S :u S ^ rR fc! 2 Appendix. 267 is 88 5 g 3 00 rH rH 11 gq eo oo rH 00 CO CO CO 5 33 S CO rH rH 00 ^ M< "^ co o^ Fc5uS i> i>- I>- rH 1>- t'- OO O S & co * S g 1^ S rH M S 8g 1 00 10 c in io o c? rH 10 o rH ! S g g c^ I-H COt- rH O rH O CD IO K7 !CO-t< OCO5 CO OO CNIlN OC S5S ^d S 3S !OO CO S S III III I 1 - 3 S 1 1 S3 S S c^ 8 8 SS S M 3 S SS5 S 8 00 rH rH S 3 r c 1 ~ c ^ ^t r^ ^ _y c CJ S J r . | ft 1 jc S 1 *: i j 1 t> TD j _C S 1 ^ c i E c; C _c ^ S ^ | 1 1 c c z. , A ^ >< c " w ?e! c PQ "3 a o W PQ pq M ww -, . , ^ r* ^2 Oi w c P*> ^ R ^ *HrX ^ oO|o ^^t3 W p,^^ C3 pq J OH pq ri| Irvington. Lancaster N 268 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. 00 '001$ 2 4 ^ l a |!! g | e llil|ll !||| j *> 5 * ^^ a i* lil'i^iplF Bf lS f s 3B a fl OdS o3c3.Z5q> o3c3 c pq pq pq pqpq Appendix. 269 coco -*T-* S 3 88 88 8 LO O HH O CO CO O rH rH t- CO rn CO O ?o P 92 n- t-- CO LO CO t^ O5 00 r-T CO SO in" rH tH* 10 05 CO CO 00 CO ** CO t- rH 00 CO rH <* co CM c -* in CO IO rH S3 33 IO t- CM -* CO LO O CO *# Ci t~ eo co CM CO 8 p M ^ 8- j* ^ rH 05 CO CO kO ub iO uS 05 g %% gg %% 88 g 8 8 IO rH GO CO GO LO CM 8-e! 5 3 3 . 8 83 IS co cx> co 00 r- S CM CO O cc eo o o co co -* ^s s as -* * t- l> -* CM C gS $ OOO O O5 i^t) Ci O CO (M COO 00*^" cc" co c^ oT co 01" o" oco" S g2 S3 rH 8S S & Luray. ^ c c p: ! ij s !i ^ < t i c

*oo n M * w ^s i- IS^'g nilgai 6 ^^^^^2!^^ S3 270 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE XI TAXATION OF BANKS CONTINUED. 00 '001$ Jad SS'li ^ B XB J pasodoj^ ^ .-i -r o o oo si so -n IB o ir> co ITS cq-^gOrH-^ocMino^c '1 8II gg 5 ^! 3 1 1 l^lslsglsll! rH NCM r-CCCOrHNi-l-* < O O O O O O O O O ^ ^ O C ^03 ^M^PHO^S^O || m S'olJ z ;|5z!* !25 | ( S 55 | ! S| ( 2 a I' s llil|lgl0 l *iifi| ^ c3 a s h d "d ^3 | a i ,! ^: fl g a sd s p^ S3 s ^ g fiW 03 3-3. S t.g -is'^ l^i^is^lfll s L-aslisllii ^l ^cssv Qj-iiC ^3 -wos Ke3^-O < x a KOScjiCt; ; sF^S^flO^o^'-'S a 3 * ^ rf lja! *s j^i3j^aiai fi 5sl B fi l fKs K 3ai ft jWBa; i |ls. ota^-,&*H ^S5 ^ ^.^ u ^Sts^'wS ? c^ ^ ifc.'O**^ <**, ts-2i;W^-2z3 rll^^I^iilslhflll^rilllll^Pl^ir^r'^lliill ^as'g o i'5p-l' i -P*s | 'l-|*li^'a-'aK|'flsfi'H*sii|S'2l .^03 03 rt iJ C3 g a ^ StS .3 03 S gc3"S.^ 03 03 03 S3 .% cScS.fcjS "3 <^^ fq pq ^ ^ OP5 oj , M a - 83 5 PQ w BScaS^jo.^^^SiKH^. ! S a w -a s Appendix. 73 S 8 S S [fssssag Pci o- ^ rH S SSSi n es oo go M o O O rH S rH * t- N iH 00 CO >* CO rH 10 2S 23 53 88 oira -H o 8 SS S88 rH iH T-t iH 15 8 8 S fc S '88 ?s a s gg S S3 83 c C c A: c C3 r* 1 6 2 .1 2 2 r E- T: c ec A C a ty c S 1 1 "S c & c. X c 1 bj c i K - 'i 1 i 's'l IS ^ (E 1 1* ^ i c .i 1 "c 's L ^_ K r- 1 4 tu 1 ' _ cc c C l s 4 oah. ienandoah__ Id. >mithfield and Farmers ] c c 25 85 c K PC "o: c i 1; -c ,_ E ^ =5 5 | a f 1 ] ville. reene - gffl^Sww rttf W Mri ""i ^TslSl-al- .g . GJ^lCi a 3 'S'S??^^^ 3S5 < SS !?! S < i* - fe>.o^^.|g-5H^a^ PQ 18-TO 274 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE XI TAXATION OP BANKS CONTINUED. 00 '001$ -KWt Sg'ii IB XB; peeodoad; gh- M' 2; e.2s* 3 ' :8 o ^, a3 -WpSPSj^ 8 "S 8 5 5 ^ JS "S 8 S1a J Tazewell. Bank of Clinch Valley. ._ Tazewell National - Timbervillc. Farmers and Merehants-- Townsend, Townsend Banking Co Troutdale. Bank of Troutdale- Appendix. 275 9 g S 88 8 8 2 83 6 8 33 3 S g S3 S 8 8 88 $ S8 S58 S 8 8 5 g 'S 8 3$ 3 81: 8 &. 84 S So S Ci *** CO Ci CO 00 00 lO I> 4> rH t* O CO CM* 00 O rH* CO** CO^ cT irT cT <3i i^ CM i-H CO CM rH rH og rH CM JO 1C rH CO O 00^ K 53 rH rH O S S rH T k S b a J R 1 . ! II *; a T 1 | s C " w , l _^ ca G c "S . QE M.sa s ls< C i^ , c "^ 1 > | S i 1 6 | 1 1 > _c '^ C * ! . od ii "K ^ C ii g >{ = o^ II *? ^5 9 L> 1 ^ fe "C ^ _ "c 4* 1 t? h 276 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. gg' 00 '001$ "d XBJ pasodoi,! 538 ;o 88 88 w eo eo I-H eo i-t in rH 00 rH \^ \* $ ! S5 5 ^ Qpq g >>a ,_ |SS>i^; " C C ., ' Appendix. 277 SEGREGATION TABLES. Tables XII-XIII. Misdemeanor charges, aggregating $25,262.93, are taken from the Auditor's Eeport for the year ending September 30, 1914, and represent charges to be assumed by the localities under the segregation plan. The cost of the quinquennial assessment of real estate is based upon the assessment of 1910; one-fifth of this five year cost being taken for the purpose of this table. Fees to Commissioners of the Revenue for the assessment of tangible personal property are from the Auditor's Report for the year ending September 30, 1914, and represent amounts that would have to be as- sumed by the localities for the assessment of this class of property under the segregation plan. The tax on rolling stock is determined by values fixed in total by the Corporation Commission for 1913, and has been distributed on the mileage basis to the localities, in accordance with the Act of 1913. Insurance tax and license figures were obtained from reports of in- surance companies, verified by the Auditor's Report and revenue reports from localities. Intangible personal property is based on the assumption that this class of property will be assessed at $1 on the hundred dollars, the State to return three-fourths to the localities ; the loss to localities under the segregation plan being, therefore, seventy-five cents. The deficit in the State budget under the segregation plan is pro- rated among the localities first on the basis of the assessed value of their property; and, second, on the basis of the estimated true value. Table XIV. This table shows the total amount of the present tax on, real estate, tangible personal property, and the physical properties of public service companies which it is proposed to segregate to the localities. Tables XV-XVI. Table XV shows, first, the gains and losses to localities based on the assessment of 1913, upon the assumption that the receipts from rolling stock are taken from the localities and segregated for State purposes ; and, second, the gains and losses to localities upon the assump- tion that receipts from the rolling stock tax do not exist. It is merely intended to make plain how great a difference in local budgets is attribu- table to the recent law providing for a new distribution of the receipts from this tax. The above applies also to Table XVI, with the exception that the basis used is the estimated true value. 278 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. VI W is ^ ^ "8 o Pn P % 3 ^ PM ^ ^ 2 -s " * CM e to" jj" oo" eg" *" o" * r-T of co" co" eg" gi rn CD KJ" of j-t" of og" ^f of -* eo" j^" w" eg" goj' o" eo" os of r^" . 888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 ^"lo"rHt^05rH"i-rof *" of rHof r-T ofl>-*"cOi !& 888 853 O S CO 5 CO 02 g S W 0> t- tf eo j in I^OiO^ ^ ^ r c CC ^ fa" Ll t- I s a 4> R 'c CC C K 4- 'C S we fl S-mXiSOO H Hcs ?WO 280 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Q ri li, pi 8888888888888888888888888 rHOiCOrH CO O rH rH rH CM CM ITS * 1> rH iH rH Com. Rev Fees on Tangible Property Cost of inquennia st. on Rea Estate Misd Ch t~ 53 c -H'co"rH'lO-* IN" lo"rH US rHOo" S = 03 | S -I 073 .. -a "O C PH fi fr g g P5 S w M Si Alexan Bristol Buena Vista Oharlottesville Appendix. 281 88 883 1-1 K io gogoog^oggog OinOOOINOOOOgQ in-^cot^co t^(M-*eo o 311 M oo p- i- cs t> infill! E?3 SilSil. s a a-a 1 1 TJ Oi Report of Committee on Tax Revision. M o gpq ES II ;$rH33! 888838S88888S888S8 V, . I -a ^ C ^ j cTr-Tcsf in^t^i-T r4r-*>O CO* Co"r-T Int Pe Pro nce and Rollin Sk toc Tax SS88 r^ IM oo ift CO O rH -^ ^ o co ;s^s eo I-H so r-t 10 lOrH kQrHOO Com. Rev Tees on Tangible Property al t ate 10 in co cs ** ^ 8888888 o oo o so m o oo CO O T 1 jl O-OO rH I rH la O CO rH in 00 in CO CO rH IS 88SS S fe-SS 2 ^-H^-g5^ M > 8888 co i oi oo in co la t- 10 1C 00 CO t> i-H O5 O Sg ill! S 'r**^ f 52-g.. ! lsglli||l|| % aa cs4^ C^ C ^ ^5 tn sr: =5 u Appendix. 285 88888888 o S>t2coS? oi ift (N ic <* op o o t^- -^ rH r-t O O CO CO CO (M iH r-1 O r-l i > I-H r^. 10 --^ co ^f - i-l CO r-l 888S8 88 286 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE XIV. EFFECT OF PROPOSED SEGREGATION PLAN UPON LOCAL REVENUES Revenues Segregated to Counties and Cities. COUNTIES STATE TAXES AT 35c PER $100 ON Eeal Estate Tangible Personal Property Public Service Property Total all $ 1,921,382 88 $ 380,033 56 $ 316,307 34 Accomac - - - $ 18,675 37 19,928 92 16,852 52 14,672 79 4,178 85 7,775 37 4,216 59 38,391 18 8,002 42 15,602 22 2,530 48 11,316 74 13,523 34 14,420 86 6,420 77 16,068 36 7,866 41 3,196 25 2,813 96 9,508 16 22,432 89 9,040 88 3,596 34 10,512 29 3,919 41 11,461 23 7,456 29 15,455 72 4,453 91 20,234 66 26,997 60 3,335 78 2,751 63 6,384 76 11,733 79 4,538 39 5,301 06 4,712 38 4,103 80 2,474 20 6,046 67 18,296 68 11,844 22 50,546 00 6,964 13 8,794 59 10,192 21 2,889 58 2,239 81 3,372 89 4,043 19 4,065 99 8,287 97 29,822 54 7,968 99 4,619 45 6,447 50 3,239 43 10,850 53 4,066 50 8,a50 67 9,134 83 $ 4,511 55 5,310 65 1,298 15 2,818 43 1,468 54 1,959 95 1,156 49 9,141 78 1,732 68 4,601 74 1,367 11 2,958 32 3,125 34 1,310 53 2,018 87 3,898 50 2,451 18 1,909 27 784 91 2,659 31 6,383 58 2,416 07 909 97 2,831 88 1,580 33 1,172 93 2,301 43 3,109 54 1,106 64 4,402 65 7,804 91 1,870 24 1,019 10 2,307 11 2,757 39 1,965 45 1,778 08 1,284 84 2,583 85 1,028 13 1,701 98 7,793 61 2,961 48 6,252 05 1,910 93 1,678 60 2,323 83 657 79 996 46 1.196 23 1,493 14 2,651 42 2,985 97 9,070 68 2,183 21 2,111 12 1,811 12 1,009 99 4,945 82 1,387 47 2,692 41 2.449 01 $ 3,385 17 6,533 18 4,571 17 4,452 04 1,062 51 3,675 53 2,203 55 6,299 57 1,293 11 6,917 53 329 31 5,971 85 3,865 37 181 03 475 65 8,857 08 2,767 58 4,622 33 446 58 2,933 70 6,691 90 1,206 53 325 35 2,454 93 504 41 36 93 5,749 09 2,681 73 Albemarle Alexandria Alleghany Amelia _ Amherst Appomattox Augusta - -- Bath __ Bedford Bland Botetourt - Brunswick _ - - _^ __ Buchanan Buckingham Campbell Caroline Carroll Charles City .. Charlotte Chesterfield Clarke Craig Culpeper Cumberland Dickenson Dinwiddie Elizabeth City Essex Fairfax _ _ 6,326 42 3,333 82 2 48 3,176 35 1,624 07 1,624 15 4,876 07 7 00 3,130 03 173 42 Fauquler Floyd Fluvanna Franklin Frederick - Giles - Gloucester Goochland Grayson Grcfne - - Greensville 2,733 29 4,242 60 4,527 07 7,064 12 2,289 00 Halifax _ . Hanover _ . . Henrico Henry _ Highland Isle of Wight 1,892 62 1,753 76 James City King George - __ - King and Queen King William 600 50 Lancaster _ Lee 3,664 53 1,153 58 3,022 43 1,889 30 Loudoun Louisa -- - - Lunenburg Madison Mathews Mecklenburg 3,697 68 11 90 5,423 40 8.120 22 Middlesex Montgomery Nansemond - Total Addition $ 2,647,723 78 Appendix. 287 TABLE XIV. CONTINUED. EFFECT OF PROPOSED SEGREGATION PLAN UPON LOCAL REVENUES. COUNTIES S1TATE TAXES AT 35c PER $100 ON Total Addition Real Estate Tangible Personal Property i Public Service Property Nelson $ 8,189 93 2 229 10 $ 3,195 82 713 58 10,018 93 2,976 82 3,843 44 1,982 52 2,527 55 2,296 48 1,902 35 4,695 81 1,134 21 1,911 50 2,020 73 2,028 32 3,132 11 2,849 98 1,992 37 1,214 43 3,656 78 4,345 03 8,444 95 4,435 37 2,714 58 5,181 08 2,881 37 5,102 47 1,821 02 1,328 24 1,457 81 2,132 42 3,779 96 886 82 694 23 3,066 71 1,313 07 3,039 58 3,2il 50 1,080 92 $ 4,160 89 1,676 35 15,084 86 3,285 73 $ 15,546 64 4,619 03 84,168 84 15,504 77 9,723 01 13,726 96 14,965 08 11,586 17 6,329 46 35,489 61 5,530 55 13,655 96 10,871 30 15,040 94 17,041 30 16,629 38 7,327 41 3,972 29 29,613 72 24,362 41 53,906 06 16,810 92 12.529 21 22,798 26 16,466 84 23,881 60 8,220 53 6,542 03 8,365 02 14,431 55 25,361 04 8,373 92 10,965 41 20,149 34 6,337 90 35,291 34 18,746 36 4,956 50 New Kent Norfolk 59,065 05 9,242 22 5,879 57 8,553 35 9,926 26 7,242 72 3,866 24 25,280 46 3,869 99 8,873 66 7,152 12 10,752 33 10,242 81 10,716 47 5,335 04 2,757 86 20,468 17 15,604 68 42,233 07 9,254 30 5,974 27 15,475 36 10,920 27 13,889 26 5,158 67 3,238 31 6,372 17 8,814 74 17,155 55 5,255 53 5,664 93 13,114 36 5,024 83 27,357 35 11,988 04 3,086 16 Northampton Northumberland Nottoway 3,191 09 2,511 27 2,046 97 560 87 5,513 34 526 35 2,870 80 1,698 45 2,260 29 3,666 38 3,062 93 Orange Page Patrick Pittsylvania Powhatan Prince Edward Prince George Princess Anne Prince William Pula-ski Rappahannock __ -- -- -- -_ -- Richmond - Roanoke 5,488 77 4,412 70 3,228 04 3,121 25 3,840 39 2,141 82 2,665 20 4,889 87 1,240 84 1,975 48 535 04 3,484 39 4,425 53 2,231 57 4,606 25 3,968 27 Rockbridge Rockinghain Russell Scott - Shenandoah _____ _ _ Smyth _ Southampton Spotsylvania _ _ Stafford _ Surry _ Sussex Tazewell Warren Warwick Washington _ _ _ W T estmoreland Wise 4,894 41 3,506 82 789 42 Wvthe York Totals $ 1,084,488 14 $ 280,412 60 $ 280,417 15 $ 1,645,317 89 CITIES Alexandria _ $ 18,372 60 8,649 39 2,404 47 10,337 25 5,549 07 31,672 27 8,465 35 $ 982 36 724 81 1,055 42 1,504 86 724 79 17,315 12 837 18 $ 1,253 26 679 71 308 14 750 89 1,802 42 894 30 490 71 $ 20,608 22 10,053 91 3,768 03 12,593 00 8,076 28 49,881 69 9,793 24 Bristol -. Buena Vista - Charlottesville _ Clifton Forge _ Danville Predericksburg Hampton _ Lynchburg _ __ 62,517 85 33,431 67 178,780 24 38,325 96 33,920 15 4,531 91 310,594 87 56,542 81 14,351 38 7,927 51 2,003 54 8,516 45 $ 836,894 74 6,449 53 2,489 20 12,501 86 12,330 75 3,505 68 900 19 27,734 17 6,142 59 1,958 52 1,163 20 294 40 1,006 33 5,031 74 3,397 17 14,450 80 2,248 96 4,197 77 613 98 18,863 68 9,028 75 727 15 766 73 3 68 380 35 73,999 12 39,318 04 205,732 90 52,905 67 41,623 60 6,046 08 357,192 72 71,714 15 17.037 05 9,857 44 2,301 62 9,903 13 Newport News Norfolk Petersburg Portsmouth Radford _ Richmond __ Roanoke Staunton Suffolk William^burg Winchester _ Totals $ 99,620 96 $ 65,890 19 $ 1,002,405 89 283 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE XV. EFFECT OF PROPOSED SEGREGATION PLAN UPON LOCAL REVENUES CONTINUED. Deficit Apportioned on Basis of Assessment xof 1913. COUNTIES Total deductions Total additions I i CJ OB-O IS o 1 "c 4 FQ $ ri Gains and losses, ex- cluding receipts from rolling stock tax 5 o *S sl 13 o~ ii ll |i Total all $2,255,440 88 $2,647,723 78 $392,282 90 $777,496 70 $ 19,977 17 45,415 17 13,629 93 20,595 90 4,317 02 10,445 00 3,609 69 38,092 57 7,459 32 23,909 18 2,284 51 21,677 52 11,997 68 6,282 75 7,319 39 35,3-10 32 7,698 73 9,014 08 4,047 23 9,925 16 19,681 83 8,375 03 3,743 59 17,903 05 3,927 11 5,045 39 13,512 90 12,751 10 3,202 14 21,245 07 28,592 15 3,800 88 8,222 74 11,141 03 9,617 31 14,450 49 3,803 53 7,616 43 4,910 24 2,006 97 9,650 53 26,700 76 24,339 88 78,793 70 13,667 66 4,954 31 10,844 67 4,079 05 1,649 15 2,58938 6,162 62 3,027 92 13,477 92 32,162 37 11,467 28 6,850 23 5,256 09 2,530 03 14,010 43 2,567 64 18,666 14 $ 26,572 09 31,772 75 22,721 84 21,943 26 6,709 90 13,410 85 7,576 63 53,832 53 11,028 21 27,121 49 4,226 90 20,246 91 20,514 05 15,912 42 8,915 29 28,823 94 13,085 17 9,727 85 4,045 45 15,101 17 35,508 37 12,663 48 4,831 66 15,799 10 6,004 15 12,671 09 15,506 81 21,246 99 5,560 55 30,963 73 38,136 33 5,208 50 6,947 08 10,315 94 16,115 33 11,379 91 7,086 14 9,127 25 6,861 07 3,502 33 10,481 94 30,332 89 19,332 77 63,862 17 11,164 06 10,473 19 14,408 66 5,301 13 3,236 27 4,569 12 6,136 83 6,717 41 14,938 47 40,046 80 13,174 63 8,619 87 8,258 62 4,269 42 19,494 03 5,465 87 16,766 4S $ 6,594 92 $ 10,693 60 $ 13,642 42 $ 7,153 27 9,091 91 1,347 36 2,392 88 2,965 85 3,966 94 15,739 96 3,568 89 3,212 31 1,942 39 10,667 45 10,042 75 3,544 07 7,461 35 Amelia 4,347 87 24,380 70 6,512 61 12,387 32 1,979 12 10,581 72 11,067 68 9,733 41 3,767 73 6,185 82 7,182 84 5,083 81 433 32 8,042 54 20,009 73 6,195 67 2,672 48 Bath Bedford Bland 1,430 61 Brunswick 8,516 37 9,629 67 1,595 90 Buckingham Campbell 6.516 38 Caroline 5,386 44 713 77 Charles City - 1 78 Charlotte 5,176 01 15,826 54 4,288 45 1,088 07 Chesterfield Clarke Craig Culpeper 2,103 95 8,835 52 2,077 04 7,625 70 1,993 91 8,495 89 2,358 41 9,718 66 9,544 18 1,407 62 2,865 04 7,633 35 9,791 21 10,148 34 2,3n8 41 12,532 30 12,173 25 1,407 62 4,049 88 4,943 23 6,956 18 6,561 71 3,282 61 5,567 49 2,543 63 1,495 36 4,99986 12,800 45 Dinwiddie Elizabeth City Fairfax FauQuier Floyd - Fluvanna - - 1,275 66 825 09 Franklin Frederick 6,498 02 Giles 3,070 58 Gloucester 3,282 61 1,510 82 1,950 83 1,495 36 831 41 3,632 13 Goochland -- -- -- - - Grayson Greene Green sville Halifax - Hanover - -- -- -- 5,007 11 14,931 53 2,503 60 36608 10,318 09 Henri co Henry 4,907 58 5,518 88 5,386 33 3,059 08 1,587 12 1,979 74 797 93 3,689 49 7,294 77 8,067 17 5,749 73 4,403 53 3,002 53 1,739 39 8,730 07 2,898 23 6,097 01 Highland 5,518 88 3,563 99 1,222 08 1,587 12 1,979 74 Isle of Wight James City King George King and Queen King William 25 79 3,689 49 1,460 55 7,884 43 1,707 35 1,769 64 3,002 53 1,739 39 5,483 60 2,898 23 Lee _ Loudoun Louisa Lunenburg -- Ma thews Mecklenburg Middlesex Montgomery _. 1,899 66 | 289 TABLE XV CONTINUED. EFFECT OF PROPOSED SEGREGATION PLAN UPON LOCAL REVENUES. COUNTIES Total deductions Total additions 1 I c "5 P 3 8 g o| ol '3 *""S a a % a '3 o O H! Gains and losses, ex- cluding receipts from rolling stock tax Gain to coun- ties and cit's i S S o a 11 $ 14,575 79 22,052 92 4,133 80 43,022 69 11,699 61 5,077 11 13,488 99 28,012 96 10,851 38 3,318 38 19,083 13 2,707 52 11,957 30 8,168 86 7,713 61 26,849 66 15,218 41 4,155 28 1,730 17 30,678 84 22,989 75 42,390 08 18,288 61 13,747 14 14,990 31 15,342 95 18,929 88 4,688 42 4,543 71 4,468 44 12,264 70 26,878 37 8,853 96 5,786 42 19,395 28 3,047 61 29,235 99 27,025 23 2,803 47 $ 19,704 06 15,546 64 4,619 03 84,168 84 15,504 77 9,723 01 13,726 96 14,965 08 11,586 17 6,329 46 35,489 61 5,530 55 13,655 96 10,871 30 15,040 94 17,041 30 16,629 38 7,327 41 3,972 29 29,613 72 24,362 41 53,906 06 16,810 92 12,529 24 22,798 26 16,466 84 23,881 60 8,220 53 6,542 03 8,365 02 14,431 55 25,361 04 8,373 92 10,965 41 20,149 34 6,337 90 35,291 34 18,746 36 4,956 50 $ 5,128 27 $11,726 87 Nelson $ 6,506 28 $ 3,254 91 New Kent 485 23 41,146 15 3,805 16 4,645 90 237 97 2,821 63 46,639 50 6,742 40 4,645 90 6,303 04 Norfolk NortnumDerland 13,047 88 10,920 56 734 79 3,011 08 16,406 48 2,823 03 1,698 66 2,702 44 7,327 33 5,141 21 3,347 18 20,790 03 3,487 04 5,327 47 6,271 92 8 089 08 Patrick Pittsylvania Prince William 9,808 36 7,598 25 Pulaski 1,410 97 3,172 13 2,242 12 8,319 23 3,172 13 2,242 12 6,642 50 9,713 01 15,262 43 9,538 60 5,117 64 9,707 94 6,249 82 9,107 00 4,406 39 4,012 52 4,368 56 7,784 86 9,837 99 4,702 54 6,999 03 9,372 12 3,290 29 20,063 80 1,151 69 2,971 99 Richmond I~065 12 Roanoke Rockbridge 1,372 66 11,515 98 Rockingham Russell _ _____ 1,477 69 1,217 90 Scott Shenandoah _ 7,807 95 1,123 89 4,951 72 3,532 11 1,998 32 3,896 58 2,166 85 Smyth Southampton Spotsylvania Stafford Surry Sussex _ Tazewell _ 1,517 33 480 04 Warren __ __ _ Warwick 5,178 99 754 06 3,290 29 6,055 35 Washington Westmoreland Wise Wythe 8,278 87 York _ 2,153 03 Totals $1,380,201 79 $1,645,317 89 $265,116 10 $624,912 88 CITIES Alexandria _ $ 48,182 26 5,910 58 2,758 70 11,077 87 3,502 13 30,781 63 9,599 07 84,800 59 21,275 96 135,625 87 40,746 70 20,654 35 3,613 80 370,434 79 37,669 20 20,859 88 11,385 66 1,172 64 15,187 41 $ 20,608 22 10,053 91 3,768 03 12,593 00 8,076 28 49,881 69 9,793 24 73,999 12 39,318 04 205,732 90 52,905 67 41,623 60 6,046 08 357,192 72 71,714 15 17,037 05 9,857 44 2,301 62 9,903 13 $ 27,574 04 $ 27,007 78 Bristol $ 4,143 33 1,009 33 1,515 13 4,574 15 19,100 06 194 17 $1 4,646 38 1,813 03 1,947 03 4,955 44 19,908 38 295 23 Buena Vista Gharlottesville _ __ Clifton Forge Danville __ Fredericksburg _ Lynohburg 10,801 47 6,443 29 Newport News 18,042 08 70,107 03 12,158 97 20,969 25 2,432 28 19,545 37 73 690 42 Norfolk _ Petersburg _ _ _ 13,495 94 22,303 81 2,916 19 Portsmouth Radford Richmond _ 13,242 07 7,109 55 Roanoke 34,044 95 36,426 78 Staunton _ 3,822 83 1,528 22 3,600 12 1,072 56 Suffolk ._ Williamsburg 1,128 98 1,128 98 Winchester 5,284 28 5,255 86 Totals $ 875,239 09 $1,002,405 89 $127,166 80 , $152,583 82 19-TC 290 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. TABLE XVI. REGATION PL^ CONTINUED. Deficit Apportioned on Basis of Estimated True Values. EFFECT OF PROPOSED SEGREGATION PLAN UPON LOCAL REVENUES CONTINUED. COUNTIES Total Deductions Total additions I 1 Q si B co t3 a 3 1" | I s O *r3 ~ |1 Gains and losses, ex- cluding receipts from rolling stock tax Gain to coun- ties and! cit's Loss to coun- ties and cit'a Total all $2,255,440 88 $2,647,723 78 $392,282 90 $777,496 70 $ 22,237 17 47,393 17 16,024 93 21,520 90 4,487 02 11,184 00 3,897 69 40,512 57 7,703 32 25,023 18 2,734 51 22,585 52 10,539 68 6,990 75 7,022 39 41,990 32 7,488 73 10,490 08 4,252 23 9,311 16 20,435 83 10,154 03 5,442 59 18,183 05 3,635 11 7,795 39 13,574 90 12,401 10 3,414 14 21,542 07 28,094 15 4,751 88 9,320 74 12,144 03 11,037 31 15,482 49 4,077 53 8,391 43 6,277 24 1,971 97 9,959 53 26,425 76 23,841 88 87,403 70 14,687 66 4,768 31 10,444 67 4,056 05 1,736 15 2,615 38 6,087 62 2,726 92 14,185 92 30,820 37 11,867 28 7,232 23 5,704 09 2,920 03 14,414 43 $ 26,572 09 31,772 75 22,721 84 21,943 26 6,709 90 13,410 85 7,576 63 53,832 53 11,028 21 27,121 49 4,226 90 20,246 91 20,514 05 15,912 42 8,915 29 28,823 94 13,085 17 9,727 85 4,045 45 15,101 17 35,508 37 12,663 48 4,831 66 15,799 10 6,004 15 12,671 09 15,506 81 21,246 99 5,560 55 30,963 73 38,136 33 5,208 50 6,947 08 10,315 94 16,115 33 11,379 91 7,086 14 9,127 25 6,861 07 3,502 33 10,481 94 30,332 89 19,332 77 63,862 17 11,164 06 10,473 19 14,408 66 5,301 13 3,236 27 4,569 12 6,136 83 6,717 41 14,938 47 40,046 80 13,174 63 8,619 87 8,258 62 4,269 42 19,494 03 $ 4,334 92 $ 8,433 60 Albemarle $ 15,620 42 $ 9,131 27 Alexandria 6,696 91 422 36 2,222 88 2,226 85 3,678 94 13,319 96 3,324 89 2,098 31 1,492 39 8,272 45 Alleghany - _- 9,117 75 Amelia 3,374 07 Amherst 6,722 35 Appomattox 4,059 87 21,960 70 Augusta Bath 6,268 61 Bedford 11,273 32 1,529 12 9,673 72 12,525 68 9,025 41 4,064 73 Bland Botetourt 2,338 61 9,974 37 8,921 67 1,892 90 Campbell 13,166 38 464 18 5,596 44 7,392 8* 3,607 81 228 32 8,656 54 19,255 73 4,416 67 973 48 Carroll 762 23 206 78 Charles City Charlotte 5,790 01 15,072 54 2,509 45 Chesterfield Clarke Craig 610 93 2,383 95 Culpeper -- -- -- - 1,115 52 2,369 04 4,875 70 1,931 91 8,845 89 2,146 41 9,421 66 10,042 18 456 62 3,157 04 4,883 35 9,729 21 10,498 34 2,146 41 - - " Dinwiddie Elizabeth City Essex Fairfax - -- 12,235 30 12,671 25 4.56 62 2,951 88 3,940 23 5,536 18 5,529 71 3,008 61 4,792 49 1,176 63 1,530 36 4,690 86 13,075 45 131 92 FauQuier - - - _ __ _ ' ~ Floyd - Fluvanna 2,373 66 1,828 09 Franklin Frederick 5,07? 02 Giles 4,102 58 Gloucester 3,008 61 735 82 583 83 1,530 36 522 41 3,907 13 Goochland Grayson -- -- - Greensville Halifax Hanover 4,509 11 23,541 53 2,923 60 Henrico - 18,928 09 Henry 4,487 58 5,704 88 5,786 33 3,082 08 1,500 12 1,953 74 872 93 Highland - 5,704 88 3,963 99 1,245 08 1,500 12 1,953 74 49 21 3,990 49 752 55 9,226 43 1,307 35 1,387 64 2,554 53 1,349 39 5,079 60 Isle of Wight James City King George King and Queen King William Lancaster -- 3 990 49 Lee 6,586 77 9,409 17 5,349 73 4,021 53 2,554 53 1,349 39 8,326 07 Mecklenburg . Appendix. 291 TABLE XVI. CONTINUED. EFFECT OF PROPOSED SEGREGATION PLAN UPON LOCAL REVENUES. COUNTIES Total Deductions Total additions 1 a 8 | WT3 o a I" 8 8 I |! Gains and losses, ex- cluding rolling stock tax Gain to coun- ties and cit's 1 Loss to coun- ties and cit'a Middlesex $ 2,557 64 20,768 14 14,835 79 23,141 92 4,367 80 39,782 69 13,478 61 5,009 11 13,323 99 28,036 96 11,788 38 3,607 38 20,753 13 2,826 52 11,837 30 8,142 86 8,796 61 27,049 66 17,240 41 4,142 28 1,478 17 32,383 84 22,867 75 42,100 08 21,858 61 15,300 14 16,034 31 17,600 95 18,109 88 4,648 42 5,169 71 3,877 44 11,899 70 32,308 37 9,476 96 5,129 42 21,180 28 2,724 61 32,65065 28,378 23 3,029 47 $ 5,465 87 16,766 48 19,704 06 15,546 64 4,619 03 84,168 84 15,504 77 9,723 01 13,726 96 14,965 08 11,586 17 6,329 46 35,489 61 5,530 55 13,655 96 10,871 30 15,040 94 17,041 30 16,629 38 7,327 41 3,972 29 29,613 72 24,362 41 53,906 06 16,810 92 12,529 24 22,798 26 16,466 84 23,881 60 8,220 53 6,542 03 8,365 02 14,431 55 25,361 04 8,373 92 10,965 41 20,149 34 6,337 90 35,291 34 18,746 36 4,956 50 $ 2,908 23 $2,908 23 3,995 01 11,466 87 $ 4,001 66 4,868 27 7,595 28 $ 4,3!43 91 251 23 44,386 15 2,026 16 4,713 90 402 97 2,587 63 49,879 50 4,963 40 4,713 90 6,468 04 Norfolk Orange 13,071 88 202 21 10,944 56 Page 4,204 21 3,058 18 19,120 03 3,368 04 5,447 47 6,297 92 7,006 08 Patrick 2,722 08 14,736 48 2,704 03 1,818 66 2,728 44 6,214 33 Pittsylvania Prince George Prince William 10,008 36 611 03 7,798 25 Pulaski 6,297 23 3,185 13 3,185 13 2,494 12 2,494 12 4,937 50 9,835 01 15,552 43 5,968 60 3,564 64 8,663 94 3,991 82 9,927 00 4,446 39 3,386 52 4,959 56 8,149 86 4,407 99 4,079 54 7,656 03 7,587 12 3,613 29 16,649 14 2,770 12 ~~~5~047 69 2,770 90 1,494 66 11,805 98 Bus sell Scott Shenandoah 6,763 95 Smyth 1,134 11 5,771 72 3,572 11 1,372 32 4,487 58 2,531 85 Stafford Tazewell 6,947 33 1,103 04 Warren Warwick 5,835 99 Washington 1,030 94 3,613 29 2,640 69 Wise Wythe 9,631 87 201 31 York 1,927 03 2,745 99 Totals $1,452,508 45 $1,645,317 89 $192,809 44 $652,606 22 CITIES Alexandria - - $ 46,850 26 5,570 58 2,536 70 10,377 87 2,947 13 26,461 63 8,477 07 78,940 59 16,900 96 123,125 87 35,786 70 18,552 35 3,130 80 342,852 13 33,569 20 20,141 88 10,925 66 909 64 14,875 41 $ 20,608 22 10,053 91 3,768 03 12,593 00 8,076 28 49,881 69 9,793 24 73,999 12 39,318 04 205,732 90 52,905 67 41,623 60 6,046 08 357,192 72 71,714 15 17,037 05 9,857 44 2,301 62 9,903 13 $ 26,242 04 $ 25,675 78 Bristol $ 4,483 33 1,231 33 2,215 13 5,129 15 23,420 06 1,316 17 $ 4,98638 2 035 08 Buena Vista Oharlottesville 2,647 03 5,510 44 24,228 38 1,417 23 Clifton Forge Danville Lynchburg _ 4,941 47 583 29 Newport News 22,417 08 82,607 03 17,118 97 23,071 25 2,915 28 14,340 59 38,144 95 23,920 37 86,190 42 18,455 94 24,405 81 3,399 19 20,473 11 40,526 78 Norfolk Petersburg Portsmouth Radford Richmond Staunton 3,104 83 1,068 22 2,882 12 612 56 Suffolk Williamsburg 1,391 98 1,391 98 Winchester 4,972 28 4,943 86 Totals fl 802,932 43 $1, 002, 405 89 $199,473 46 $224,890 48 292 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. EXHIBIT A. (Published in this place by courtesy of the Auditor of Public Accounts.) Receipts from Revenue, Etc., Available for Support of the Government by Appropriation, into the Treasury during the Year ending September 30, 1914. Adhesive Stamps. Sales by treasurers and clerks of counties. . $ 13,504 20 Arrears of Taxes. Judgments and old debts, etc., collected 629 93 Banks, State and National. Taxes on stock of shareholders. . . 169,571 41 Charters. Fees on charters of incorporation and for entrance into State of corporations 46,804 93 Clerks of Courts. Collections of taxes for recording deeds, con- tracts, etc., for probating wills, and on administrations granted 231,310 27 Collateral Inheritances- Taxes 45,879 68 Corporations, Public Service. Taxes as follows: Express $ 26,823 21 Railroad and canal 1,115,282 85 Steamboat 10,386 20 Sleeping car 5,526 78 Telegraph and telephone 65,451 49 Water, heat, light and power 55,781 82 1,279,252 35 Courts. Money under control of, five years or more, no claimant 1,956 30 Conscience Fund. Money received anonymously by Auditor of Public Accounts 35 00 Costs recovered and paid into the treasury 9,453 94 Dispensaries. State's portion of profits 20,370 17 Examiners of Records. Commissions refunded on delinquents and erroneous assessments 5,428 82 Fees and Taxes collected and paid into the general fund of the Commonwealth by departments 23,288 21 Franchise Taxes on Virginia corporations other than insur- ance and public service 186,615 00 Insurance Companies. License tax ($35,469.58) and taxes on premiums, assessments, etc. ($254,410.54) 289,880 12 Interest received on deposit of State funds ($33,560.02) and on taxes ($671.55) 34,231 57 Judges. Portion of their salaries paid into the treasury by counties and cities 62,534 39 Old Furniture. Sale of by Register Land Office 10 00 Oysters. Ground rents, license taxes, etc 83,003 15 Penitentiary. Proceeds from hire of convicts 123,855 82 Printed Records. To pay back money advanced by State to print records of cases docketed in Supreme Court of Ap- peals 10,779 46 Public Printing. Refunded by departments, insti- tutions, etc $ 2,860 60 Collected by superintendent from sale of bills, accounts, journals, documents, etc 620 00 3,480 60 Registration Fees on all corporations 71,189 30 Appendix. 293 Taxes. On personal property $ 694,22446 On real estate 1,777,911 87 On capitations 483,145 52 On incomes 157,060 62 Licenses. Liquor $ 465,722 88 Other than liquor. 864,439 51 1,330,162 39 Delinquent taxes collected 63,424 16 Penalties on taxes collected 25,814 48 $ 4,531,743 50 Total of receipts for support of the government by ap- propriation $ 7,244,808 12 Special receipt not available for support of the government by appropriation (see Exhibit B) 552,724 39 Total of all receipts $ 7,797,532 51 EXHIBIT B. SPECIAL RECEIPTS. Amounts paid out of the Treasury, Including Funds under Control of Depart- ments, Paid on their Warrants or Orders, Paid BacJc into the Treasury during the Year ending September 30, 191Jf. Civil contingent fund (by order of the Governor) . . ..$ 555 92 Military fund 8750 Needy Confederate women 72 00 Overpayments by Auditor of Public Accounts 213 08 Pensions 8,244 10 State Highway Commission, contingent expenses. ... 455 06 United Agricultural Board 31 50 $ 9,659 16 Receipts dedicated by law to special purposes paid into the treasury during the year ending September 30, 1914: Agricultural and Immigration. Pees and taxes on fertilizers $ 84,977 18 Hog cholera serum, proceeds of sale. 8,000 00 Dairy and Food Commission. Taxes and fees 24,964 60 Dairy and Food Commission. Proceeds from sale of reacting cattle 4,469 62 Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. Received from the United States for their use 50,000 00 Received from the United States Lever Agricultural Extension Act. Money provided by Act of Con- gress May 8, 1914, for demonstration work, to be used by Virginia Agricultural and Mechani- cal College and Polytechnic Institute 5,000 00 Automobile license taxes collected by Secretary of the Commonwealth and paid into treasury for use of public roads 115,435 88 294 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Fines. Collected for offenses committed against the State, part of literary fund $126,163 13 Oyster fines 2,404 01 $128,567 14 Nurseries. Fees for registering for use of State Board of Crop Pest Commissioners 2,440 00 State Board of Health. Fees for inspec- tion of hotels $ 1,702 51 Sale of vaccine virus 1,000 00 2,702 51 State Corporation Commission. Bureau of Insur- ance, fees, taxes, etc 25,578 18 Bureau of Banking. Fees for examining banks 19,160 00 State Library. Proceeds from sale of State publi- cations 4,372 68 United Agricultural Board. Received from State Board of Education. Boys' corn clubs $ 5,000 00 Virginia State Fair 1,564 66 6,564 66 (Awards and sales at booths.) Waste and unappropriated lands, proceeds from sale of, part of literary fund 169 26 $ 482,402 71 $ 492,060 87 United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, surety of the Commonwealth Bank, Incorporated, Richmond, Va-, sus- pended, on account of State's deposit in that bank 60,663 52 $ 552,724 39 EXHIBIT C. Disbursements for Regular Expenses of Government; Payment of Interest on, and Sinking Fund for Public Debt; Maintenance of State Hospitals, Institutions, Reformatories, the Penitentiary and State Farm for Con- victs; for Improvement of Public Roads; for Support of Public Free Schools; for the Payment of Pensions; for Maintaining the Militia, and for the Protection of the Oyster Beds, etc., during the Year ending September 30, 1914. Bonds of Clerks. Premiums paid on bonds of clerks in State offices, Richmond $ 703 75 Cattle Quarantine. Expense of enforcing quarantine laws 3,800 00 Capitation taxes returned in counties and cities 143,307 50 Civil Contingent Fund, expended solely on the order of the Governor 9,761 43 Civil prosecutions, expense of, and commissions to agents for collecting old claims, etc 27 88 Code revision, expense of 3,720 43 Confederate Memorial Associations, care of the graves of Con- federate dead 2,275 00 Courts. Expenses of conducting, attendants on, etc 28,731 82 Appendix. 295 Criminal Charges: Expenses of arrest, trial, maintenance in jail, clothing, medical attention, medicine, of prisoners $354,964 25 Maintenance of prisoners on the public roads. . 42,919 36 Maintenance of inmates in reformatories, cost of transportation, etc 42,644 82 $ 440,528 43 Delinquent Lands and Lots: Fees for recording $ 4,687 50 Expenses of sales 5,756 44 10,443 94 Fuel, ice, etc., used in public buildings 6,815 38 General Account of Revenue: Commissions paid commissioners of revenue. . .$101,020 47 Commissions paid examiners of records 47,543 78 Fees paid clerks for examining land and per- sonal property books 2,545 00 Postage, express, etc 2,686 82 Miscellaneous expenses 275 80 154,071 87 General Assembly: Senate, salaries and mileage of mem- bers, officers, clerks and pages. .$ 30,929 60 Senate, contingent and incidental ex- penses 10,154 07 $ 41,083 67 House of Delegates, salaries and mileage of members, officers, clerks and pages $ 63,724 30 Contingent and incidental expenses 8,312 31 72,036 61 Legislative committees sitting during recess... 268 00 113,388 28 Hospitals for the Insane and for Epileptics: Central State Hospital, Petersburg $202,489 77 Eastern State Hospital, Williamsburg 125,463 62 Southwestern State Hospital, Marion 98,480 50 Western State Hospital, Staunton 138,740 72 Virginia State Epileptic Colony, Amherst Co. . . 90,449 06 655,623 67 Institutions Educational and Charitable: Catawba Sanatorium, Salem $ 50,583 38 College of William and Mary, Williamsburg... 66,900 00 Home for Needy Confederate Women, Richmond 5,000 00 R. E. Lee Camp Soldiers' Home, Richmond 52,533 24 Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 9,999 98 State Female Normal School, Farmville 73,500 00 State Normal School for Women, Fredericksb'g 42,350 00 State Normal School for Women, Harrisonburg 58,683 33 State Normal School for Women, Radford 27,896 65 University of Virginia, Charlottesville 120,874 98 Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg. . . . . 141,643 31 Virginia Home for Incurables, Richmond 1,000 00 Virginia Military Institute, Lexington 55,866 69 Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute, Pe- tersburg 26,875 00 296 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Virginia School for Deaf and Blind, Staunton..$ 68,208 34 Virginia State School for Colored Deaf and Blind Children, Newport News 26,125 00 $ 828,039 90 Insurance. Premiums on insurance of public property in Rich- mond 86 70 Interest. rPaid Second Auditor to pay the interest on the pub- lic debt of Virginia 840,000 00 Lands. Proceeds from sales of, returned purchasers by order of court 73 34 Lunatics. Cost of maintaining in jails until removed to State hospitals 2,301 05 Marriages. Fees of clerks of courts for registering 597 63 Military. For equipment, maintenance, etc., paid out of fund set aside under Section 376 of the Code (as amended) 77,144 59 Needy Confederate Women. For aid of, Acts 1914, Chapter 56. 3,813 50 Needy Confederate veterans suffering with cancer, Acts 1914, Chapter 117 1,388 00 Officers of the government, executive, judicial, clerks, police, employees. Mileage, contingent expenses, etc 394,292 74 Oysters. For protection of, and for collecting revenue from. . . 46,308 64 Penitentiary and State Farm. Expense of operating, mainten- ance of prisoners, etc 130,235 50 Pensions to soldiers and marines and their widows, and for funeral expenses, etc $512,828 84 Clerical and other expenses in office of the Auditor of Public Accounts connected with examining and paying these claims 3,187 63 516,016 47 Printed Records. Advanced to print records in Supreme Court of Appeals 10,447 60 Public printing for General Assembly, State offices and insti- tutions 47,798 57 Public free schools, for support of, etc 1,918,050 83 Public school teachers, pensions to 5,000 00 Public roads, for improvement of (exclusive of $42,919.36 paid out of criminal charges) 430,658 41 Reformatories. For improvements, teaching, etc. (exclusive of $42,644.82 paid out of criminal charges) 30,494 60 Sinking Fund. To retire public debt under terms of settlement 119,423 92 State Board of Agriculture and Immigration: For purposes of horticulture $ 2,500 00 For Virginia Truckers' Association.. 5,000 00 For chestnut blight, to prevent the spread of 2,500 00 For testing seeds 1,500 00 For advertising resources of Virginia 313 25 $ 11,813 25 Dairy and Food Department: To help to maintain $ 7,500 00 Tuberculosis Fund. Reacting cattle 5,000 00 12,500 00 24,313 25 State Board of Charities and Corrections: Salaries of secretary, clerks and expenses of office $ 6,621 17 Care of cripples (Chapter 143, Acts 1912) 90 29 For care of weak-minded 440 00 For supervising neglected, etc., children 85 25 7,236 71 Appendix. State Board of Crop-Pest Commissioners. For extermination of insects, to help to defray expenses $ 8,019 57 State Board of Health: Salaries of commissioner, assistants, clerks and expenses of board $ 38,006 89 Vital statistics, expense, etc 2,678 65 40,685 54 State Board of Pharmacy, salaries of secretary, assistant secre- tary, attorney, clerk and expenses of office 5,223 64 State Convict Lime Board 921 State Geological Commission. For expenses of 16,772 77 State Library. For traveling libraries, book stacks, and to help maintain 14,870 37 Tax Commission. Expenses of 17,924 30 Taxes erroneously assessed: Refunded $ 1,051 16 Liquor license taxes refunded because licenses revoked by local option election 2,464 57 3,515 73 United Board of Agriculture. For expenses 17,786 25 Virginia Reports, cost of publishing in book form the opinions of the Supreme Court of Appeals 1,906 24 Warrants reaudited 61 00 $7,133,695 95 Disbursements of special receipts and for special appropriations (see Exhibit "D") 511,661 12 $7,645,357 07 EXHIBIT D. Disbursements for Special Purposes, Paid from Receipts into the Treasury for those Purposes, and Payments on Special Appropriations during the Year ending September 30, 1914. Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges: Distribution of money received from United States for their use Fines: Collected for offenses committed against the State, paid Second Auditor for the literary fund (Section 134 Constitution) $125,864 16 Oyster fines, paid Second Auditor for literary fund 2,406 01 Overpayments returned $ 33 25 Remitted by order of court. 5 00 38 25 Overpayments refunded, paid back to persons making excess payments into the treasury State Board of Agriculture and Immigration: Salaries and expenses paid from fertilizer tax For hog cholera serum 50,000 00 128,308 42 53,528 64 79,753 46 8,326 02 298 Report of Committee on Tax Revision. Dairy and Food Department, salaries and expenses paid from taxes and fees collected $ 26,768 51 Tuberculosis fund, reacting cattle, paid from receipts from sale of cattle, etc 4,035 80 State Board of Crop-Pest Commissioners. Prom fees for certi- ficates of registration issued nurseries for extermination of insects, etc 2,440 00 State Board of Health. For expense of inspecting hotels, etc., paid from fees collected 1,702 51 State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance. Salaries of commissioner and clerke, and expenses of office, paid from taxes and fees collected to maintain the bureau 26,793 28 Bank Examiner. Salaries of examiner and clerks, and expenses of office, paid from fees collected from banks 13,328 64 State Library. For support and maintenance of, paid from the proceeds of sale of State publications, and fines, etc., col- lected 4,372 68 State Accountant. Money advanced to pay expense for exami- nation of accounts of officers of counties, etc 448 70 Waste and Unappropriated Land. Proceeds from sale of, paid to Second Auditor for literary fund $ 139 26 Refunded purchaser of land warrant 30 00 169 26 $ 399,975 92 Also amounts paid for special appropriations 51,021 68 $ 450,997 60 State deposit in the Commonwealth Bank, Incorporated, Rich- mond, Va-, suspended, charged off to preserve balance 60,663 52 $ 511,661 12 VI ^ J . ^ I r i TL 00017 296202 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY