UC-NRLF HJ 112 of Nebraska REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ON Revenue and Taxation 1914 STATE OF NEBRASKA REPORT OF THE Special Commission ON REVENUE AND TAXATION 1914 LINCOLN, NEBRASKA 1914 THE WOODRUFF PRESS LINCOLN, NEB. NATIONAL TAX ASSOCIATION, OFFICE OF TREASURER, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL LINCOLN, Nebraska, October 15, 1914. Hon. John H. Morehead, Governor of Nebraska. YOUR EXCELLENCY: We have the honor to submit herewith the report of the Special Commission on Revenue and Taxation, appointed by you on June 16, 1913 pursuant to Chapter 188 of the Laws of 1913. Respectfully, J. H. GROSVENOR, Aurora GEORGE O. VIRTUE,- Lincoln CHARLES W. SEARS, Omaha CHARLES A. SCHAPPEL, Pawnee City EARL B. GADDIS, Lincoln 315130 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 110 History of the Commission 1 The Proposed Tax Amendment 7 Summary of the Report; Recommendations 8 CHAPTER I. THE PUBLIC REVENUE 1133 Growth of the Tax Revenues 14 Where the Increase has Occurred 14 Are We Outrunning Our Resources 15 Growth of Bonded Indebtedness 16 The State Appropriations 18 Growth of Local Expenses 20 Assessment of Property by Classes 21 Causes of High Taxes 23 Increase of Expenditures and the Rise of Prices 24 Need of Reform, Better Control of Appropriations 25 Recommendations of National Tax Association for Budget Reform . . 30 Better Adjustment of the Tax Burden 32 CHAPTER II. THE PRESENT REVENUE SYSTEM 3438 Requirements of a Good Revenue System 34 System Prior to 1903 34 Act of 1903 35 Objections to the Present Law 38 CHAPTER III. THE GENERAL PROPERTY TAX 3958 Its Theoretical Unsoundness 40 Its Viciousness in Practice 41 Taxation of Intangibles 42 Will Strong Administration Cure the Evils 44 Argument for Exemption of Intangibles 46 The Classified Property Tax 48 The Registry Tax , 49 The Annual Flat Rate Tax 50 Experience of Minnesota 51 Experience of Other States 53 The Situation in Nebraska v 53 Conditions Necessary to Success 57 CHAPTER IV. THE REAL ESTATE TAX 6080 Provisions of the Present Law 60 Permanent Position Real Estate Taxes 61 The Taxation of Improvements 61 The Real Estate Assessment 64 (i) Improved Methods of Assessment 66 True Consideration in Deeds 67 Classification of Real Estate 69 Tax Maps 71 Aid of Experts " 71 Assessment of Buildings 72 Publicity for Assessments 73 Quadrennial or Biennial Assessments 75 Forest Taxation 76 Increment Taxation 77 CHAPTER V. THE MORTGAGE TAX LAW 8190 Provisions of the Law 81 Operation of the Law 81 Effect of Mortgage Exemption on the Interest Rate 82 Effect on Volume of Mortgages Listed 85 Deductions from Value of Capital Stock 87 Conclusions and Recommendations 88 CHAPTER VI. THE TAXATION* OF CORPORATIONS 91109 I. The Public Service Corporations 1. The Railroads 9197 The Present Method of Taxation 91 Terminal Taxation 92 Yield of the Railroad Taxes 92 Are the Railroads Adequately Taxed 95 The Test of Profits 96 2. Sleeping Car Companies 97 101 History and Present Method 97 Operation of the Law 98 Criticism and Recommendations 99 The Gross Earnings Tax 100 Other Car Companies . 100 Summary 101 3. The Express Companies 101 105 The Present Method 101 Local Occupation Taxes 102 The Two Per Cent Occupation Tax of 1913 102 Conclusions and Recommendations 103 4. The Telegraph Companies 105 108 The Present Method 105 Methods Employed in Other States 106 Recommendations 108 5. The Telephone Companies 108 109 II. The Banks 110111 III. The Insurance Companies Ill 122 The Present Method in Nebraska 112 Foreign Life Companies 112 Foreign Accident and Surety Companies 113 Foreign Fire Companies 114 (ii) Domestic Fire Companies 115 Domestic Life Companies 116 Accident and Surety Companies 117 Central Administration Recommended 117 Insurance Companies and the Property Tax 118 Conclusions and Recommendations 120 Summary .122 IV. Mercantile and Manufacturing Corporations 122 132 The Law as to Taxing Property, Franchise, Shares 123 The State Occupation Fee 124 Problem of Franchise Taxation, Its Nature and Difficulties. ... 125 Taxing the "Corporate Excess" 126 Why Intangible Values Should Be Assessed .128 Question of Discrimination Against Corporations 129 Administrative Requirements 131 Is the State Occupation Tax a Bar 131 Conclusions and Recommendations 132 CHAPTER VII. SEPARATION OF SOURCES OF REVENUE 133 156 The Movement for Segregation 133 The Argument Based on Functions of State and Local Governments . 133 Separation to Avoid Undervaluation 135 Separation as a Step Toward Local Option 138 Evil of Piling up the Levies on the Valuation Base 141 Effect of Separation on Economy 142 Partial Separation Desirable 142 Separation on Administrative Grounds 143 Problem of Highly Localized Values 143 How Distribute the Railroad Taxes 144 Tables Showing the Effect of 1. Using the Railroad Taxes for State Purposes 147 2. Apportioning the Railroad Taxes According to School Population 151 3. Charging State Taxes on the Basis of Local Expenditures.. 151 Explanation of Tables 153 A Feasible Plan of Separation 156 CHAPTER VIII. PROBLEMS OF ADMINISTRATION 157170 Conditions Prior to 1903 157 Reforms of 1903, The County Assessor System 158 The State Board's Powers Enlarged 158 Effect of the Act of 1903 160 Devitalization of the Law Elective Precinct Assessor Restored 160 Office of County Assessor Optional 161 Recommendations 162 Central Control of Assessments in Other States 163 Need of a Permanent Tax Commission 164 Recommendations as to Form 168 Probable Expense 170 (iii) CHAPTER IX. INCOME TAXATION 171177 Growing Interest in the Income Tax 171 Why Desirable 171 The Wisconsin Law 172 Exemptions and Deductions 172 Rates, Administration 173 Personal Property Practical Exempt 173 Operation of the Law 174 Distribution of the Tax 175 Is the Tax Inquisitorial 175 The Federal Law and a State Tax on Incomes 176 Conclusions and Recommendations 177 CHAPTER X. THE INHERITANCE TAX LAW 178187 History of the Statute 187 Recommendations as to Exemptions 180 Rates 181 Administration 181 The Use of the Tax 182 Financial Results of the Law 183 Synopsis of Legislation in other States 186 CHAPTER XL OCCUPATION TAX ON MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN LIQUORS AND TOBACCOS 188190 Reasons for Such Tax 188 Recommendations 189* CHAPTER XII. THE TAXATION OF GRAIN DEALERS... .191 195 History and Present Method 191 Methods in Other States 194 Recommendations 195 APPENDIX 197240 A. Summary of State Laws for Taxing Public Service Corpora- tions .197 B. Statistics of Interest Rates on Mortgages 227 C. Statistics Relating to County and Local Levies 240 (iv) INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF THE COMMISSION The State Revenue and Tax Commission was appointed by Governor Morehead on June 16, 1913, under authority of Chapter 188 of the Laws of 1913, which provides as follows: SECTION 1. (Taxation, revenue, commission.) Within thirty days from the adjournment of the Legislature, the Governor shall appoint a commission of five persons, residents of Nebraska, specially qualified by experience and study to deal with the prob- lems of taxation in Nebraska, and to compare conditions here with conditions and experience elsewhere, and not more than three of whom shall be of the same political party. Any vacancy which may occur in such commission by reason of death, resigna- tion or otherwise, shall be filled by appointment by the Governor. SEC. 2. (Study: report.) Said commission shall make a careful study of the subject of revenue and taxation with special reference to the problems presented in Nebraska and shall in- vestigate and study the systems of raising revenue and admin- istering the same in other states and countries. It shall prepare by July 1, 1914, a concise report in popular language, presenting to the public the principal defects of the revenue system of Ne- braska and the principal improvements suggested by experience elsewhere. There shall be prefixed to such report a brief abstract thereof containing in condensed form the substance of the com- plete report. Ten thousand copies of such report and abstract shall be printed for general distribution in the state. In case the constitutional amendment submitted under House Roll 92, legislative session 1913, shall be approved at the polls in No- vember, 1914, said commission shall prepare a bill presenting a comprehensive revenue law for the State of Nebraska which it shall recommend for adoption to the legislature. Said bill shall be prepared and submitted to the Governor on or before January 15, 1915. SEC. 3. (Access to records: legislative bureau: assistants.) The commission herein provided shall have free access to all books and records in the several departments of the state govern- ment and in the counties, cities and villages in this state. It shall office and work in co-operation with the Legislative Refer- ence Bureau, making use, so far as practicable, of the facilities afforded by that bureau, and it may employ a stenographer and other necessary help, in the preparation of its report. SEC. 4. (Compensation: expenses.) The members of said commission shall be paid at the rate of $10.00 per day each for 6 Report of Nebraska^Tax Commission the time actually employed in preparing said report and bill, not to exceed sixty days for each member thereof. The members of the commission shall be allowed necessary expenses incurred in the prosecution of their work, which shall be paid upon pre- sentation of vouchers signed by the Governor to the Auditor of Public Accounts. Approved, April 21, 1913. The membership of the commission as chosen by the Gover- nor was as follows: J. H. Grosvenor, an attorney of Aurora, Charles A. Schappel, county treasurer of Pawnee county; George O. Virtue of the Economics department of the University of Nebraska; Charles W. Sears, an attorney of Omaha; and Earl B. Gaddis, a newspaper man of Lincoln. The Commission began its labors by getting in touch with tax administrative officers of the state and members of the legisla- ture who were familiar with the operation of the present law and who had suggestions for remedying its defects. It also began an independent study of the laws of other states, and the reports prepared by special and permanent commissions of other states. Later in the year 1913 it also began a series of public hearings which representatives of all interests in the state were asked to attend. These hearings were continued for several months, some one hundred and fifty men appearing before the commission during that time. These men represented the farming interests, railroads, insurance companies, county officials, merchants, stock- raisers, telephone companies, and various other activities. The commission also made a trip to Kansas to study the operation of the tax laws there and for the purpose of getting first hand knowledge of the administration of a permanent tax com- mission. This trip was of signal benefit to the commission. Various other commissions throughout the country have given material help through correspondence. Several members of the commission joined with the National Tax association and have kept in touch with the proceedings of that body. It was represented by Mr. Charles A. Schappel at the Buffalo, N. Y. meeting of that association in October 1913 and at the Denver, Colorado meeting held in September 1914, by Mr. George 0. Virtue. For assistance rendered generously and gratuitously in carry- ing on its work of research and the preparation of its report, the Tax Amendment 7 Commission wishes to thank the secretary of the state board of equalization and assessment, the director of the legislative refer- ence bureau and his assistants, and all other state, county and local officials who have shown an interest in the investigation. THE PROPOSED TAX AMENDMENT The authority of the legislature over taxation and exemption from taxation is found in Sections 1 and 2 of Article 9 of the Constitution of 1875. The sections provide as follows: "SECTION 1. The legislature shall provide such revenue as may be needful, by levying a tax by valuation, so that every person and corporation shall pay a tax in proportion to the value of his, her or its property and franchises the value to be ascer- tained in such manner as the legislature shall direct, and it shall have power to tax peddlers, auctioneers, brokers, hawkers, com- mission merchants, showmen, jugglers, inn-keepers, liquor dealers, toll bridges, ferries, insurance, telegraph and express interests or business, venders of patents, in such manner as it shall direct by general law, uniform as to the class upon which it operates. SEC. 2. The property of the state, counties and municipal corporations, both real and personal shall be exempt from taxa- tion, and -such other property as may be used exclusively for agricultural and horticultural societies, for school, religious, cemetery, and charitable purposes, may be exempted from taxa- tion, but such exemption shall be only by general law. In the assessment of real estate incumbered by public easement, any depreciation occasioned by such easement, may be deducted in the valuation of such property. The legislature may provide that the increased value of lands, by reason of live fences, fruit and forest trees grown and cultivated thereon, shall not be taken into account in the assessment thereof." The legislature of 1913 submitted to the electors an amend- ment to be voted upon at the general election of 1914, which if adopted will greatly enlarge the authority of the legislature over taxation. If it becomes a part of the Constitution the legislature will have power to exempt other classes of property than those now exempted, to classify property for purposes of taxation, to adopt some other basis for taxation than the value of property, such as gross earnings, and to* impose income taxes. The pro- posed amendment is as follows: 8 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission "SECTION 1. That Section 1 of Article 9 of the Constitu- tion of the State of Nebraska be amended to read as follows: SEC. 1. (Revenue.) The rules of taxation shall be uniform as to any given class and taxes shall be levied upon such, property as the legislature shall prescribe. Taxes may also be imposed on incomes, privileges and occupations, which taxes may be graduated and progressive, and reasonable exemptions may be provided, in addition to those hereinafter specifically mentioned in section 2 of this article. SEC. 2. (Submission.) That at the general election in November, 1914, there shall be submitted to the electors of the state for their approval or rejection the foregoing proposed- amendment to the Constitution in the following form: 'For amendment to the Constitution providing for uniform and pro- gressive taxation/ and 'against said proposed amendment to the Constitution providing for uniform and progressive taxa- tion/ ' SUMMARY OF THE REPORT Defects of the Tax Law. The chief defects of the present law grow out of the attempt to raise nearly all the public revenues from a tax on all property according to its value. The law dis- regards all differences in the economic character of property, by treating all the citizen's possessions as equally indicative of his ability to support the government. The law fails to recognize the fact that many professions and businesses which yield a large income require little or no property, thus permitting many to escape their fair share of the tax burden. It fails to take account of the great growth of corporate wealth by providing the means of reaching such wealth adequately once, and but once. Other defects are due to inadequate administrative provis- ions. While the law has the appearance of providing a central- ized control over assessments, this control is only nominal. The precinct assessorship, filled by election, and the absence of effective state control make the system a highly decentralized one. The present law fails because it commands the local assessor to do some things no assessor can succeed in doing, and asks them to preform other duties which can be properly preformed only by a well equipped state board of assessors. Recommendations for Reform. In view of the fact that an amendment to the Constitution is pending which if // Amendment Fails 9 adopted will give to the legislature larger power over taxation. The Commission has had constantly to keep in mind what can be done under the present constitution and what may be done in case the tax amendment is adopted. Our recommendations, therefore, fall under two classes, those which may be followed in case the amendmsnt fails, and those which may be followed in case the amendment is adopted at the November election. (1) In Case the Amendment Fails. The recommend- ations of the Commission for changes under the present consti- tutional restrictions may be summarized briefly as follows: The creation of a permanent state tax commission with power: To supervise the local assessments; to assess all public service corporations, and in time all corporations doing business in the state; to study the operation of the revenue law; to collect and publish information relating to the revenues and expenditures; and to recommend to the legislature needed changes in the law. That the office of precinct assessor be abolished, that the county assessor be made in fact as well as in name the assessor of all property that is to te locally assessed aided by as many deputies as may be required. That the fractional assessment (one-fifth of the actual value) be abandoned and that all taxable property unless otherwise specifically provided for shall be assessed at its true value. That an effective method of assessing corporations be adopted especially for reaching the "intangible" or "franchise" value connected with their operations. That the method of taxing express companies be changed by abolishing all local occupation taxes and imposing upon them, a gross earnings tax to be paid into the state treasury. That similar changes be made in the method of taxing telegraph companies. That the method of taxing sleeping car companies be changed so as to reach the "franchise" value, and not merely the value of the cars used in the state; that local occupation taxes on theze companies be abolished ; and that all taxes be paid into the state treasury. That the method of taxing domestic insurance companies be changed so as to place them on a footing of equality with foreign companies of the same class and that the proceeds of such taxes be paid into the state 'treasury. 10 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission That greater publicity be given to all questions relating to revenue and expenditure, assessments and exemptions. That the inheritance tax law be amended by reducing the exemptions allowed, by increasing the rates in the second and third classes of beneficiaries, by improving the administration in the matter of appraisals, etc., and by turning the proceeds of the tax into the state treasury. (2) In Case the Amendment is Adopted.^In case the constitution is amended so as to give the legislature authority to act the Commission recommends: That all the changes recommended above be enacted into law. That the sleeping car companies and other private car com- panies be taxed on the basis of their gross earnings from intra- state business and the state's share of interstate business. That the principles of the "classified property tax" be recognized by placing intangible property in a class by itself and subjecting it to a low rate of 3 or 4 mills, uniform throughout the state, without the privilege of deducting debts from credits now allowed under the decisions of the court. That the distinction between land and the improvements thereon be recognized by making the latter assessable at a lower percentage of their value than the land. That provision be made for exempting from taxation house- hold goods to the value of $200 for each head of a family. That a suitable tax be imposed upon the manufacture and sale of malt and spirituous liquors and tobaccos, the proceeds to be paid into the state treasury. And finally the Commission recommends for future action, but not by the next legislature, that provision be made for an income tax law. In the opinion of the Commision the attempt to enforce such a law in any other way than through an efficient state board would prove futile. The first step toward effective administration of an income tax law lies in establishing such a board. CHAPTER I THE PUBLIC REVENUES It is proposed to set forth in this chapter the more significant facts with respect to the revenues of the state and the local governments. It may be said at the outset that one of the greatest difficulties with which the Commission has had to con- tend is the dearth of information about the operation of the revenue laws. No one has been charged with the duty of collect- ing statistics of the public income and expenditure as a whole and of classifying them in such a way that they will tell what the in- terested taxpayer wants to know. We have attempted to collect and classify some such information from county and city officials but while some officers have given generously of their time, pur appeals for information have met with but partial success. We have thus had to fall back upon census figures in many cases for the statistical data here presented. The Public Revenues. We have no means of tracing the growth of the public revenues as a whole for the state and local governments. The table which follows, compiled from the census reports, gives a general view of the sources of revenue for the state and the local governments and their relative importance as they were twelve years ago. There has been no material change in the revenue system since that time. While the public revenues have increased since 1902 they are now derived from about the same sources in approximately the same proportion as shown in the table: 12 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission PQ 1 -0 4) 1 00 Is M 73 fi?]l s* : !l 00 o o oo Qg ill CO 000 CO LC o -o ^ LC^t>-^ r-^ O !oo ;oo" 00 1C LC LC . r> S 8 rtt s Sa'S 2 - a-dOTJ-SJigs* > gO^CL,h-lOfe^Q< g^q 0> am P fc'S %>? 4-3 ^C rH (> CO )LC ^ o Ci * B ^ Cv Biennium 1911-12 Biennium 1909-10 Biennium 1907-08 nium 5-06 B ennium 903-04 B Biennium 1901-02 00 CO tO b- rjj OJC lOOOC^rHO t^ OOi lOOOOOOt- !CO "* Tt OO O O CO ^CO . CO^ Tt~C 06 id o o oi -0(N(M O Oi TH .tOOOOi .^rHtO . Oi to TH i-H rj< lO CO Oi rj< CO(M ^* i 1 Oi CO t>00 COCO CO(M tO tO tO O O Oi CO(M OOOOCD O lO OOO OOCD (M Oi CD Tf r-H i 1 (M (M OCD OO OO CO IO IO <> U5 1C CO CD t- 00 COrHCO^t-C05D^q5CpOOa5OTH i-Tr-TrH W 20 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission This table shows an almost constant increase of appropriations for state purposes. About 50 per cent of them have steadily been made for educational purposes if we include the federal grants and the apportionment of the school fund. The state institutions other than educational have increased in number from two in 1867 to fifteen in 1913 and have on the average required about 30 per cent of the appropriations. During the past decade they have required a smaller percentage of the appropriations than during the preceding decade; yet the appropriations for their support have increased from $1,594,320 in 1903 to $2,539,165 in 1913. Sums voted for legislative, executive and judicial expenses have almost doubled during the same period, rising from $633,336 in 1903 to $1,055,640 in 1913. Growth of Local Expenses. But the state expenditures are relatively unimportant. According to the census the public expenditures in the state for the different governments were as follows in 1902: Amount Per Cent State $2,152,771 18.28 Counties 3,930,373 33.36 Cities over 25,000 population 2,495,075 21.18 Other minor civil divisions. . 3,202,000 27.18 Total $11,780,219 100.00 That is, 18.28 per cent of the public expenditures were made through the state and 81.7 per cent through the various local governments. The relative importance of state and local financial burden may be shown in another way. Of the total taxes charged in 1913 amounting to $22,487,791, $18,816,601 or 83 per cent were for local uses. No statistics are available for showing the growth of local expenditures. They have, however, grown more rapidly than the state expenditures. Where the Tax Burden Falls. The Assessment of Property by Classes. The total assessed valuation, and the amount and per cent of the total represented by real estate, per- sonal, and railroad property from 1867 to 1913 are shown in Table VIII. Assessed Valuation 21 b- ! b- 00 .'O(M*OTijcoas^^ t-coooooTH ^f CO CO OO IO W Tf OO Tf OO t> O OO CO -rf asTHiocot>k0^tastot-cooTHcocotoco THOOCOO^ . Tt< to_as coo^oo ooco oo IM^CO t> I>TH cocoo c N co* > -<^'to"'TH % art^ % ^co"t 10 coco co co TH TH c oo as o TH TH (MOcoasooasco'sfastoascoasoot-totOb-OTHCooooto rJ It o o *" v o PLi 2 O5^TH t>OOO i-H C C^ - SO QO t> o O ^o co o T-^t-^t- a* t> CD t-JDt>OlOOOiOC t-U300Ot> o> t> oo U5 U! CO Oi O 00 >H 8 3 s eoooi oooososcot-o osos Tl<^ ii n fi ^ .H S ( O" fill: I||T| isllft B^ISR 84 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission The results will be more clearly seen in the following sum- mary: Loans Interest Average Rate Year June 30, 1911 $4,117,942.71 $256,337.13 6.22 Year June 30, 1912: With tax clause. ........ 4,280,011.83 255,496.76 5.96 Without tax clause 1,383,074.36 87,797.89 6.36 Total with and without tax clause 5,663,086.19 343,294.65 6.06 The tables show that in two counties the average rate on mortgages having the tax clause was the same during the first year under the law as it was for the year ending June 30, 1911. In three counties it was higher; in the other seven the rate was lower. For all counties the average rate was 6.22 per cent in 1911; on mortgages with the tax clause it was in 1912 5. 96 per cent and on those without the tax clause 6.36 per cent. Com- paring all mortgages listed for the two years the average rate was for the year ending June 30, 1911, 6.22 per cent, and for the first year under the law 6.06 per cent. It is therefore not correct to say that the mortgage rate rose under this law, though in view of the general stiffening of the interest rate throughout the country in 1911 and 1912 a rise might well have occurred. Certainly there was no ground for expecting any considerable fall in the interest rate as. a conse- quence of exempting mortgages. The rate on that class of paper had already been determined before the law went into force, on the assumption of practical exemption. The great mass of mortgage loans is owned by banks, trust and insurance com- panies, and are not directly taxable as such ; or they are made for export to jurisdictions where their ownership cannot be traced. Many cases could, of course, be found where individuals had been willing to lend at the going rate and yet pay the local taxes in order to have their security in sight; but the number of loans made under such circumstances must have been so few compared with those not intended for taxation as to have had little or no effect on the rate of interest. There should, therefore, have been no disappointment when it was found that as a rule the mortgagor assumed the tax and got but a slight reduction in the interest rate. The mortgagor has not been injured directly by^the^law Effect on Volume Listed 85 and its provision permitting him to shoulder the tax; for his land was before 1911 assessed to him and no more than this is assessed to him now. Moreover, he does get his loan at a slightly lower rate, apparently on account of more local funds being available for real estate loans; and this in spite of a general advance in the interest rate. Still if the law was not passed for the purpose expressed in the title, or rather as a measure to relieve local owners from the necessity of concealing their property in order to escape double taxation, it would seem hardly to have been justified. 2. Effect on the Volume of Mortgages Listed. The effect of the law on the volume of mortgages returned for taxa- tion is seen in the following table: Assessed Value (One-fifth of Actual Value) of Notes Secured by Mortgage on the Grand Assessment Roll 1904 $4,501,215 1912. $6,397,155 1909 6,446,660 1913. . 4,769,780 1910 7,249,134 1914 3,221,007 1911.... 7,964,167 This shows a falling off of this item in the assessment of $4,743,160, or almost 60 per cent since 1911. The withdrawal of this amount from taxation involves of course an increase of taxes upon those who hold other kinds of property. There is no way of knowing how much of this item is represented by mort- gages on land outside the state, owned by residents of the state. Effect on the Banks. One result of the act seems to have been quite unforeseen. We refer to the way the act has been made to bear on the taxation of banks. While the assessment for 1912 was in progress the question was raised as to whether Nebraska mortgages held by banks were assessable to the banks. It was promptly ruled by the State Board of Equalization and Assessment that they were not; that so far as they represented the investment of deposits they should not be assessed to the banks since deposits were by L.w assessed to the depositors; that so far as they represented in- vestment of capital they should not be assessed, since their value was already reflected in the value of the bank stock, the taxation of which was provided for by a section not repealed or in any way modified by the act of 1911, 86 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Some of the banks were not content with the view that they were not affected by the law. So far as known they did not return any mortgages without the tax-clause for separate assess- ment and taxation. But because of the generous provision of the section dealing with the assessment of banks, which allows them in determining the taxable value of their capital stock to deduct the value of their "real estate and other tangible property assessed separately/' and the broad declaration in the act of 1911 that "a mortgage on real estate in this state is hereby declared to be an interest in real estate for purposes of assessment and taxation," the banks have established their right to deduct the value of their mortgages secured in this state from the value of their capital stock. First Trust Company of Lincoln v. Lan- caster County, 93 Neb., 792. The effect of this ruling on the value of bank stock returned for taxation is seen in the following table : The Assessed Value (One-fifth of the Actual Value) of Bank Stock, and the Capital Surplus and Undivided Profits of State Banks at the Call Date Nearest the Assessment Date in Each Year Year Assessed Value State Bank Stock Capital Stock Surplus and Undivided Profits Bank Building, Furniture and Fixtures and Other Real Estate 1910 $2,618,140 $16,848,589 (May 11) $2,585,832 1911 2,681,827 17,215,102 (Feb. 17) 2,759,420 1912 1913 2,811,797 2,908,034 18,119,527 (Feb. 16) 19,219,965 (Feb. 15) 2,909,482 3,225,216 1914 2,612,748 20,317,860 (May 16) 3,546,045 Deductions from Capital Stock. Reports were received from seventy counties in response to our inquiry as to the amount of deductions made from the value of the capital stock of banks. We made no attempt to ascertain how much was deducted from the capital stock of other corporations assessed on a method ana- logous to that for assessing banks, though it is known that some such deductions were made. Of the 70 counties reporting, 41 reported deductions in one or both years, and 29 reported "no deductions" for the year or years for which the return was made Deductions From Bank Stock 87 Of the 20 counties not reporting most probably had no deduc- tions to report. Omitting these counties the results are shown in the table which follows : Table Showing by Counties the Actual Value of Mortgagee Deducted from the Capital Stock of Banks Under the Mortgage Tax Law, 1913 and 1914 County 1913 1914 County 1913 1914 Adams $47,765 $48,637 Keya Paha. . . $38,640 Antelope None None Kimball None None Boone 230,440 79,152 Lancaster ... . 500,168 $714,568 Box Butte Brown Buffalo None None None 34,922 10,185 Logan Madison McPherson. . . None 83,210 None None 4,870 Cass None Merrick None None Cedar None None Nance . . . None 11,650 Chase Cherry Cheyenne None 2,025 None 17,889 None Nemaha Nuckolls Otoe 55,815 75,000 None 84,977 6,500 None Clay 77,317 Pawnee None 34,602 Coif ax 157,575 Perkins . . None None Cuming ... . None None Phelps None 15,000 Custer None 79,025 Pierce None None Dawes None None Platte. . None Dawson ....... None None Polk None 295 Dixon Dodge Douglas None 923,658 61,074 1 313,448 Red Willow . . . Richardson . . . Saline None 85,625 113,360 None 297,134 240,789 Dundy None None Sarpy. . None 45,480 Filmore. ." None None Saunders None 293,701 Franklin 74,678 70,482 Scott's Bluff None None Frontier 51,720 47,185 Seward 42,200 None Furnas Gage None 180,725 7,100 308,392 Sheridan Sherman ..... None 26,345 115,507 30,500 Gosper Grant None None 14,445 None Stanton Thayer None None None None Greeley 2,384 8,611 Thomas None None Hall Hamilton. Harlan None None 51,283 None 38,867 76,746 Thurston. . Valley Washington None 7,000 None None 68,812 None Holt None 36,200 Wayne None None Hooker 3,768 None Webster 52,000 Howard None Wheeler. . None 1,600 Jefferson Johnson 59,020 iq 040 178,708 107 48fi York 86,130 372,721 Kearney None TOTAL $2,931,996 $5,020,097 Keith 13,520 13,520 88 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Conclusions and Recommendations. Three courses may be followed with respect to this law: 1. Repeal it Unconditionally. This was strongly urged in the 1913 session of the legislature. A bill for that purpose passed the House by a vote of 54 yeas to 37 nays, but failed in the Senate by a vote of 20 to 6. If this plan is followed it would make little if any difference in case the tax amendment is adopted and the legislature enacts an income tax law. All kinds of securi- ties would be exempt under such a plan. We can see no serious objection to repeal in case the legislature chooses the classified property tax as a means of dealing with intangibles. There is indeed good reason for treating domestic and foreign mortgages in the same way. But if the amendment fails we believe it would be a mistake, a backward step, to repeal the law. All the reasons for its enactment in 1911 still exist. Repeal would mean a check to the free investment of home capital in real estate mortgages and probably a slight advance in the interest rate. It would lead to the concealment of the ownership of about the only kind of intangibles a conscientious taxpayer can now afford to own. It would moreover give a sense of shiftiness in dealing with such matters that is wholly undesirable. While it would lead to an increase of "property" on the assessment rolls and thus reduce the rate on other classes, it would, as before the passage of the law, impose an unfair burden upon those owners of mortgages who will not or cannot take advantage of the numerous devices for escaping the tax. 2. Leave the Law as it Stands. This we do not approve As now interpreted it does not meet the reasonable expectation, of those responsible for its passage. This suggests as the proper course the third alternative. 3. Amend the Law so as to Conform to its Original Purpose. Among the measures introduced at the last session dealing with this statute was a proposal to amend the law so as to for- bid the mortgagor to assume the tax on the mortgage inter- est. On the face of it this seems like a fair adjustment as be- tween the parties concerned. But it is a cumbersome method to follow. The mortgagee would have to swear off payments as they are made in order to reduce the base for his tax and Recommendations 89 corresponding additions would have to be made year by year to the mortgagor's interest. But of more consequence, such an amendment would not have the desired effect of making the owner of the mortgage pay the tax. The interest rate cannot be changed by an act of the legislature. There seems to be a feeling abroad that if the exemption of mortgages in 1911 did not greatly reduce the interest rate, the enforced requirement that the mortgagee shall pay the tax would not cause the rate to rise. The two conditions are quite different. We have considered the conditions which placed a limit upon the fall of interest rate in 1911. The effect of the proposed change can be foreseen. It is obvious that lenders who have a choice between placing their loans in a state where a tax must be paid and states where such tax is not required, will naturally choose the latter. The only condition on which foreign money would come in for invest- ment would be that of an interest rate enough higher than the normal return to pay the tax. A careful study of the operation of such a provision in California showed a few years ago that the lenders secured something above such a margin. Resident investors desiring to avoid taxation would buy foreign mort- gages, easily concealed, unless attracted to home mortgages by a higher rate of interest. The few investors willing to loan only on security within sight would have but slight effect upon the rate. The conclusion seems inevitable that the tax would be shifted to the borrower and paid in a higher rate of interest. Our recommendation is simply for such amendments to the revenue law as will deprive the banks and other corporations taxed on the basis of their capital stock the privilege they now enjoy of deducting mortgages from the value of their shares. The provisions for deductions under Section 56 of the Revenue Act were already too generous before 1911. Banks are allowed to deduct the assessed value of all real estate or other tangible property owned by them and assessed separately. We believe this section should be amended so as to limit the deductions to the assessed value of the banking house, if owned, and the furni- ture and fixtures. This is the Wisconsin provision, except that there the banks are not allowed to deduct furniture and fixtures. In New York banks are taxed on the basis of capital, surplus and undivided profits, and no deduction is allowed for any real estate owned. The item of real estate other than banking house for the 90 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Nebraska state banks, October 21, 1913, was $352,434.21. The national banks of the state on the same date had "other real estate and mortgages owned" amounting to $795,464.48. How much of this was real estate we have no means of knowing. This amendment would effectually dispose of the claim of banks to deduct mortgages under the Smith Law on the ground that they are real estate within the meaning of that statute. The Railroads 91 CHAPTER VI THE TAXATION OF CORPORATIONS I. THE PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATIONS 1. The Railroads The railroad property of the state, next to real estate, con- stitutes the largest item in the grand assessment roll. The relative importance of this property since 1867 is shown in the table on p. . At present it represents 11.86 per cent of the total valuation. The railroad property, except that situated outside the right- of-way, is assessed by the State Board of Equalization and Assess- ment and the valuation pro-rated to the counties and other civil divisions on the basis of "the number of miles of main track or line." The law has been construed to give the Board the right to classify the mileage of a system as "main line" and "branches" and to ascribe different values per mile of road accordingly. Thus in 1912 the main line of the Burlington from Plattsmouth to the Colorado state line was valued at $80,000 per mile (assessed at $16,000 per mile); the main line from Rulo to Oxford was valued at $52,500 per mile; while the branch from South Sioux City to O'Neill at $25,000; the high line from Holdrege via Curtis to the state line at $35,000. The main line of the Union Pacific was valued at $107,500 per mile for the whole distance across the state and most of its branches at $46,000, and so on. It will be seen that this method of apportioning the value of the railroads is highly advantageous to those counties which have relatively little terminal property, such as station grounds and switch yards, and where land values are low, since the values of terminal property and the right-of-way through high priced lands are spread out to the less favored parts of the state. Terminal Assessments. This situation was recognized in an act of 1907 providing for "Terminal Taxation" so-called. This act provides for a separate assessment of the railway property within the corporate limits of cities and villages, upon which to base municipal taxes only. The local assessors are required 92 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission to find the value of the right-of-way and the property situated thereon; the State Board finds the value per mile of the "in- tangible property and rolling stock," and this added to the local assessment gives the basis for municipal taxes. By this method the municipalities secure a substantial increase of taxes without depriving the outlying districts of their advantage pointed out above. The railroads are also subject to the occupation tax paid into the state treasury. From this source about $13,000 was derived in 1914. Yield of Railroad Taxes. Taxes paid by the railroads in the state since 1900 as given in the reports of the Interstate Commerce Commission are shown in the table below. For purposes of comparison the taxes per mile of line for Nebraska and the neighboring states of Kansas and Iowa are given: Railroad Taxes Paid in Nebraska 1900-1914 Total Tavp OS rH O t> CO CO CO* b- 'OCO*?O rHrH IT* iOS 10 "*! .*l ^ CO -CM !S : : -OS -CO ;oo or> -COT* ooq -osio odos ' 'o'o* ; OSrH . .rHCM . l- -o CO 00 ,rH . 00 rH -00 CO OO -rHrH ^" 'COrH OO ,IOO O-^lO COOS -COO -OOOJ CMIOCO IOCO -C .00 OS oo coo OJO -O OOO 'O coooqos -ON -t-t- ^S OND3O lot- irH T^t-^OCO 1 ^ IOOS .rH COtrHrHO . rH . CO .OT -iH -t- -OS -oo -oo -oq ;ci ;o6 ; ;^" ,U3 .10 . . .OO .OS .Orf O COrH . .CJ .OOSrH , ~ -of oT CO :: o :S ^ |rH ICOr-^ '.<& -7 oT N .b- IH :^ ;T*COCO ; CO 'rH t> 'CO CO - -b-rH -COO -O -b-O o -oqos "^J^o -o "3'~j ' CO " * ^5 ^^ * " rH CM " * ^^ " IO t^~ ' t- * ' t ^j< * ' o ?o * ' i i * oo oo 'rH ' 'rH-cl ) [OS |COOO OCO oco -co -oscoo .TH -Ot-t- 184 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission -cO CD COW CD .CO . CO -NO5 -(MCO CTHlOrH 1C t COrH^TH . ,O5t- CDOO TH . .05 CD CDOO .03 iH TtTH oos OCD I iOCD 'CD 'i 'cOO -1O TH -(MOO -O ' t-U3 : ^ ;o ; ' OS 1O !o !TH .TH .CO t-00 .05 00 CO O 00^ .00^ i-T -CO" U3O CvIOO ; .Tj< . . CO C^ OO^OO^^O O C<1 .CO .CO 1-^^^ CO" -Tj? -CO -0005 -W 'OOOO .OOO <>TJ i IW CO" CO CO ;o6 .t- COOO CO1O t- t-;^T*cOO > oo co ! 'CO -^ -CO -05 -O -i-iOO -^ -?0Ot- CO -1O ^^ Oi ^^ *-H t^* 000000000000^00 -O^QOO Inheritance Tax in Other States 187 P-lPH > -ooc > -ooc J -OOC TH, ^2 THO >o )O I >c ^^ ^^ C^ C^ 010 o TH ) OOU5C< u: iO CO U! 2 OU3C<] 3 5 uau: u: C O5 O5 O: i 0: ;00 O5UT OOC O5 O5 O" rH O 05 s 05 OS 05 sg 050 1 c r o- t- O5 rH O5 OO THO Wrt^tr^ 'W -CO^O -cSOT O^ ^< OO Tj< Oi ^5 (^3 '^ >^ 00 -0000 -00 -0500 _ ' O5 -OOS-^OOO O 00 -O500000500 00 TH TH TH rH rH rH rH !la BP C -2I> iii- %ia l!llt!l 0)43 WO VH J3 .-. 188 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission CHAPTER XI AN OCCUPATION TAX ON MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN LIQUORS AND TOBACCOS One of the possibilities under the existing conditions of our state revenues would be an occupation tax imposed upon such occupations and businesses as would distribute a light and in- direct tax upon the purchasers and consumers of non-necessaries, such as intoxicating liquors, tobaccos, cigars and all forms of such products. This sort of occupation tax which is closely akin in its nature to a license, is usually paid promptly and cheerfully by the brewer, distiller and retail seller, and it falls in small amounts upon those who consume something which they may readily dis- pense with if they do not choose to consume the article specially taxed. A reasonable occupation tax upon distillers, brewers, rec- tifiers and retail dealers would bring in a considerable revenue to the state and it would appear just from any standpoint of economics to lay a heavier burden upon these lines of business since the direct result of such business and traffic creates a heavy inroad on state revenues. The Commission is informed that there are at this time ap- proximately 2,272 federal retail liquor dealers' permits held by Nebraska dealers. There are also licenses held by brewers, dis- tillers and rectifiers of liquors and a vast army of dealers in to- bacco and cigars, all of whom should be required to contribute in some special way to the state for engaging in this particular line of business. The consumption of alcoholic liquors, according to the Report of the Committee of Fifty, 1899, is the principal cause of 25 per cent of poverty, 37 per cent of pauperism, 45.8 per cent of child destitution and abandonment and 50 per cent of all crimes. All of these require expenditures by the state, as well as the county and municipality, for poverty, crime and child destitution and abandonment reach out and claim the interest of the state as well as that of the locality. The consumption of alcoholic liquors, Manufacturers and Dealers' Occupation Tax 189 according to the report of Dr. Rosanoff of Clark University, 1909, causes 25 per cent of all insanity and at that date there were, according to his figures, 43,605 insane persons in the United States whose insanity was directly chargeable to alcoholic liquors. By the United States Government report pertaining to divorces, 1908, it is shown that 19.5 per cent of divorces are caused by the use of alcoholic liquors, and this is exclusive of decrees that were granted to wives for cruelty and non-support. With the above staggering indictment against the liquor business, we should not hesitate to say that the expense imposed on the state by this traffic is so enormous that these businesses, from the brewery and distillery down to the saloon and pharmacy, are not paying a fair proportion of taxes when measured against the other lines of industry in manufacturing and other retail sales trades. While the way is clear to tax occupations under the present constitution, still the adoption of the Norton Amendment will specifically provide for the taxing of privileges and occupations, and so long as Nebraska is a local option state where one com- munity can vote in the saloon while another votes it out, we see no reason why a revenue should not be exacted for state purposes that will in some measure assist the state in caring for the insane, the criminal, the destitute and the delinquent, who are made such by reason of the liquor traffic. We therefore recommend an occupation tax upon the following proposed schedule, on these lines of business: Brewers, distillers and rectifiers $1,000 each per annum. Wholesale liquor dealers, $500 per annum. Retail liquor dealers, $100 per annum. Drug stores and pharmacies having permits to sell intoxicat- ing liquors $50.00 per annum. Manufacturers of cigars and tobaccos, $100 per annum. Wholesale dealers in cigars and tobaccos, $50.00 per annum. Retail dealers in cigars and tobaccos, $25.00 per annum. In connection with the above schedule, we would suggest that the law be so framed as to imply nothing suggestive of a license or permit to transact such business, from the state, but that it be framed upon the theory that anyone engaging in such business must, after securing the local or municipal license required, pay to the state an occupation tax for the privilege of conducting 190 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission this business. This would not interfere with local option in the least. Every municipality, city and village would still determine its own policy as to whether or not it desired to be "wet or dry," but if a certain town having voted "wet," granted license to a liquor dealer, then it would be necessary for the dealer to pay the occupation tax or be subject to a heavy penalty to be stipu- lated in the law. It is the belief of the Commission that this tax would be paid with almost no expense or effort on the part of the state, as all dealers engaging in these lines of business would be likely to admit the justness of a revenue accuring to the state, as well as to the village, town, city and school district. Taxation of Grain Dealers 191 CHAPTER XII. THE TAXATION OF GRAIN DEALERS The Present Method. Prior to 1904 grain dealers were taxed as other merchants were upon the basis of the value of the property in their possession on the first of April. Because of the frequency with which elevator companies, sometimes doing a large business, returned for assessment only the value of the elevator and equipment led the legislature in 1903 to inaugurate a new method of assessing dealers in grain. The plan was adopted of assessing them on the basis of the "average amount of capital invested in such business for the preceding year." No rule was laid down for finding the "average capital," nor was it clear just what was to be included in the term. In 1906 a case came up to the supreme court from Lancaster County involving the meaning of the term. The county assessor had added $10,000 to the schedule of a company on account of grain found on hand on assessment day. The company had contended that the grain on hand should not be included in the assessment of its tangible property since it was included "in the "average capital" separately returned. The supreme court in its first decision took this view of the matter, holding that the purpose of the legislature was to distinguish between the capital which could easily be viewed by the assessor and that not easy to determine; that the distinction was clear, therefore, between the capital invested in the plant on the one hand and the working capital used in buying and selling on the other; and that the average amount of this working capital was what the assessor was required to find. Central Granaries Co. v. Lancaster county, 77 Neb., 311. On rehearing, a second decision was filed vacating the first, and confirming the decision of the district court which had upheld the county assessor in treating grain on hand as "tangible property" within the meaning of the section which required that "real estate and other tangible property shall be assessed separately" from the "average capital invested in the business for the preceding year." That is, all tangible property is to be treated as such in the ordinary meaning of the term, 192 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission and to this is to be added any excess of "average capital" found to have been employed. It seems that this rule would work out about as follows: If the assessor finds that an average capital of $5,000 has been employed in the business and that cash and grain worth just that much are on hand on April 1st, the capital is just accounted for; if he finds $3,000 worth of grain he adds $2,000 to make up the average; and if he finds $6,000 worth of grain he then ignores the average capital entering the $6,000 worth of grain as tangible property. This is the practical inter- pretation of the law as left by the decision of 1907, by some assessors at least. To make a difficult section worse the legislature in 1909 amended it by inserting the declaration that "tangible property" shall not apply to or incude grain on hand, so that we now have this remarkable provision for the_ assessment of grain dealers, that they shall determine the "average amount of capital invested in such business for the pre- ceding year, and taxes shall be charged upon such average cap- ital the same as on other property. Real estate and all other tangible property shall be assessed separately. 'Tangible prop- erty' shall not apply to or include grain on hand. 'Average capital' shall include all grain purchased during the year whether the same has been sold or is still on hand at the time of assessment.' ' To complicate matters still further the attorney general, with- out giving a formal opinion, later publicly expressed the opinion that the amendment of 1909 has no force, and that the rule laid down in 1907 still holds. Operation of the Law. This section has caused trouble out of all proportion to its fiscal importance. Under the item "capital invested by grain brokers" only from $275,000 to $300,000 are placed on the assessment rolls, yet there is hardly a section of the revenue law that causes more friction and dis- satisfaction than the one under review. The practice of the assessors varies in the matter of including grain on hand in the tangible property; and, what is of more significance, in the method of determining "average capital" employed. The assessors have been left to struggle with the problem and they have settled it in different ways. Before the case cited above reached the supreme court a plan had been evolved and generally adopted, of dividing the volume of business done in the year Taxation of Grain Dealers 193 by some number representing the supposed frequency of turn- over. Thus an elevator may have handled 20,000 bushels of wheat at an average price of 80 cents, requiring an aggregate outlay of $16,000. Assuming that in doing this business the funds were turned ten times, an "average capital" of $1,600 would be required for the transaction . The difficulty with this method lies in determining the proper "divisor". If for example in the above case it is assumed that the turn-over is twenty times a year the "average capital" required would be but $800. The problem is, not to find the average turn-over for all elevators but for a given elevator in a given year. Letters from a large number of assessors show that they exercise wide discretion in the use of a divisor. Some do not concern themselves with finding average capital at all. Those who do, report the use of 12, 15, 20, 24, 30, 36 and 313 as a "divi- sor." The assessor using the last number got $170,000 worth of business done with a working capital of $543. An accurate assessment would of course require the use of different divisors according to the business methods of the elevator company. One which habitually makes frequent shipments will do a given volume of business with a smaller fund than one which follows a contrary practice. In only one or two instances do we find that the assessor varies the divisor for different companies within his jurisdiction. The practical bearing of this difference in methods was brought out in the case cited above. The plaintiff was a line company operating fifty or sixty elevators. Shipments were made from these to central stations for cleaning and mixing the grain. One of these was located in Lancaster county. It was contended by the company that the assessor had no right to assess the grain found in Lancaster County since it had been bought out in the state and assessed there as "average capital". This view of the law can be very plausibly defended. But even though it may be proven to be good law, it can hardly be shown to work equitably. A line company which keeps the bins of its country elevators clean by frequent shipments to its terminals will of course employ comparatively little working capital at the country elevator. The grain bought, is soon stored at the central station and the balance usually carried by such companies in the local bank is small. In fact it is not infrequently the practice for the bank to receive their checks and send them 7 194 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission forward to the central office for payment. With such a method of conducting business, the law may be fully complied with and yet a small cash item, or small "average capital" item, be truth- fully returned as far as the local business is concerned. But unless the law provfdes some means of reaching the capital employed in carrying the grain at the terminals, an injustice is done those competitors who pay a tax on their "average capital' ' on the basis of the full time it is tied up in grain. To illustrate: A company having terminal facilities may, in the natural course of business, have grain in its local elevator ten days and the same grain in its terminal elevator for twenty days. It is not equitable for it to use a large divisor say 36 on the ground of a frequent turn-over of capital and thus make out a low "average capital' ', while a competitor, carrying his grain also an average of thirty days is compelled to use a small divisor say 12 and thus make make an item of "average capital" three times that of the line company for the same amount of grain handled. Theoretically the line company ought to be assessed at the local elevator on the basis of holding its grain ten days and at the terminal on the basis of holding it twenty days in the case assumed. This would be equitable as between competitors, but to make such a compu- tation would render more complex and difficult a method already top-heavy with complexities and difficulties. Methods in Other States. In most states grain dealers are taxed as they were in Nebraska prior to 1903. North Dakota, however, since 1907 has had a low bushel tax on "all grain grown within the state and therein in elevators and granaries" at the rate of one-eighth of a cent for oats, barley, corn, speltz and rye, three-eighths of a cent for wheat, and one-half cent for flax. These rates it should be noted apply to grain in the hands of producers and dealers alike on assessment day. Grain grown outside the state is taxed according to value. We do not know what consider- ations led to the enactment of this law, but its effect would be to discriminate against grain grown outside the state by whom-so- ever held. Minnesota in 1909 adopted a bushel tax of another kind. Graindealers there are taxed (1) on the value of the plant at the local rate; (2) on cash and credits held at the rate of 3 mills on the dollar, the same as other owners of such property; and (3) Conclusions and Recommendations 195 on the grain "received or handled" at an elevator or warehouse, regardless of place of growth, at the rate of one-fourth of a mill per bushel of flax and wheat, and one-eighth of a mill per bushel of all other kinds of grain. Grain on hand on assessment day is not assessed to the dealer. The merit of this tax is its simplicity and ease of administration. But a tax in such form is peculiarly liable to be shifted, a fact which probably led to the adoption of rates so low that they yield but slight revenue. The returns show 187,200,000 bushels of grain handled, in 1910 andtaxes amount* ing to $35,000. The Tax Commission recommends that the rates be quadrupled if this form of tax is retained. Iowa has a law similar to that of Nebraska, which applies, however, to dealers in ice and coal as well as to dealers in grain. The secretary of the executive council informs us that the law is generally ignored and dealers in grain are assessed as a matter of practice on the basis of the property held on assessment day. Kansas assesses all merchants including grain dealers upon the "average value of such articles of personal property which he shall have had in his possession or under his control during the year/' Whether such a plan is desirable or not may be questioned, but if applied to grain dealers it seems clear that it should also be applied to live stock, ice and coal dealers, and to all others whose stocks fluctuate greatly from time to time. The Kansas Tax Commission reports that the law gives general satisfaction. That Commission has worked out a form of statement for the aid of assessors in finding the average amount on hand, which if adopted in this state would enable the assessors to find the average capital employed with far greater accuracy than is now secured. A sample statement for a month's business shown in the table below. Conclusions and Recommendations. In view of the uncertain operation of the present law and the irritation caused by the attempt to determine the average capital employed, we recommend the repeal of Section 6333 R. S., providing for the assessment of grain dealers. This would place these dealers under the general rule of assessment on the basis of the property held on April 1. Doubtless the difficulties experienced prior to 1903 would reappear, but it may be questioned whether these difficul- ties would be any greater that those under the present law and the fiscal effect of the change would probably be slight. 196 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Date Bushels Bought Days on Hand No. Days One Bushel on Hand Bushels Sold Days not on Hand No. Days One Bushel not on Hand 1.. 3,000 X 31 = 93,000 2.. . . 2,000 X 30 = 60,000 3... . 1,000 X 29 = 29,000 4.... 5 4,000 X 28 = 112,000 10,000 X 27 = 270,000 6 3,000 X 26 = 78,000 .7... 2,000 X 25 = 50,000 8.. . . 5,000 X 24 = 120,000 9 6,000 X 23 = 138,000 10 4,000 X 22 = 88,000 11.... 12 3,000 X 21 = 63,000 23,000 X 20 = 460,000 13 2,000 X 19 = 38,000 14 1,000 X 18 = 18,000 15 . . 3,000 X 17 = 51,000 16.. .. 5,000 X 16 = 80,000 17 2,000 X 15 = 30,000 18 1,000 X 14 = 14,000 19 20.. 21 4,000 3,000 X 12 = X 11 = 48,000 33,000 18,000 X 11 = 198,000 22 4,000 X 10 = 40,000 23 2,000 X 9 = 18,000 24.. .. 1,000 X 8 = 8,000 25 500 X 7 = 3,500 26 27 2,000 X 5 = 10,000 28.. 29 1,500 1 000 X 4 = X 3 - 6,000 3 000 14,000 X 3 = 42,000 30 2 000 X 2 - 4,000 31 1,000 X 1 = 1,000 69,000 1,236,500 65,000 970,000 Total days 1 bushel on hand 1,236,500 Total days 1 bushel not on hand 970,000 Divisor January days. 31)266,500 8,596 + Ay. bushels on hand in January. Appendix A Railroad Companies 197 APPENDIX A The Special Tax Commission on the Taxation of Corpora- tions, of the state of Connecticut 1913, has made the following digest of laws relating to the methods of taxing railroad, express, telegraph, and telephone companies. I. RAILROAD COMPANIES Alabama. The State Board of Assessment values all the property of railroad companies, and this valuation is apportioned among the counties and municipalities on the basis of mileage, the taxes being at the rate of the general property tax. There are also municipal license taxes based upon popu- lation the fees varying from $10 in municipalities not exceeding 250 inhabitants to $25 for the first 1,000 inhabitants and $35 for each additional 1,000 in- habitants in places exceeding 10,000 inhabitants. Railroad companies are subject to the State corporation license tax based upon stock, bonds and earn- ings at the rate of the general property tax. Street railway companies are assessed upon all their property by the State Board of Assessment, this valuation being apportioned to the counties and municipalities upon the basis of mileage and the taxes collected at the rate of the general property tax. In addition to this tax, such companies may be assessed by municipalities on their gross receipts as a privilege tax, the rate not to exceed 2% on the gross receipts; provided, that the amount paid by such companies to the municipalities as a tax on intangible property shall be allowed as a credit on and against the privilege tax. Shares of stock are taxed to the holders as personal property. Arizona. Railroad Companies are taxed under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Board of Equalization and the valuation apportioned to the counties and taxing units, where the taxes are collected in the same way and at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Street railway companies are taxed upon all their property in exactly the same way as property in the hands of individuals is taxed. Arkansas. Railroad companies are taxed by the State 1-20 of 1% upon the amount of capital stock and also the value of all their property, including franchises, as assessed by the State Tax Commission. This valuation is ap- portioned to the taxing units on the basis of mileage and the taxes collected at the rate of the general property tax. Street railway companies are taxed as railroads except that the assess- ment of their property is made by county, not State, officers. California. Railroad companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from operation at the rate of 4% in (now 4 5%) lieu of all other taxes. The gross receipts of companies doing an interstate business are deemed to be all receipts on business beginning and ending within the State and a 198 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission proportion, based upon mileage, of the receipts from business passing through, into, or out of the State. Colorado. The total property of railroad companies is assessed by the State Tax Commission and the valuation apportioned to the counties and tax- ing districts upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected locally at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individ- uals. Such companies also pay a State license tax of 2 cents on each $1,000 of authorized capital stock. Street railway companies operating in more than one county are taxed in the same way as railroad companies. If operating in only one county they are assessed by the local assessor. Delaware. All railroads operating within the State are permitted to pay to the State fixed lump sums in lieu of all other State taxes. Theoretically, in place of these commutation taxes, railroads are subject to State taxes at the following rates: on passengers, 10 cents each; on net income, 10%; on rolling stock: locomotives, $100 each, passenger cars, $25 each, freight cars, $10 each; on capital stock, actual cash value, \ of 1%. Any tangible property located outside the right of way is subject to local taxation under the general property tax. Street railway companies are not subject to taxation by the State, but all their property is assessed and taxed by the counties and municipalties as property in the hands of individuals is taxed. District of Columbia. Railroad companies are taxed by the District on all their property under the general property tax. Street railway companies are taxed 4% upon their gross receipts within the District and the general property tax upon their real property. The tracks, however, are not regarded as real property. Florida. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their assets under the general property tax, and in addition are subject to a State license tax of $10 for every mile of track in the State, including branches and side tracks. One- half of this tax is distributed to the counties on the basis of mileage and one- half retained by the State. The municipalities also impose license taxes based upon population, the fees varying from $10 to $250. Shares of stock are taxable to the holders. Georgia. Railroad companies are assessed by the State Comptroller upon the total amount of their property, including indebtedness and franchises; this valuation is apportioned to the local taxing units and the tax collected in the same way and at the same rate as that upon property in the hands of individuals. Such companies are also subject to State license tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $75. Idaho. Railroad companies are assessed by the State Board of Equaliza- tion upon all their property, this valuation being apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, and the taxes collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. In addition to this, there is a State license tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $10 to $150 according, to the amount of stock. Appendix A Railroad Companies 199 Illinois. Railroad companies, with the exception of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, are taxed at the rate of the general property tax upon all property, tangible and intangible, as assessed by the State Board of Equaliza- tion, the valuation being apportioned to the taxing districts and the taxes collected locally. The Illinois Central Railroad Company, by the charter act, is subject to a State tax of 7% of the gross receipts of the main or charter lines, with main trackage of 705.5 miles within the State, in lieu of all other taxes upon the charter lines. The property of roads acquired by the company since the grant- ing of the charter act is assessed and taxed the same way as the property of other railroads. Street railroads incorporated under the general railroad act are taxed in the same way as steam roads. Street railroads incorporated under the general corporation act are assessed by the State Board of Equalization upon the market value of their stocks and bonds, including franchise, deducting from this valuation the assessed value of all tangible property. The remainder is taxed at the rate of the general property tax at the principal office of the company. Tangible property is assessed and taxed locally under the general property tax . Indiana. The railroad track, appliances, and rolling stock of railroad companies are assessed by the State Tax Commissioners, and this valuation is apportioned to the counties and taxing districts, where the taxes are collected at the same rate and in the same manner as those upon property in the hands of individuals. All real estate other than track and all personalty such as machinery in shops, ties, rails, and other supplies on hand are assessed and taxed locally under the general property tax. Iowa. Railroad companies are assessed by the State Council upon all property, including franchise, and this valuation is apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon the property of individuals. The entire property of street railway companies is assessed and taxed in exactly the same manner as property in the hands of individuals is assessed and taxed. It is provided that the franchise of such companies shall not be assessed. The value of the shares of stock over and above the value of the assessed property of the company is assessed to the holders at the principal office of the company, the valuation being made by the assessor of the county in which such office is located. Kansas. The property of all railroad companies is assessed by the State Tax Commission and this valuation apportioned to the taxing districts upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected locally at the rate of the general property tax. Shares of stock of foreign companies having their principal office outside the State are taxed to the holders. Kentucky. Railroad companies are assessed by a State board upon the value of the franchise, which value is determined by subtracting from the value of the capital stock the value of all tangible property otherwise assessed. This franchise valuation is apportioned to the taxing districts where the franchise 200 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission is exercised and there taxed at the same rate as the property of individuals. All tangible property is assessed also by the State board and taxed locally under the general property tax. Domestic companies doing business entirely without the State pay a State tax of 1 % upon the authorized amount of capital stock in lieu of all other taxes within the State. Shares of foreign companies not owning property within the State are taxed to the holders. Street railway companies are taxed in the same way as railroad companies except that the assessment of tangible property is made by local officers and not by the State board. Louisiana. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property, in- cluding franchisas, as assessed by the State Board of Appraisers, the valua- tion being apportioned to the parishes and municipalities where the taxes are collected at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Street railway companies are subject to the same ad valorem taxes as steam roads, and in addition pay a license tax of 3-8 of 1 % upon gross earnings within the State. Municipal license taxes based upon gross receipts are also allowed. Maine. Railroad companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts within the State at a rate of \ of 1% if the receipts do not exceed $1,500 per mile, the rate increasing \ of 1% for each additional $500 of receipts per mile, provided that in no case shall the rate exceed 5|%? This tax is ap- portioned to the cities and towns in which owners of stock reside as follows: 1% of the value of stock owned in said cities and towns, with provision that the amount apportioned shall not be a greater part of the whole tax received than the proportion which stock owned in the State bears to the total amount of stock, and provided that the amount so apportioned shall not exceed the total amount received from the tax upon the receipts. The remainder of the tax is retained by the State. Buildings, whether within or without the right of way, and lands and fixtures without the right of way are not considered operative property and are taxed where located as the property of individuals is taxed. Street railway companies are taxed upon their gross receipts within the State at a rate of \ .of 1% if the receipts do not exceed $1,000 per mile, the rate increasing 3-20 of 1% for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof of receipts per mile, but in no case to exceed 4%. The tax is apportioned in the same way as the tax upon railroad companies. Maryland. Railroad companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts within the State at the following rates: \\% on the first $1,000 of gross earnings per mile; 2% on earnings of $1,000 to $2,000 per, mile; 2\% on earnings of over $2,000 per mile. Local taxes upon real and personal property tax in the same way as those upon the property of natural persons. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company has a special contract with the State whereby it escapes the regular gross receipts tax, and pays instead a tax of of 1% upon gross earnings in Maryland. Street railway companies are assessed and taxed under the general prop- erty tax upon the value of all shares of capital stock and real property, the assessment of stock being made by the State Tax Commissioner and the valua- Appendix A Railroad Companies 201 tion apportioned to the counties where the holders reside. Shares of stock in foreign companies are taxed to the holders at the rate of 30 cents on each $100, except in case no dividends have been paid, when such shares are exempt. Massachusetts. Railroad companies are taxei by the State upon the margin of intangible value found by deducting the assessed value of certain tangible property, which is taxed to the corporation by local units, from the cash value of so much of the capital stock as is proportional to that part of its line within the State, determined on the basis of miles of line. This tax is at a rate equal to the average of the rates of the general property tax for the three preceding years. Such a proportion of the tax as corresponds to the proportion of its stock owned by residents of the State is distributed to the towns in which the owners reside, and the remainder is retained by the State for its own use. The right of way is exempt from local taxation. Street railway companies are subject to the corporate excess tax in the same way as railroad companies. In the case of street railways the tax is dis- tributed to the local units upon the basis of location of track. In addition to the above tax, such companies are subject to a "commutation" tax imposed by local authorities on an amount equal to such proportion of designated percentage of gross receipts (including income from other sources than operation of road) as the length of track in the public places of the city or town bears to the total length of track in all public places. This tax, which is at the rate of the general property tax, is for the use of the towns. The designated percentages of gross receipts vary from 1% if the annual gross receipts per mile are $4,000 or less to 3% if the gross receipts per mile are $28,000 or more. Michigan. Railroad companies are taxed by the State at the average rate of the general property tax upon all property owned in the State, (except real estate not essential to the business and which is subject to local taxation, as assessed by the State Assessors). For the year 1912 and thereafter there is imposed by the State a tax upon the shares of capital stock of 2% of the par value and upon the indebtedness of 1 % of the face value, which taxes are to be paid by the corporation and not by the holders of the stock and bonds. Street railway companies are taxed upon all their property for State and local purposes under the general property tax, real estate being assessed at its situs and all personal property at the principal office of the company. Minnesota. Railroad companies are taxed by the State upon their gross earnings from operation at the rate of 5% in lieu of all other taxes. The gross earnings of companies doing an interstate business include a proportionate share, based upon mileage, of the interstate gross receipts from operation. The property of street railway companies is assessed and taxed as that of individuals, stocks and bonds being assessed at market value. Shares of stock in foreign companies are taxed to the holders. Mississippi. Railroad companies are subject to taxation upon all their property as asssssad by the State Board of Assessors, the valuation being apportioned to the taxing districts and taxed at the rate of the general property tax. They also pay a State privilege tax varying from $2 to $22.50 per mile, 202 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission according to the classification of track. Roads claiming exemption from State supervision under charter provisions, pay an additional $10 per mile of track. Street railways are subject to the same ad valorem taxes as steam roads, but pay a privilege tax of $20 per mile of track. Missouri. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property, in- cluding franchises, at the rate of the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State board and the valuation apportioned to the taxing districts where the tax is collected as that upon the property of natural persons. Local property is assessed by local officers. Shares in foreign companies are taxed to the holders at market value. Montana. The franchises, roadways, roadbeds, and rolling stock of all roads operating in more than one county are assessed by the State Board of Equalization; all other property by the assessors of the county in which such property is located. The valuation of the property assessed by the State Board is apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage and, together with the property assessed locally, taxed locally in the same manner as the property of individuals is taxed. In addition to these ad valorem taxes rail- road companies are subject to State license fees based upon gross receipts, the fees varying from $5 to $225 per quarter according to the amount of receipts. The property of street railway companies is assessed and taxed exactly as property in the hands of individuals. The capital stock and franchises are assessed at the principal office of the company and other property where situated. In addition to this ad valorem tax, such companies pay license fees, varying from $25 to $50 per quarter, according to population. Nebraska. Railroad companies are assessed by the State Board of Equalization upon all property, including franchises, except certain buildings and real and personal property outside the right of way, which property is assessed and taxed as that of individuals. The valuation made by the State Board is apportioned to the counties and taxing districts upon the basis of mileage and the taxes are collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon the property of individuals. The railroad companies are also sub- ject to the State tax upon capital stock, the fees of which range from $5 to $2,500. Street railway companies are taxed locally under the general property tax upon all property and franchises. They are also subject to the State tax based upon the capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $2,500. Nevada. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Board and the valuation apportioned to the taxing districts where the taxes are collected. Foreign companies are subject to retaliatory provisions. New Hampshire. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property, including franchises, as assessed by the State Tax Commission, at the rate of the general property tax. This tax is distributed by the State Treasurer as follows: J of the amount paid by the corporation to each town in which rail- road property is located in proportion to the amount of capital expended Appendix A Railroad Companies 203 therein for buildings and right of way; to each town in which owners of stock reside such proportion of residue as the number of shares owned therein bears to total number of shares; the remainder is retained by the State for its own use. New Jersey. Railroad companies are taxed upon all property, including franchise, as assessed by the State Board of Equalization, the tax being at the rate of the general property tax. The taxes collected upon real estate used for railroad purposes and roadbed other than main stem are apportioned to the districts in which such property is located. The taxes upon all other property used in the business are collected by the State for State and school purposes. Street railways are taxed by the State for State use upon their gross receipts from business done within the State and a proportionate share of interstate earnings at the rate of 5%. In addition to this, all real and personal property is taxed under the general property tax. New Mexico. Railroad companies are assessed and taxed upon all their property as valued by the State Board of Equalization, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and municipalities and the taxes collected in the same way and at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of in- dividuals. New York. Railroad companies are subject to a State tax upon gross earnings from business wholly within the State at the rate of \ of 1%, and to a State franchise tax upon capital stock, the rates varying from \ of a mill per $1 for each 1% of dividends declared to 1| mills on each $1 of capital stock employed in the State, according to the amount of dividends declared. In addition to these taxes, such companies are assessed and taxed upon all tang- ible property in the same way as the property of individuals is taxed, this tax being for local use only. Foreign companies also pay an additional State license fee of | of 1 % upon the capital stock employed in the State. Elevated railway companies and surface railroads not operated by steam are taxed by the State upon their gross earnings within the State at the rate of 1 % and upon dividends declared in excess of 4 % on paid-up capital at the rate of 3 %. In addition to these taxes such companies are assessed and taxed under the general property tax upon all tangible property and incorporeal rights, the valuation of special franchises being determined by the State Board of Tax Commissioners. Foreign companies also pay an additional state license fee of f of 1 % upon the capital stock employed in the state. North Carolina. Railroad companies are assessed by the State Tax Commission upon all their property, including franchises and mortgages upon such property, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and taxing districts where the taxes are levied at the rate of the general property tax. In addition to the ad valorem taxes, such companies are taxed by the state upon their gross receipts at rates varying from $2 to $5 per mile of route, according to the amount of receipts. North Dakota. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessment of real estate being made by 204 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission local and that franchise, roadway, roadbed, rails, and rolling stock by the State Board of Equalization. The valuation made by the State Board is apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage and the taxes collected locally. In unorganized counties the taxes are collected by the State Auditor for State use only. Ohio. Railroad companies are taxed by the state upon their gross earn- ings from interstate business at the rate of 4% and in addition to this are taxed upon all their property as assessed by the State Tax Commission, the valuation being apportioned to the taxing districts upon the basis of mileage and property operated and the taxes collected in the same way and at the same rate as those upon the property of natural persons. Street railway companies are taxed in the same way as railroad companies except that the state tax upon gross earnings is at the rate of 1.2% for street railway companies instead of 4% as is the case for steam roads. Oklahoma. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessments being made by either state or local officers. Shares of stock are taxed to the holders as personal property. Oregon. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax. Shops, grain elevators and warehouses, and all real and personal property devoted to navigation are assessed where situated by local officers. All other property is assessed by the State Board and the valu- ation apportioned to the taxing districts upon the basis of mileage. Pennsylvania. Railroad companies are taxed by the state as follows: 5 mills on each $1 actual value of capital stock; 8 mills on each $1 of gross receipts from traffic wholly within the state; 4 mills on each $1 of bonds owned within the state. The capital stock tax on interstate roads is computed on the basis of mileage. In addition to these state taxes, real, and personal property necessary to the business is taxed locally under the general property tfex in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but such property is exempt elsewhere. The Erie Railroad Company pays a special state bonus of $10,000 per annum, which bonus is distributed to the counties through which the line of the com- pany passes, upon the basis of mileage. Rhode Island. Railroad companies are taxed by the state upon their gross earnings from operation within the state at the rate of 1% in lieu of all other taxes upon intangible personal property or corporate excess. Tangible personal property and real estate are assessed and taxed locally under the general property tax. Street railway companies are subject to the same taxes as other railroads with these additional taxes: If the annual dividend paid by any such company during the year preceding assessment is 8%, on its capital stock outstanding during such year, or less then 8%, or if no dividend be paid, the franchise tax shall be 1% of the gross earnings; but if the dividend exceeds 8% the franchise tax shall be a sum equal to the excess of such dividend over 8%, but in no case shall the franchise tax be less than 1 % of the gross earnings. South Carolina. Railroad companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business done within the State at the rate of 3 mills. In Appendix A Railroad Companies 205 addition to this they are taxed upon all property as assessed by the State Board of Assessors, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and taxing districts upon the basis of mileage and the taxes collected in the same way and at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. South Dakota. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property at the rate of the general property tax as assessed by the State board, the valu- ation being apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage and the taxes collcted locally in the same manner as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Shares of stock are taxed to the holders. Street railway companies are taxed under the general revenue law only. Tennessee. Railroad companies are assessed and taxed upon all property under the general property tax; all property having an actual situs is assessed by local authorities in the district where such property is located; the roadbed, rolling stock, franchises and all personal property having no actual situs are assessed by the State Tax Commissioners, this valuation being apportioned to the counties and cities upon the basis of mileage. In the case of railroad companies the State's share of the taxes collected under the general property tax shall be paid directly to the State Comptroller, the remainder being col- lected by the. taxing districts in the same way as the taxes upon the property of individuals are collected. Street railway companies also pay county license fees varying from $3 to $10 per mile according to population. Texas. Railroad companies are assessed by the State board upon all intangible property, the value being determined as that of the market value of capital stock plus all indebtedness secured by mortgage or lien, less the value of all tangible property. This valuation of intangible property is apportioned to the counties and taxing districts upon the basis of mileage and the taxes upon it collected at the same rate and in the same manner as those upon prop- erty in the hands of individuals. All tangible property of railroad companies is assessed and taxed as that of individuals. Street railway companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts at the following rates: if in or connecting any town of less than 20,000 in- habitants, the rate is of 1%; if more than 20,000 inhabitants, f of 1%; if wholly within a town of less than 10,000 inhabitants such companies are ex- empt from the gross receipts tax. In addition to this tax all such companies are taxed upon all their tangible property in the same manner as individuals. Utah. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property, including franchises, under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Board and the valuation apportioned to the taxing units where the taxes are collected in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. In addition to this tax, such companies are subject to a State license tax based upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $50. The property of railroad companies operating in only one county is assessed and taxed locally as property of individuals is taxed. Vermont. Railroad companies are assessed upon all their property, including franchise, by the State Commission and taxed by the State \\% 206 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission upon this valuation, or, in lieu of this tax they may pay a State tax upon gross earnings at the following rates: 2^% on such part of gross earnings as does not exceed $2,000 per mile of roadbed located wholly within the State; 2f % on such part of gross earnings as exceeds $2,000 and does not exceed $2,500 per mile, the rate increasing \ of 1% for each additional increase of $500 per mile, up to $4,500 per mile, and 4% of such part of earnings as exceeds $4,500 per mile. Railroad companies are also subject to the State license tax upon capital stock, the fees varying from $10 to $50. Virginia. Railroad companies are subject to the State property tax upon all property as assessed by the State Corporation Commission, the rate of taxation being 35 cents on $100, and are also taxed by the State upon intra- state gross receipts at the rate of 1%. Local taxation of tangible property is allowed. Shares of stock in foreign companies are taxed to the holders. Washington. Railroad companies and street railway companies are assessed upon all their property, including franchise, by the State Board of Tax Commissioners, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and taxing districts upon the basis of mileage and the taxes collected at the same rate and in the same manner as those upon property in the hands of individuals. West Virginia. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property at the rate of the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State board and the taxes collected by the State Auditor who apportions the funds to the various taxing districts. These companies are also subject to the State license fee on the authorized amount of capital stock, the amounts varying from $10 if the stock is $5,000 or less to $170 if the stock is $1,000,- 000, with an additional fee of $60 on each million dollars or fraction there- of in excess of one million. Wisconsin. Railroad companies are taxed upon all their property, in- cluding franchises, by the State at the rate of the general property tax as de- termined by the State Tax Commission. Eightyfive per cent of this tax is distributed to the local taxing districts in proportion to the business transacted and property located therein. Wyoming. All property of railroad companies is assessed by the State Board and the valuation apportioned to the various taxing districts where the taxes are collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Local assessment and taxation by incorporated towns, villages, and cities are allowed. II. EXPRESS COMPANIES Alabama. Express companies are taxed upon all their property locally under the general property tax in the same way as individuals are taxed; in addition to this they are subject to a State privilege tax based upon the number of miles of railroad over which they operate; companies operating on less than 50 miles of railroad pay an annual tax of $250, those operating on from 50 to 200 miles, $1,000; those operating^ on from 200 to 500 miles, $2,000; over 500 miles, $4,000. Municipal taxes, varying from $2.50 to $500 according Appendix A Express Companies 207 to population, are also allowed. Express companies are also subject to the State corporation license tax upon stock, bonds, and earnings, at the rate of the general property tax. Arizona. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business done within the State at the rate of 5%, in lieu of all other taxes upon the property of such companies. Arkansas. Express companies are taxed by the State 1-20 of 1% upon the amount of capital stock and also upon the market value of the stocks and bonds as assessed by the State Commission. The valuation of the Commission is apportioned to the taxing units on the basis of mileage and the taxes col- lected at the rate of the general property tax. California. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from operation at the rate of 2% (since increased) in lieu of all other taxes. The gross receipts of companies doing an interstate business are deemed to be all receipts on business beginning and ending within the State and a proportion, based upon mileage, of the receipts from business passing through, into, or out of the State. Colorado. The total property of express companies is assessed by the State Tax Commission and the valuation apportioned to the counties and taxing districts upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected locally at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Such companies also pay a State license tax of 2 cents on each $1,000 of authorized capital stock. Delaware. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business done within the State at the rate of 5%, and pay an annual State license fee of $250. In addition to these State taxes they are subject to taxation by the local units. upon all their property under the general property tax. District of Columbia. Express companies are taxed by the District upon all their property under the general property tax. Florida. Express companies are taxed upon all their assets under the general property tax. In addition to this, such companies are subject to a State license tax of $7,500 and municipal license taxes based upon population, the fees varying from $6 to $200. Shares of stock are taxable to the holders. Georgia. Express companies are assessed by the State Comptroller upon the total amount of their property, including indebtedness and franchises; this valuation is apportioned to the local taxing units and the tax collected in the same way and at the same rate as that upon property in the hands of in- dividuals. Such companies are also subject to a State license tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $75. Idaho. In addition to the State license taxes upon the authorized amount of capital stock (fees varying from $10 to $150) express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts at the rate of 3%. 208 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Illinois. Domestic express companies are assessed by the State Board of Equalization upon the market value of their stocks and bonds, including the value of the franchise, deducting from this valuation the assessed value of all tangible property. The remainder is taxed at the rate of the general property tax at the principal office of the company. Real and personal property is assessed and taxed locally under the general property tax. Foreign companies are assessed and taxed upon tangible property only, in the same way as domestic companies. Shares of stock of foreign companies are taxed to the holders. Indiana. Express companies are assessed by the State Tax Commis- sioners upon the market value of their stocks and bonds as representing the value of the entire property of the companies. This valuation is apportioned to the counties and townships and the taxes collected at the rate of the general property tax. In addition to this tax all real estate, machinery, structures and appliances are taxed by the local units in the same way as property of individuals is taxed. Iowa. Express companies are assessed by the State Council upon all property, including franchise and indebtedness, and this valuation is appor- tioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected at the same rate and in the same manner as those upon the property of individuals. In addition to this, all real estate, machinery, etc. is taxed by the local taxing districts in exactly the same way as the property of individuals. Kansas. Express companies are taxed by the State on their gross re- ceipts from business done within the State at the rate of 4 %, the gross receipts being considered as the actual receipts of the companies less amounts paid railroad companies for transportation. In addition to this tax all tangible property is assessed by the State Tax Commission and the valuation certified to the taxing districts where the property has its situs and there taxed at the rate of the general property tax. Municipal license taxes are allowed. Shares of stock of foreign corporations whose principal office is without the State are taxed to the holders. Kentucky. Express companies are assessed by a State Board upon the value of the franchise, which value is determined by subtracting from the value of the capital stock the value of all tangible property otherwise assessed. This franchise valuation is apportioned to the taxing districts where the franchise is exercised and there taxed at the same rate as property in the hands of individuals. All tangible property is assessed and taxed by local officers under the general property tax. Domestic companies doing business entirely without the State pay a State tax of 1 % upon the authorized amount of capital stock in lieu of all other taxes within the State. Shares of foreign companies not owning property within the State are taxed to the holders. Louisiana. Express companies are taxed upon all their property, in- cluding franchises, as assessed by the State Board of Appraisers, the valuation being apportioned to the parishes and municipalities where the taxes are col- lected at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Foreign companies are also subject to a license tax of $10 on each $1,000 of Appendix A Express Companies 203 gross receipts within the State; domestic companies pay license fees base:! upon gross receipts within the State, the amounts varying from $20 to $6,250 according to the amount of receipts. Maine. Express companies are taxel by the State upon their gross receipts from business done wholly within the State and a proportional part (based on mileage) of the receipts from business coming from other States or countries into the State and from business going from this to other States or countries at the rate of 4%. Such companies are also subject to municipal taxes upon real estate. Shares of stock are taxed to the holders. Maryland. Express companies are taxed by the State updn their gross receipts within the State at the rate of 2|%; the capital stock is assessed by the State Tax Commissioner, the valuation being apportioned to the counties where the holders reside and there taxed in the names of the holders, the corporation paying the tax, which is at the rate of the general property tax. All real estate is taxed as that of individuals. Massachusetts. From the market valua of stocks, bonis, and such part of the unfunded debt as was incurred for construction, permanent equip- ment or improvement is deducted the value of all real and personal property subject to local taxation and securities not liable to taxation, and the remainder is taxed by the State at a rate equal to the average of the rates of the general property tax for the three preceding years. The proportion to be taxed in the case of interstate companies is determined upon the basis of gross receipts. Shares of stock in foreign express companies are taxed to the holders at cash value. Domestic business corporations organized to carry on express business are taxed upon their corporate excess as domestic business corporations, not as express companies. Michigan. Express companies are taxed by the State upon all property as assessed by the State Assessors, the taxes to be at the rate of the general property tax. All companies whose gross receipts are less than $500 per annum are exempt. Minnesota. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross earnings from intra-state operations at the rate of 6% (now 8%) in lieu of all other taxes. In determining the gross earnings the express privileges are deducted from the gross receipts. Mississippi. Express companies are subject to taxation upon all their property as assessed by the State Board of Assessors, the valuation being appor- tioned to the taxing districts and taxed at the rate of the general property tax. They are also subject to State privilege taxes as follows: on each company $500.00 and $5 per mile of first class railroad track in the State over which goods are transported; $3 per mile of second class track; and $2 per mile of all other track. Missouri. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business done within the State at the rate of \\%, in addition to local taxation upon property under the general property tax. 210 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Montana. The tangible property of express companies is assessed and taxed exactly as property in the hands of individuals. In addition to this ad valorem tax, such companies are subject to State license fees based upon gross receipts, the amounts varying from $5 to $225 per quarter according to the amount of the receipts. Nebraska. Express companies are taxed locally under the general property tax upon all real estate, tangible property, and franchises. They are also subject to the State tax based upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $2500. [By legislation enacted in 1913, express companies are not subject to the occupation tax based on capital stock, but to one based on gross earnings.] Nevada. Express companies are taxed upon their property at the rate of the general property tax. The total cash value of all property and franchises shall not be assessed as less than the largest amount on which the net profit of the company for the year previous to assessment will pay interest or dividends at the rate of 8%. In computing the net profit the annual deterioration is to be allowed as an expense. Foreign corporations are subject to retaliatory pro- visions. New Hampshire. Express companies are taxed upon all their property, including franchises by the State, the assessment being made by the State Tax Commission and the rate of taxation being fixed by such Commission at a rate as nearly as possible equal to that of the general property tax. New Jersey. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business done within the State and a proportionate share of in- terstate earnings at the rate of 2 %. In addition to this tax all tangible property is assessed and taxed as the property of individuals. New Mexico. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross earnings from business done within the State at the rate of 2 %. Express privileges are deducted from gross receipts in determining gross earnings. One-half of the tax is distributed to the counties upon the basis of business done, and one-half retained by the State. In addition to this tax upon gross earnings all tangible property is taxed under the general property tax, the val- uation being made by the State Board of Equalization and then apportioned to the counties. New York. Express companies are subject to a State tax upon gross earnings from business wholly within the State at the rate of \ of 1 %, and to a State franchise tax upon capital stock, the rates varying from \ of a mill per $1 for each 1% of dividends declared to 1^ mills on each $1 of capital stock employed in the State, according to the amount of dividends declared. In addition to these taxes, express companies are assessed and taxed upon all tangible property in the same way as the property of individuals is taxed, this tax being for local use only. Foreign companies also pay an additional State license fee of f of 1 % upon the capital stock employed in the State. North Carolina. Express companies are assessed by the State Tax Commission upon all their property, including franchises and mortgages upon Appendix A Express Companies 211 such property, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and taxing dis- tricts where the taxes are levied at the rate of the general property tax. In addition to these ad valorem taxes, such companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business wholly within the State at the rate of 2|% and municipal privilege taxes based upon population, the fees varying from $2.50 to $50, are allowed. North Dakota. Express companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessment of real estate being made by local officers and that of other property by the State Board of Equalization. The valuation made by the State Board is apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage and the taxes collected locally. In unorganized counties the taxes are collected by the State Auditor for State use only. Ohio. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from intra-state business at the rate of 2%. In addition to this they are taxed upon the market value of their capital stock (less real estate locally taxed) as determined by the State Tax Commission, and upon all real estate as assessed by local officers. The valuation of the stock is apportioned to the counties and the taxes upon it, as well as those upon real estate, are collected in the same way and at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Oklahoma. Express companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessments being made by either State or local officers. Intra-state companies are taxed in addition to this 3% upon their gross receipts from operation. Oregon. Express companies are taxed under the general property tax Upon all their property as assessed by the State Board, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and the taxes collected in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Pennsylvania. Express companies are taxed by the State as follows: 5 mills on each $1 actual value of capital stock; 8 mills on each $1 of gross receipts from traffic wholly within the State; 4 mills on each $1 of bonds owned within the State. In addition to these State taxes, real and personal property necessary to the business is taxed locally under the general property tax in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but such property is exempt elsewhere. Rhode Island. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from operation within the State at the rate of 3% in lieu of all other taxes on intangible personal property or corporate excess and in lieu of all other taxation on personal property used in the business. Real estate is taxed as that of individuals. South Carolina. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business within the State at the rate of 3 mills. In addition to this they are assessed by the State Board of Assessors upon the market value of their capital stock plus mortgages, this valuation being apportioned to the counties and taxing districts, where the taxes are collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. 212 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission South Dakota. Express companies are taxed upon all their property at the rate of the general property tax as assessed by the State board in lieu of all other taxes upon the property of such companies, the tax being paid to the State treasurer, and distributed to the counties upon the basis of the property of such companies situated therein. Shares of stock are taxed to the holders. Tennessee. Express companies are taxed under the general property tax upon all property, which property shall not be assessed at less than the cash value of both shares of stock and bonded debt. In addition such companies, are subject to a State license tax of $1,000 if the lines are less than 100 miles in length and $2,500 if the lines are more than 100 miles. Texas. Express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts at the rate of 2%, and are also subject to a franchise tax upon the amount of capital stock, surplus and undivided profits, the rates of which tax are 50 cents on each $1,000 up to $1,000,000 and 25 cents on each $1,000 in excess of $1,000,000 for domestic companies; foreign companies pay $1 on each $1,000 up to $100,000 and $2 on each $5,000 in excess of $100,000 and $2 on each $20,000 in excess of $1,000,000. In addition to these taxes such companies are assessed locally upon all their property under the general prop- erty tax. Utah. Express companies are taxed upon all their property, including franchises, under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Board and the valuation apportioned to the taxing units where the taxes are collected in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. In addition to this tax, such companies are subject to a State license tax based upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $50. The property of express companies operating in only one county is assessed and taxed locally as property of individuals is taxed. Vermont. Express companies are taxed by the State at the rate of $8 per mile of lines over which matter was transported. They are exempt from local taxation upon property used in the business. Shares of stock in such companies are assessed and taxed to the holders. Express companies are also subject to the State license tax upon capital stock, the fees varying from $10 to $50. Virginia. Express companies are subject to the State property tax upon all property as assessed by the State Corporation Commission, the rate being 35 cents on $100. In addition to this such companies are taxed by the State $6 per mile of route within the State. Local property and license taxes are allowed. Shares of stock are taxed to the holders. Washington. All tangible property of express companies is assessed and taxed as property in the hands of individuals. In addition to these ad valorem taxes express companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts within the State at the rate of 5%. West Virginia. All express companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Auditor Appendix A Telephone Companies 213 and the valuation apportioned to the taxing districts. In addition to this tax all companies pay a license fee of $1.50 per mile of route within the State, and domestic companies also pay a franchise tax upon the amount of authorized capital stock, the fees varying from $10 if the stock is $5,000 or less to $170 if the stock is $1,000,000 with an additional fee of $60 on each million dollars or fraction thereof in excess of one million. Wisconsin. Express companies are taxed upon all their property, in- cluding franchises, by the State at the rate of the general property tax as determined by the State Tax Commission. Wyoming. Express companies are taxed by the State 5% upon gross receipts in lieu of all other taxes. One-half of this tax is retained by the State for State use and the other half apportions 1 tD the cDunties upon the basis of mileage. III. TELEPHONE COMPANIES Alabama. The State Board of Assessment values all the property of telephone companies, and this valuation is apportioned among the counties and municipalities on the basis of mileage. Taxes are then collected on this valuation at the same rate and in the same manner as those imposed on prop- erty in the hands of individuals. In addition to the property tax as described above, telephone companies doing a long distance business are subject to a State privilege tax at the follow- ing rates: Companies whose lines do not exceed 150 miles in length within the State, a tax of $1.00 per mile; companies whose lines are over 150 miles in length within the State, $1.00 per mile of wire and also a fee of $500. There is also a tax called franchise tax based upon stock, bonds and earnings, the rate being that of the general property tax. Arizona. Telephone companies are taxed under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Board of Equalization and the valuation apportioned to the counties and taxing units, where the taxes are collected in the same way and at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Arkansas. Telephone companies are subject to a State franchise tax of 1-20 of 1 % upon the amount of capital stock in addition to an ad valorem tax on the market value of the stocks and bonds as assessed by the State Com- mission. The portion of the valuation representing pole mileage is appor- tioned to the local taxing units where the taxes are collected at the rate of the general property tax. The valuation representing the value of stations is apportioned to the taxing units in which the stations are located and there taxed at the rate of the general property tax. California. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from operation at the rate of 3|% in lieu of all other taxes. The gross receipts of companies doing an interstate business are deemed to be all receipts on business beginning and ending within the State and a proportion, based upon mileage, of the receipts from. business passing through, into, or out of the State. 214 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Colorado. The total property of telephone companies is assessed by the State Tax Commission and the valuation apportioned to the counties and tax- ing districts upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected locally at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of in- dividuals. Such companies also pay a State license tax of 2 cents on each $1^)00 of authorized capital stock. Delaware. Telephone companies are subject to a State tax of 60 cents per mile for the longest wire in the State, 30 cents per mile for the next longest, and 20 cents per mile for every other wire, and 25 cents on each transmitter. In addition to these State taxes, such companies are subject to the general property tax assessed and collected locally. District of Columbia. Telephone companies are taxed by the District at the rate of 4 % upon their gross earnings within the District and in addition to this they are taxed on their realty, including overhead wires and supporting poles, under the general property tax. Florida. Telephone companies are subject to taxation under the general property tax upon all assets. In addition to this, systems having 100 or more instruments operating in the State pay a State license tax of 12 cents on each intrument, provided that in no case shall the total tax exceed $200, and pro- vided that in towns of less than 2,000 inhabitants such license tax shall not exceed $15. Shares of stock are taxable to the holder. Georgia. Telephone companies are assessed by the State Comptroller upon the total amount of their property, including indebtedness and franchises; this valuation is apportioned to the local taxing units and the tax collected in the same way and at the same rate as that upon property in the hands of in- dividuals. Such companies are also subject to a State license tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $75. Idaho. Telephone companies are assessed by the State Board of Equal- ization upon all their property, this valuation being apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, and the taxes collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. In addition to this, there is a State license tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $10 to $150 according to the amount of stock. Illinois. Domestic telephone companies are assessed by the State Board of Equalization upon the market value of their stocks and bonds, including the value of the franchise, deducting from this valuation the assessed value of a tangible property. The remainder is taxed at the rate of the general property tax at the principal office of the company. Real and personal property is assessed and taxed locally under the general property tax. Foreign companies are assessed and taxed upon tangible property only, in the same way as domestic companies. Shares of stock of foreign companies are taxed to the holders. Indiana. Telephone companies are assessed by the State Tax Commis- sioners upon the market value of their stocks and bonds as representing the value of the entire property of the companies. This valuation is apportioned Appendix A Telephone Companies 215 to the counties and townships and the taxes collected at the same rate and in the same manner as those imposed upon property in the hands of individuals. In addition to this tax all real estate of such companies is taxed by the local taxing units in the same way as property of individuals is taxed. Iowa. Telephone companies are assessed by the State Council upon all property, including franchise, and this valuation is apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected at the same rate and in the same manner as those upon the property of individuals. Kansas. All property of interstate and intercounty telephone com- panies is assessed by the State Tax Commission and this valuation apportioned to the taxing districts upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected locally at the rate of the general property tax. Telephone companies doing business in ony one county are assessed and taxed upon their property exactly as the property of individuals is taxed. Municipal license taxes upon all companies are allowed. Shares of stock of foreign companies having their principal office outside the State are taxed to the holders. Kentucky. Telephone companies are assessed by a State board upon the value of the franchise, which value is determined by subtracting from the value of the capital stock the value of all tangible property otherwise assessed. This franchise valuation is apportioned to the taxing districts where the franchise is exercised and there taxed at the same rate as the property of in- dividuals. All tangible property is assessed and taxed by local officers under the general property tax. Domestic companies doing business entirely with- out the State pay a State tax of 1% upon the authorized amount of capital stock in lieu of all other taxes within the State. Shares of foreign companies not owning property within the State are taxed to the holders. Louisiana. The entire property of telephone companies, including franchises, is valued by the State Board of Appraisers and this valuation apportioned to the parishes and municipalities where the taxes are collected at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Foreign companies are also subject to a license tax of $5 on each $1,000 of gross earn- ings within the State. Domestic companies pay license taxes based upon gross receipts within the State, the fees varying from $20 to $6,250, according to the amount of receipts. Maine. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business wholly within the State, the rates varying from 1J% to 6% according to the amount of the receipts. This tax is apportioned to the cities and towns in which owners of stock reside as follows: 1% of the value of stock owned in cities and towns, with provision that the amount appor- tioned shall not be a greater part of the whole tax received than the proportion which stock owned within the State bears to the total amount of stock, and provided that the amount so apportioned shall not exceed the total amount received from the tax upon the receipts. The remainder of the tax is retained by the State. Maryland. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their jross receipts within the State at the rate of 2%; the capital stock is aswssed 216 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission by the State Tax Commissioner and the valuation apportioned to the counties where the holders reside and there taxed in the name of the holders, the cor- poration paying the tax, which is at the rate of the general property tax. All real estate is taxed as that of individuals. Massachusetts. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon the margin of intangible value found by deducting the assessed value of certain tangible property, which is taxed to the corporation by local units, from the cash value of so much of the capital stock as is proportioned to that part of i:s line within the State, determined on the basis of the number of instruments within and without the State. This tax upon corporate excess is at a rate equal to the average of the rates of the general property tax for the three preceding years. Works, structures, real estate, machinery, conduits, wires and pipes are assessed and taxed locally as property of individuals is taxed. Michigan. Telephone companies whose receipts are less than $500 are exempt. If the gross receipts within the State exceed $500, the property of telephone companies is assessed by the State board and taxed at the rate of the general property tax. Minnesota. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their gross earnings from operation at the rate of 3% in lieu of all other taxes. The gross earnings of companies doing an interstate business include a propor- tionate share, based upon mileage, of the interstate gross receipts from opera- tion. Mississippi. Telephone companies are subject to taxation upon all their property as assessed by the State Board of Assessors, the valuation being apportioned to the taxing districts and taxed at the rate of the general property tax. They are also subject to various privilege taxes, those upon exchanges varying from $2.50 to $100 according to the number of subscribers, and those upon long distance companies operating less than 1,000 miles pole line, from 5 cents to 25 cents per mile of pole line, according to the number of miles of such line. Long distance companies operating 1,000 miles or more of line pay a tax of $250. Municipal privilege taxes are allowed upon exchanges only. Missouri. Telephone companies are taxed upon all their property, in- cluding the franchises, at the rate of the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State board and the valuation apportioned to the counties and taxing districts where the tax is collected in the same manner as that upon the property of natural persons. Local property is assessed by local officers. Shares in foreign companies are taxed to the holders at market value. Montana The property of telephone companies is assessed and taxed exactly like property in the hands of individuals. The capital stock and franchises are assessed at the principal office of the company and other property where it is situated. In addition to this ad valorem tax telephone companies are subject to county license fees, based upon population and varying from $100 to $400 a year. Nebraska. Telephone companies are taxed locally under the general property tax upon all property and franchises. They are also subject to the Appendix A Telephone Companies 217 State tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $2,500. Nevada. Telephone companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Board and the valuation apportioned to the taxing districts where the taxes are collected. Foreign companies are subject to retaliatory provisions. New Hampshire. Telephone companies are taxed upon all their prop- erty, including franchises, by the State, the assessment being made by the State Tax Commission and the rate of taxation being fixed by such Com- mission at a rate as nearly as possible equal to that of the general property tax. New Jersey. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business done within the State and a proportionate share of interstate earnings at the rate of 2%. In addition to this tax all tangible property is assessed and taxed as the property of individuals. New Mexico. Telephone companies are assessed and taxed upon all their property as valued by the State Board of Equalization, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and municipalities and the taxes collected in the same way and at the same rate as those property in the hands of individuals. New York. Telephone companies are subject to a State tax upon gross earnings from business wholly within the State at the rate of ^ of 1 %, and to a State franchise tax upon capital stock, the rates varying from of a mill per $1 for each 1% of dividends declared to 1^ mills on each $1 of capital stock employed in the State, according to the amount of dividends declared. In addition to these taxes, telephone companies are assessed and taxed upon all tangible property in the same way as the property of individuals is taxe: 1 , this tax being for local use only. Foreign companies also pay an additional State license fee of J of 1 % upon the capital stock employed in the State. North Carolina. Telephone companies are assessed by the State Tax Commission upon all their property, including franchises and mortgages upon such property, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and taxing districts where the taxes are levied at the rate of the general property tax. In addition to the ad valorem taxes, such companies are taxed ty the State upon their gross receipts from business within the State and a share of interstate earnings at the rate of 2%. North Dakota. Telephone companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessment of real estate being made by local officers and that of franchise, poles, and wire by the State Board of Equalization. The valuation made by the State Board is apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, and the taxes collected locally. In un- organized counties the taxes are collected by the State Auditor for State use only. Ohio. Telephone companies are subject to a State excise tax based upon gross receipts from intra-state business at the rate of 1.2%. In addition to this they are taxed upon the market value of their capital stock (less real estate locally taxed) as determined by the State Tax Commission, and upon all real 218 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission estate as assessed by local officers. The valuation of the stock is apportioned to the counties and the taxes upon it, as well as those upon real estate, are collected in the same way, at the same rate, and for the same purposes as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Oklahoma. Telephone companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessments being made by either State or local officers. Intra-state companies are taxed in addition to this \ of 1 % upon their gross receipts from operation. Oregon. Telephone companies are taxed under the general property tax upon all their property as assessed by the State Board, the valuations being apportioned to the counties and the taxes collected in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Pennsylvania. Telephone companies are taxed by the State as follows: 5 mills on each $1 actual value of capital stock; 8 mills on each $1 of gross receipts from traffic wholly within the State; 4 mills on each $1 of bonds owned within the State. In addition to these State taxes, real and personal property necessary to the business is taxed locally under the general property tax in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but such property is exempt elsewhere. Rhode Island. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from operation within the State at the rate of 2% in lieu of all other taxes on intangible personal property or corporate excess and in lieu of all other taxation on personal property used in the business. Real estate is taxed as that of indviduals. South Carolina. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business within the State at the rate of 3 mills. In addition to this they are assessed by the State Board of Assessors upon the market value of their capital stock plus mortgages, this valuation being appor- tioned to the counties and taxing districts where the taxes upon it are collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. South Dakota. Telephone companies are taxed upon all their property, including franchises, as assessed by the State board, the valuation being apportioned to the various taxing districts and the taxes collected at the same rate and in the same manner as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Shares of stock are taxed to the holders. Tennessee. Telephone companies are assessed and taxed upon all their property under the general property tax; property having an actual situs is assessed by local officers, all other property by the State Tax Commissioners. The valuation made by the State Commissioners is apportioned to the counties and taxing districts and the taxes upon it, as well as those upon local property, collected in the same way as those upon property of individuals. In addition to these taxes., telephone companies are subject to State license taxes varying from 20 cents to 50 cents upon each instrument, according to population. Mutual companies not run for profit are exempt from this license tax. Appendix A Telephone Companies 219 Texas. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business within the State at the rate of 1|%, and are also subject to a franchise tax upon the amount of capital stock, surplus and undivided profits, the rates of which tax are 50 cents on each $1,000 up to $1,000,000 and 25 cents upon each $1,000 in excess of $1,000,000 for domestic corporations; foreign companies pay $1 on each $1,000 up to $100,000 and $2 on each $5,000 above $100,000 up to $1,000,000 and $2 on each $20,000 in excess thereof. In addition to these taxes such companies are assessed locally upon all their property under the general property tax. Utah. Telephone companies are taxed upon all their property, including franchises, under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Board and the valuation apportioned to the taxing units, where the taxes are collected in the same way as those upon property of individuals. In addi- tion to these taxes such companies pay a State license tax based upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $50. Property of telephone companies operating in only one county is assessed and taxed locally as property of individuals is taxed. Vermont. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts collected within the State at the rate of 3% or, in lieu thereof, 40 cents upon each transmitter and 30 cents upon each mile of telephone wire in use in the State. Such companies are exempt from all local taxation on prop- erty used in the business. Telephone companies are also subject to the State license tax upon capital stock, the fees varying from $10 to $50. Virginia. Telephone companies are subject to the State property tax upon all property, the assessment being made by the State Corporation Com- mission and the rate of taxation being 35 cents on $100. Tangible property is taxed locally under the general property tax. In addition to these ad valorem taxes such companies are taxed by the State upon their gross earnings within the State as follows: if the gross earnings do not exceed $50,000 in cases where the pole mileage is not greater than 400 miles and where the company is not owned or controlled by a company whose receipts are in excess of $50,000 per annum, the tax upon gross earnings is at the rate of 1%; if any one of the above conditions is not fulfilled, the tax is $2 per mile of poles and 1 % on the gross earnings up to $50,000 and 2% on earnings in excess thereof. Local license taxes are also allowed. Mutual telephone companies are subject to the property taxes only. Shares of foreign companies are taxed to the holders. Washington. All the property, real and personal, of telephone com- panies is assessed and taxed in the same way as property in the hands of in- dividuals. West Virginia. All telephone companies are taxed upon all their property as assessed by the State board, the rate of taxation being that of the general property tax. In addition to the above ad valorem tax all domestic companies pay a State license tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $10 if the capital stock is $5,000 or less to $170 if the stock is $1,000,000 with an additional fee of $60 on each million dollars or fraction 220 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission thereof in excess of one million. Foreign companies pay a State license tax of $1.00 per mile of wire between cities and towns (one line of wire counted), but not in local exchanges, the minimum tax being $100.00. Wisconsin. Telephone companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from both exchange and toll-line service wholly within the State and upon a proportionate amount, basai upon mileage, of the receipts from interstate toll-line service at the following rates: 5% if such receipts equal or exceed $500,000.00; 4% if from $300,000.00 to $500,000.00; 3% if from $100,000.00 to $300,000.00; and 2^% if below $100,000.00. All receipts from toll-line business and 15% of exchange receipts are retained by the State for State use; 85% of exchange receipts are distributed to the taxing districts in which the exchanges are located. Wyoming. All property of telephone companies is assessed by the State board and the valuation apportioned to the various taxing districts, where the taxes are collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Local assessment and taxation by incorporated towns, villages, and cities is allowed. IV. TELEGRAPH COMPANIES Alabama. The State Board of Assessment values all the property of telegraph companies and this valuation is apportioned among the counties and municipalities on the basis of mileage. The taxes are collected on this valuation at the same rate and in the same manner as those on property in the hands of individuals. In addition to the property tax as described above, telegraph companies doing a long distance business are subject to a State privilege tax at the following rates: companies whose lines do not exceed 150 miles in length within the State, a tax of $1.00 per mile; companies whose lines are over 150 miles in length within the State, $1.00 per mile and also a fee of $500. There is also a tax called "franchise tax" based upon stock, bonds and earnings, the rate being that of the general property tax. Arizona. Telegraph companies are taxed under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Board of Equalization and the valuation apportioned to the counties and taxing units, where the taxes are collected in the same way and at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Arkansas. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State 1-20 of 1% upon the amount of capital stock and also upon the market value of the stocks and bonds as assessed by the State Commission. The valuation of the Com- mission is apportioned to the taxing units on the basis of mileage and the taxes collected at the rate of the general property tax. California. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from operation at the rate of 3% (now increased) in lieu of all other taxes. The gross receipts of companies doing an interstate business are deemed to be all receipts on business beginning and ending within the State and a proportion, based upon mileage, of the receipts from business passing through, into, or out of the State. Appendix A Telegraph Companies 221 Colorado. The total property of telegraph companies is assessed by the State Tax Commission and the valuation apportioned to the counties and taxing districts upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected locally at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Such companies also pay a State license tax of 2 cents on each $1,000 of authorized capital stock. Delaware. Telegraph companies are subject to a State tax of 60 cents per mile for the longest wire in the State, 30 cents per mile for the next longest and 20 cents per mile for every other wire. In addition to these taxes, such companies are subject to the general property tax assessed and collected locally. District of Columbia. Telegraph companies are taxed by the District upon all their property under the general property tax. Florida. Telegraph companies are subject to taxation under the general property tax upon all assets. In addition to this, such companies pay a State license tax of 50 cents per mile of wire, one-half of which tax is distributed to the counties on the basis of line mileage, and one-half retained by the State. Shares of stock are taxable to the holders. Georgia. Telegraph companies are assessed by the State Comptroller upon the total amount of their property, including indebtedness and fran- chises; this valuation is apportioned to the local taxing units and the tax col- lected in the same way and at the same rate as that upon property in the hands of individuals. Such companies are also subject to a State license tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $75. Idaho. Telegraph companies are assessed by the State Board of Equali- zation upon all their property, this valuation being apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, and the taxes collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. In addition to this, there is a State license tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $10 to $150 according to the amount of stock. Illinois. Domestic telegraph companies are assessed by the State Board of Equalization upon the market value of their stocks and bonds, including the value of the franchise, deducting from this valuation the assessed value of all tangible property. The remainder is taxed at the rate of the general property tax at the principal office of the company. Real and personal property is as- sessed and taxed locally under the general property tax. Foreign companies are assessed and taxed upon tangible property only, in -the same way as domestic companies. Shares of stock of foreign companies are taxed to the holders. Indiana. Telegraph companies are assessed by the State Tax Com- missioners upon the market value of their stocks and bonds as representing the value of the entire property of the companies. This valuation is appor- tioned to the counties and townships and the taxes collected at the rate of the general property tax. In addition to this tax all real estate of such companies is -taxed by the local units in the same way as property of individuals is taxed. 222 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Iowa. Telegraph companies are assessed by the State Council upon all property, including franchises, and this valuation is apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon the property of individuals. Kansas. All property of telegraph companies is assessed by the State Tax Commission and this valuation apportioned to the taxing districts upon the basis of mileage, the taxes being collected locally at the rate of the general property tax. Municipal license taxes are allowed. Shares of stock of foreign companies having their principal office outside the State are taxed to the holders. Kentucky. Telegraph companies are assessed by a State Board upon the value of the franchise, which value is determined by subtracting from the value of the capital stock the value of all tangible property otherwise assessed. This franchise valuation is apportioned to the taxing districts where the fran- chise is exercised and there taxed at the same rate as property in the hands of individuals. All tangible property is assessed and taxed by local officers under the general property tax. Domestic companies doing business entirely with- out the State pay a State tax of 1% upon the authorized amount of capital stock in lieu of all other taxes within the State. Shares of foreign companies not owning property within the State are taxed to the holders. Louisiana. Telegraph companies are taxed upon all their property, including franchises, as assessed by the State Board of Appraisers, the valua- tion being apportioned to the parishes and municipalities, where the taxes are collected at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Foreign companies are also subject to a license tax of $3 on each $1,000 of gross earnings within the State. Domestic companies pay license fees based upon gross receipts within the State, the amounts varying from $20 to $6,250 according to the amount of receipts. Maine. Telegraph companies are taxed upon their gross receipts from business within the State, the rate of the tax varying from lj% to 6% accord- ing to the amount of receipts. This tax is apportioned to the cities and town in which owners of stock reside as follows: 1% of the value of stock owned in cities and towns with provision that the amount apportioned shall not be a greater part of the whole tax received than the proportion which stock owned within the State bears to the total amount of stock and provided that the amount so apportioned shall not exceed the amount received from the tax upon receipts. The remainder of the tax is retained by the State. Maryland. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts within the State at the rate of 2^%; the capital stock is assessed by the State Tax Commissioner and the valuation apportioned to the counties where the holders reside and there taxed in the names of the holders, the cor- poration paying the tax, which is at the rate of the general property tax. All real estate is taxed as that of individuals. Massachusetts. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon the margin of intangible value found by deducting the assessed value of certain Appendix A Telegraph Companies 223 tangible property, which is taxed to the corporation by local units, from the cash value of so much of the capital stock as is proportional to that part of its line within the State, determined on the basis of miles of wire within and without the State. This tax upon corporate excess is at a rate equal to the average of the rates of the general property tax for the three preceding years. Works, structures, real estate, machinery, conduits, wire and pipes are as- sessed and taxed locally as property of individuals is taxed. Michigan. Telegraph companies whose receipts are less than $500 are exempt. If the gross receipts within the State exceed $500, the property of such companies is assessed by the State board and taxed at the rate of the general property tax. Minnesota. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon the cash value of all their property at a rate to be determined by the State Board of Equalization, this tax being in lieu of all others. Mississippi. Telegraph companies are subject to taxation upon all their property as assessed by the State Board of Assessors, the valuation being apportioned to the taxing districts and taxed at the rate of the general property tax. They are also subject to a State privilege tax based upon miles of pole line, the rate being 25 cents per mile, with a maximum tax of $250.00. Missouri. Telegraph companies are taxed upon all their property, in- cluding franchises, at the rate of the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State board and the valuation apportioned to the taxing districts, where the tax is collected as that upon the property of natural per- sons. Local property is assessed by local officers. Shares in foreign com- panies are taxed to the holders at market value. Montana. The property of telegraph companies is assessed and taxed exactly as property in the hands of individuals. The capital stock and fran- chises are assessed at the principal office of the company and other property where situated. In addition to this ad valorem tax, such companies are sub- ject to county license fees of $5 per quarter on each instrument in use. Nebraska. Telegraph companies are taxed locally under the general property tax upon all property and franchises. They are also subject to the State tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $2,500. Nevada. Telegraph companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the State Board and the valuation apportioned to the taxing districts where the taxes are collected. Foreign companies are subject to retaliatory provisions. New Hampshire. Telegraph companies are taxed upon all their prop- erty, including franchises, by the State, the assessment being made by the State Tax Commission and the rate of taxation being fixed by such Com- mission at a rate as nearly as possible equal to that of the general property tax. New Jersey. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business done within the State and a proportionate share 224 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission of interstate earnings at the rate of 2%. In addition to this tax all tangible property is assessed and taxed as the property of individuals. New Mexico. Telegraph companies are assessed and taxed upon an their property as valued by the State Board of Equalization, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and municipalities and the taxes collected in the same way and at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. New York. Telegraph companies are subject to a State tax upon gross earnings from business wholly within the State at the rate of \ of 1%, and to an State franchise tax upon capital stock, the rates varying from \ of a mill per $1 for each 1 % of dividends declared to 1^ mills on each $1 of capital stock em- ployed in the State, according to the amount of dividends declared. In addi- tion to these taxes, telegraph companies are assessed and taxed upon all tang- ible property in the same way as the property of individuals is taxed, this tax being for local use only. Foreign companies also pay an additional State license fee of \ of 1 % upon the capital stock employed in the State. North Carolina. Telegraph companies are assessed by the State Tax Commission upon all their property, including franchises and mortgages upon such property, the valuation being apportioned to the counties and taxing districts, where the taxes are levied at the rate of the general property tax. In addition to the ad valorem taxes, such companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business done wholly within the State at the rate of 2% and municipal license fees based upon population, the amounts varying from $10 to $50, are allowed. North Dakota. Telegraph companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessment of real estate being made by local officers and that of franchise, poles, and wire by the State Board of Equalization. The valuation made by the State Board is apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, and the taxes collected locally. In unor- ganized counties the taxes are collected by the State Auditor for State use only. Ohio. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon their gross re- ceipts from intra-state business at the rate of 2 %. In addition to this they are taxed upon the market value of their capital stock (less real estate locally taxed) as determined by the State Tax Commission, and upon all real estate as assessed by local officers. The valuation of the stock is apportioned to the counties and the taxes upon it, as well as those upon real estate, are collected in the same way and at the same rate as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Oklahoma. Telegraph companies are taxed upon all their property under the general property tax, the assessments being made by either State or local officers. Intra-state companies are taxed in addition to this 2 per cent upon their gross receipts from operation. Oregon. Telegraph companies are taxed under the general property tax upon all their property as assessed by the State Board, the valuations being apportioned to the counties and the taxes collected in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Appendix A Telegraph Companies 225 Pennsylvania. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State as follows: 5 mills on each $1 actual value of capital stock; 8 mills on each $1 of gross receipts from traffic wholly within the State; 4 mills on each $1 of bonds owned within the State. In addition to these State taxes, real and personal property necessary to the business is taxed locally under the general property tax in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but such property is exempt elsewhere. Rhode Island. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from operation within the State at the rate of 2% in lieu of all other taxes on intangible personal property or corporate excess and in lieu of all other taxation on personal property used in the business. Real estate is .taxed as that of individuals. South Carolina. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business within the State at the rate of 3 mills. In addition to this they are assessed by the State Board of Assessors upon the market value of their capital stock plus mortgages, this valuation being appor- tioned to the counties and taxing districts, where the taxes upon it are collected at the same rate and in the same manner as those upon property in the hands of individuals. South Dakota. Telegraph companies are taxed at the rate of the general property tax upon all their property as assessed by the State board, the taxes being paid to the State Treasurer and then distributed to the counties upon the basis of the property of such companies situated therein. This tax is in lieu of all others upon the property of such companies. Shares of stock are taxed to the holders. Tennessee. Telegraph companies are assessed and taxed upon all their property under the general property tax; property having an actual situs is assessed by local officers, all other property by the State Tax Commissioners. The valuation made by the State Commissioners is apportioned to the counties and taxing districts and the taxes upon it, as well as those upon local property, collected in the same way as those upon property of individuals. In addition to these taxes, telegraph companies are subject to State license taxes varying from $20 for companies operating from 25 to 100 miles of wire to $700 for companies operating from 300 to 1,000 miles of wire, with an additional $20 for each 100 miles of wire in excess of 1,000 miles up to 6,000 miles, and $10 for each 100 miles in excess of 6,000 miles. Texas. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts from business within the State at the rate of 2f%, and are also subject to a franchise tax upon the amount of capital stock, surplus and undivided profits, the rates of which tax are 50 cents on $1,000 up to $1,000,000 and 25 cents upon each $1,000 in excess thereof, for domestic companies; foreign companies pay $1 on each $1,000 up to $100,000 and $2 on each $5,000 in excess of $100,000 up to $1,000,000 and $2 on each $20,000 in excess thereof. In addition to these taxes such companies are assessed locally upon all their property under the general property tax. Utah. Telegraph companies are taxed upon all their property, including franchises, under the general property tax, the assessment being made by the 8 226 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission State Board and the valuation apportioned to the taxing units where the taxes are collected in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individ- uals. In addition to this tax, such companies are subject to a State license tax based upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $5 to $50. The property of telegraph companies operating in only one county is assessed and taxed locally as property of individuals is taxed. Vermont. Telegraph companies are taxed by the State upon their gross receipts collected within the State at the rate of 3% or, in lieu thereof, 60 cents per mile for poles and one line of wire and 40 cents for each additional wire owned and operated within the State. They are exempt from all local taxation except upon property not used in the business. Shares of stock in such companies are assessed and taxed to the holders as personal property. Telegraph companies are also subject to the State license tax upon capital stock, the fees varying from $10 to $50. Virginia. Telegraph companies are subject to the State property tax upon all property, the assessment being made by the State Corporation Com- mission and the rate of taxation being 35 cents on $100. Tangible property is taxed locally under the general property tax. In addition to these ad valorem taxes such companies are taxed by the State $2 per mile on poles and conduits and 2 % upon intra-state gross earnings. Shares of foreign companies are taxed to the holders. Local license taxes are allowed. Washington. The property of telegraph companies is assessed by the State Board of Tax Commissioners, the valuation being apportioned to the counties upon the basis of mileage, and the taxes collected at the same rate and in the same manner as those upon the property of individuals. West Virginia. Telegraph companies are taxed upon all their property as assessed by the State board, the rate of taxation being that of the general property tax. In addition to this tax all domestic companies pay a State license tax upon the authorized amount of capital stock, the fees varying from $10 if the stock is $5,000 or less to $170 if the stock is $1,000,000 with an addi- tional fee of $60 on each milion dollars or fraction thereof in, excess of one million. Foreign companies pay a State license tax of $1.00 per mile of wire between cities and towns (one line of wire counted), but not in local exchanges the minimum tax being $100.00. Wisconsin. Telegraph companies are taxed upon all their property, in- ducing franchises, by the State at the rate of the general property tax as determined by the State Commission. Wyoming. All property of telegraph companies is assessed by the State Board and the valuation apportioned to the various taxing districts, where the taxes are collected at the same rate and in the same way as those upon property in the hands of individuals. Local assessment and taxation by in- corporated towns, villages, and cities is allowed. Appendix B 227 APPENDIX B Table Showing the Interest Rate on Real Estate Mortgages Filed in Twelve Counties During the Year Preceding, and the Year Following July 1, 1911, the Date when the Smith Mortgage Tax Law Became Effective BANNER COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 12 $36,050.00 at 6%. $2,163.00 3 7,900.00 at 7% 533.00 13 25,801.00 at 8% 2,064.08 12. ., 27,069.25 at 10% 2,706.93 Total 40 $96,820.25 $7,487.01 Average rate 7.7% II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No Loans Principal Rate Interest 5 $15,892.53 at 6% $953.55 6 10,510.00 at 7% 735.70 3 5,215.00 at 8% 417.20 19. .. 15,943.70 at 10%. 1,594.37 Total 33 .$47,561.23 $3,700.82 Average rate 7.7% HI. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 2 $1,200.00 at 6% $72.00 1 800.00 at 6|% 52.00 1 500.00 at 7%. 35.00 6 12,072.50 at 8% 965.80 11 7,478.85 at 10% 747.89 Total 21 $22,051.35 $1,872.69 Average rate 8.4% 228 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission CUMING COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 12 $185,440.00 at 5% $9,272.00 10 74,250.00 at 5% 4,083.75 19 146,956.00 at -3% 8,817.36 4 5,450.00 at 7% 381.50 2 10,250.00 at -"8% 820.00 1. . 664.00 at 10% 66.40 Total 48 $423,010.00 $23,441.01 Average rate 5.5% II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 1 $5,000.00 at 4J.% $225.00 31 190,146.00 at 5% 9,507.30 14 47,200.00 at 5J% 2,596.00 1 5,000.00 at 5f% 287.50 29 84,150.00 at 6%... 5,049.00 3 5,000.00 at 6J% 325.00 12 24,300.00 at 7% 1,701.00 2 7,000.00 at 8%. 560.00 1 200.00 at 10% 20.00 Total 94 $367,996.00 $20,270.80 Average rate 5.5% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 1 $4,500.00 at 4% $180.00 13 61,700.00 at 5% 3,085.00 5 22,600.00 at 5J% 1,243.00 11 30,742.00 at 6% 1,844.52 12 17,900.00 at 7% 1,253.00 6 5,050.00 at 8% 404.00 2......... 1,700.00 at 9% 153.00 1 1,500.00 at 10% 150.00 Total 51 $145,692.00 $8,312.52 Average rate 5,7% Appendix B 229 DAWES COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 2 $4,000.00 at 5% $200.00 16 27,740.00 at 6% 1,664.40 21 27,668.00 at 7% 1,936.76 72 158,657.00 at 8% 12,692.56 2 3,600.00 at 9% 324.00 36 57,948.00 at 10% 5,794.80 Totall49 $279,613.00 $22,612,52 Average rate 8.08% II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 4 $28,000.00 at 5%. $1,400.00 18 33,663.00 at 6% 2,019.78 11 16,743.00 at 7% 1,172.01 1 500.00 at 7f% 38.75 39 59,491.00 at 8% "... 4,759.28 2 2,900.00 at 9% 261.00 33 77,682.00 at 10% 7,768.20 Total 108 $218,979.00 $17,419.02 Average rate 7.9% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 1 $400.00 at 4% $16.00 2 7,500.00 at 5% 375.00 13 29,085.00 at 6% 1,745.10 10 20,548.00 at 7% 1,438.26 34 -.. 45,360.00 at 8% 3,628.80 16 18,404.00 at 10% 1,840.40 Total 76 $121,297.00 $9,043.56 Average rate 7.4% 230 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission FRANKLIN COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 26 $73,600.00 at 5% $3,680.00 17 42,550.00 at 5J% 2,340.25 89 223,356.00 at 6% 13,401.36 2 1,900.00 at 6J% 123.50 18 28,620.00 at 7% 2,003.40 1 1,000.00 at 7J% 75.00 9 13,721.00 at 8% 1,097.68 7 , . 13,695.00 at 10% 1,369.50 Total 169 $398,442.00 $24,090.69 Average rate 6.04% II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No Loans Principal Rate Interest 44 $136,147.00 at 5% $6,807.35 15 36,650.00 at 5i% 2,015.75 73 224,4^5.00 at 6% 13,469.70 1. 300.00 at 6J% 19.50 14 19,200.00 at 7% 1,344.00 7 4,825.00 at 8% 386.00 5 6,070.00 at 10% 607.00 Total 159 $427,687.00 TV. . $24,649.30 Average rate 5.7% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No Loans Principal Rate Interest 1 $3,500.00 at 2i% $87.50 1 6,000.00 at 4% 240.00 3 16,000.00 at 5% 800.00 2 5,500.00 at 5J% 302.50 14 49,350.00 at 6% 2,961.00 1 600.00 at 6i% 39.00 9 11,075.00 at 7%. 775.25 4 8,950.00 at 8% 716.00 1 3,790.00 at 10% 379.00 Total~36 .$104,765.00 $6,300.25 Average rate 6% Appendix B, 231 HITCHCOCK COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 20 . . $12,015.00 at 5% $600.75 1 1,250.00 at 5j% 68.75 24 38,919.00 at 6% 2,335.14 1 600.00 at 6i% 39.00 35 73,175.00 at 7% 5,122.25 47 58,265.00 at 8% 4,661.20 8 4,200.00 at 9% 378.00 37. . 28,693.60 at 10% 2,869.36 Totall73 $217,117.60 $16,074.45 Average rate 7.4% II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 14 $5,220.00 at 5% $261.00 17 31,430.80 at 6% 1,885.84 9 24,450.00 at 7% 1,711.50 16.... 22,100.00 at 8% 1,768.00 22 28,400.00 at 9% 2,556.00 24 16,070.90 at 10% 1,607.09 Totall02 $127,671.70 $9,789.43 Average rate 7.6% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 14 $28,525.00 at 6% $1,711.50 1 1,450.00 at 6i% 94.25 11 14,835.00 at 7% 1,038.45 20 27,705.02 at 8% 2,216.40 1 1,550.00 at 9% 139.50 20 14,796.55 at 10% 1,479.65 Total 67 $88,861.57 $6,679.75 Average rate 7.5% 232 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission HOOKER COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 7 $13,600.00 at 5% $680.00 1 5,800.00 at 6% 348.00 1 1,000.00 at 7% 70.00 20 40,972.52 at 8% 3,277.80 8 7,389.53 at 10% 738.95 Total 37 $68,762.05 $5,114.75 Average rate 7.4% II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 5 $4,850.00 at 5% $242.50 1 700.00 at 7 49.00 7 8,781.76 at 8% 702.54 17 20,601.57 at 10% 2,060.16 Total 30 $34,933.33 $3,054.20 Average rate 8.7% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 2 $675.00 at 8% $54.00 2 2,000.00 at 10% 200.00 Total 4 $2,675.00 $254.00 Average rate 9.4% LOGAN COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 18 $25,800.00 at 6% $1,548.00 10 29,097.00 at 7% 2,036.79 6 51,428.00 at 8 4,114.24 3 2,300.00 at 9% 207.00 13 6,217.83 at 10% 621.78 Total 50. $114,842.83 $8,527.81 Average rate 7.4% Appendix B 233 II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 2 $1,500.00 at 6% $90.00 Average rate 6% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 16 $32,645.00 at 6% $1,958.70 7 19,950.00 at 7% 1,396.50 9 8,400.00 at 8% 672.00 30 19,575.15 at 10% 1,957.52 Total 62 $80,570.15 $5,984.72 Average rate 7.4% NEMAHA COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 16 . $77,800.00 at 5% $3,890.00 15 62,300.00 at 5J% 3,426.50 78 192,355.00 at 6% 11,541.30 2 5,700.00 at 6J% 370.50 28 26,093.00 at 7% 1,826.51 54 44,655.00 at 8% 3,572.40 1 250.00 at 9% 22.50 6 6,875.00 at 10% 687.50 Total200 $416,028.00 $25,337.21 Average rate 6.09% II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 16 $50,300.00 at 5% $2,515.00 12 67,000.00 at 5J% 3,685.00 2 14,000.00 at 57-10% 798.00 62 167,660.00 at 6% 10,059.60 1 2,000.00 at 6J% 130.00 17. 24,235.00 at 7% 1,696.45 17 17,226.00 at 8% 1,378.08 6. 6,490.00 at 10% 649.00 Total 133 $348,911.00. ..'...- $20,911.13 Average rate 5.9% 234 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 3 $7,290.00 at 5% $364.50 3 10,450.00 at 5J% 574.75 1 3,400.00 at 5f% 195.50 45 203,058.00 at 6% 12,183.48 1 2,500.00 at 6J% 2,500.00 17... 23,400.00 at 7% 1,638.00 21 22,430.00 at 8% 1,794.40 1 350.00 at 9%. 31.50 2 2,490.00 at 10% 249.00 Total 94 $275,368.00 , $16,254.38 Average rate 5.9% NUCKOLLS COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 . Loans Principal Rate Interest 4 $21,000.00 at 4% $840.00 29 112,079.00 at 5% 5,603.95 44 196,300.00 at 5J% 10,796.50 2 8,400.00 at 5f%.. 483.00 52 174,708.00 at 6% 10,482.48 2 10,300.00 at 6i% 669.50 T 28 45,594.38 at 7% 3,191.61 51 51,583.96 at 8% 4,126.72 1 2,000.00 at 9% 180.00 14 12,121.25 at 10% 1,212.13 Total 227 .$634.086.59 $37,585.89 Average rate 5.9% Appendix B 235 II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 2 $6,037.50 at 4% $241.50 49 178,000.00 at 5% 8,900.00 41. 171,350.00 at 5J% 9,424.25 22 59,940.00 at 6% 3,596.40 2 1,500.00 at 6|% 97.50 10 29,750.00 at 7% 2,082.50 2 1,650.00 at 7J% 123.75 49 56,436.17 at 8% 4,594.89 1 1,610.00 at 10% 161.00 Totall78 $506,273.67 $29,141.79 Average rate 5.7% YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1913. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Interest 1 $14,000.00 at 4% $560.00 53 219,000.00 at 5% 10,950.00 36 127,950.00 at 5|% 7,037.25 45. 120,191.00 at 6% 7,211.46 35 51,975.00 at 7% 3,638.25 81 106,302.00 at 8% 8,504.16 11 5,559.00 at 10% 555.90 Total 262 $644,977.00 $38,457.02 Average rate 5.9% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 8 $27,400.00 at 5% $1,370.00 4 10,800.00 at 5J% 594.00 1 1,600.00 at 5f% 92.00 31 80,422.67 at 6% 4,825.36 3 3,700.00 at 6J% 240.50 14 18,925.00 at 7% 1,324.75 39 27,704.76 at 8% 2,216.38 9 5,167.21 at 10% 516.72 Totall09 $175,719.64 $11,179.71 Average rate 6.3% 236 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission IV. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1913. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 6 $15,050.00 at 5% $752.50 4 19,700.00 at 51% 1,083.50 3 15,000.00 at 5f% 862.50 10 29,979.00 at 6% 1,798.74 6 12,888.00 at 7% 902.16 12.. 13,390.00 at 8%.. 1,071.20 Total 41 $106,007.00 $6,470.60 Average rate 6.1% POLK COUNTY I, YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 1 $1,500.00 at 2% $30.00 1 4,500.00 at 2J% 112,50 1. . . . 1,100.00 at 3% 33.00 2 3,500.00 at 4% 140.00 45 138,795.00 at 5% 6,939.75 23 60,990.00 at 51% 3,354.45 1 3,700.00 at 5f% 212.75 79. . .- 143,653.00 at 6% 8,619.18 6 5,175.00 at 6J% 336.37 23. 43,258.00 at 7% 3,028.06 1 700.00 at 71% 52.50 18 22,628.00 at 8% 1,810.24 2. ........ 1,000.00 at 10% 100.00 Total 203 $430,499.00 $24,768.80 Average rate 5.7% Appendix B 237 II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 53 $202,147.00 at 5% $10,107.35 33 158,000.00 at 5J% 8,690.00 2.... 6,000.00 at 5f% 345.00 80 179.540.00 at 6% 10,772.40 5 4,050.00 at 6|% 263.25 14 23,625.00 at 7% 1,653.75 12 13,980.00 at 8% 1,118.40 2 835.00 at 10% 83.50 Total 201 $588,177.00 $33,033.65 Average rate 5.6% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 2 $43,400.00 at 5% $2,170.00 2 7,000.00 at 5J% 385.00 6 29,800.00 at 6%. 1,788.00 1 2,000.00 at 7% 140.00 2 640.00 at 8% 51.20 Total 13 $82,840.00 $4,534.20 Average rate 5.4% WAYNE COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 1 $600.00 at 4% $24.00 1 10,000.00 at 4i% 450.00 45 183,567.14 at 5% 9,178.35 57 253,900.00 at 5f% 13,964.50 70 308,343.35 at 6% 18,500.60 2 6,000.00 at 6J% 380.00 2 1,450.00 at 6J% 94.25 28 49,600.00 at 7% 3,472.00 30 24,460.90 at 8% 1,957.19 5. . . . 16,820.00 at 10% 1,682.00 Total241 $854,741.39 $49,702.89 Average rate 5.8% 238 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 1 $11,400.00 at 4% $456.00 79 383,900.00 at 5% 19,195.00 28 140,200.00 at 5J% 7,711.00 42 161,625.00 at 6% 9,697.50 11 23,400.00 at 7% 1,638.00 23 27,838.00 at 8% 2,227.04 5 3,600.00 at 10% 360.00 Totall89 $751,963.90 $41,284.54 Average rate 5.4% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 8 $33,240.00 at 5% $1,662.00 6 35,500.00 at 5}%...-. 1,952.50 12. 25,500.00 at 6% 1,530.00 11 20,375.00 at 7% 1,426.25 15 16,772.65 at 8% 1,331.81 1 700.00 at 10% 70.00 Total 53 $132,087.65 $7,972.56 COUNTY I. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1911 No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 1 $4,000.00 at 4% $160.00 7 12,700.00 at 5% 635.00 38 117,900.00 at 6% 7,074.00 2 2,200.00 at 6J% 143.00 17 29,330.00 at 7%.. 2,053.10 9 12,800.00 at 8% 1,024.00 9 5,050.00 at 10% 505.00 Total 83 $183,980.00 $11,594.10 Average rate 6.3% Appendix B 239 II. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITH TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 7. ......... $9,880.00 at 5% $494.00 10 21,350.00 at 5J% 1,174.25 51 109,376.00 at 6% 6,562.56 3 5,300.00 at 6J% 344.50 23 38,675.00 at 7% 2,707.25 12 23,375.00 at 8% 1,870.00 14.. 5,425.00 at 10.. 542.50 Total 120 $213,381.00 $13,695.06 Average rate 6.4% III. YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1912. WITHOUT TAX CLAUSE No. Loans Principal Rate Interest 12. . . ! $28,860.00 at 6% $1,731.60 1 1,800.00 at 6J% 117.00 5 8,955.00 at 7% . 626.85 5 3,450.00 at 8%... 276.00 1 2,000.00 at 9% 180.00 1 75.00 at 10% 7.50 Total 25 $45,140.00 $2,938.95 Average rate 6.5% 240 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Table of Nebraska Counties Showing All Taxes Charged for All County Purposes, Including Average Levies of Township, Road District and All Minor Divisions Which Co-operate With County Government, for the Year 1913 Prepared by WARD NEWCOMB, Clerk of Clay County Counties Assessed Valuation County General Fund, Including Levies for Aid, Soldiers' Relief, Jury and Insanity County Bridge Fund, Including Bridge Bond and Emergency Bridge Levies County Road Fund, Including County Ditch and Dragging Levies Rate per $1000 Amount Charged Rate per $1000 Amount Charged Rate per $1000 Amount Charged Adams *S Antelope . . . . S Banner. Elaine Boone BoxButte.. . . Boyd S $7,657,232 5,283,142 436,929 587,155 5,608,066 2,052,616 2,798,599 1,832,301 7,623,468 6,996,826 7,917,320 8,430,797 8,211,089 -1,080,509 3,577,400 2,738,647 8,071,012 5,822,425 7,802,685 7,408,979 3,180,568 2,267,310 6,671,635 1,221,201 4,685,992 9,618,980 45,486,359 1,516,763 7,477,178 3,924,478 2,710,601 4,030,376 11,631,679 1,006,711 714,763 1,953,689 749,981 3,429,607 7,918,553 7,924,559 3,320,926 734,001 1,887,351 4,737,294 558,092 4,433,952 6,982,280 4,756.115 $7.10 5.00 9.00 8.20 5.00 9.00 7.10 9.00 5.10 4.20 5.05 5.20 6.00 9.00 9.00 8.00 3.30 5.20 6.10 7.70 3.20 9.00 8.00 9.10 7.00 6.10 9.21 8.20 3.90 6.00 6.00 5.70 6.22 9.10 9.25 5.00 7.50 5.50 5.21 4.60 5.20 9.00 8.00 8.20 9.00 6.05 4.20 7,50 $54,366 26,416 3,932 4,815 28,040 18,474 19,870 16,491 38,880 29,397 39,982 43,840 49,267 9,725 32,197 21,909 26,634 30,277 47,596 57,049 10,178 20,406 53,373 11,113 32,802 58,676 418,929 12,437 29,151 23,547 16,264 22,973 72,349 9,161 6,611 9,768 5,625 18,863 41,256 36,453 17,269 6,606 15,099 38,846 5,023 26,825 29,326 35,671 $2.90 3.00 1.50 2.50 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 3.35 4.00 2.00 3.00 3.00 1.50 1.80 5.00 5.00 2.00 5.00 3.00 4.00 1.00 4.00 5.00 2.40 2.00 2.80 2.75 4.20 4.00 4.88 2.00 4.00 4.00 $22,206 15,849 655 1,468 22,432 8,210 8,396 5,497 30,494 34,984 26,523 33,723 16,422 3,242 10,732 4,108 14,528 29,112 39,013 14,818 15,903 6,802 26,687 1,221 18,744 48,095 109,167 3,034 20,936 10,792 11,385 16,122 56,763 2,013 2,859 7,815 $2.00 2.50 5.00 2.00 .80 3.00 ' ' .80 ' '3.06' 1.20 3.00 3.00 2.00 .50 3.00 .10 2.00 3.00 3.00 4.00 3.00 1.20 1.10 1.09 2.00 1.00 1.25 4.00 2.00 .39 3.90 2.00 4.00 $874 1,468 28,040 4,105 2,239 5,497 5,597 25,292 9,853 3,242 10,732 5,477 4,036 17,467 780 14,818 9,542 6,802 26,687 4,763 5,623 10,581 49,580 3,034 7,477 4,906 10,842 8,061 4,536 3,926 1,430 7,815 Brown Buffalo S Burt S Butler S Cass Cedar Chase Cherry Cheyenne. . . . Clay S Colfax Cuming S Custer S Dakota Dawes Dawson Deuel Dixon S Dodge S Douglas .... Dundy Fillmore S Franklin . . . . S Frontier Furnas Gage ... S Garden Garfield Gosper Grant Greeley. . Hall S Hamilton Harlan S 4.00 3.20 4.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 5.00 1.00 5.00 3.00 4,00 13,718 25,339 31,698 9,963 2,202 5,662 23,686 558 22,170 20,9471 19,024 4.00 .51 2.10 '3.06' 2.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 5.00 8,40 13,718 4,038 16,642 2,202 3,775 4,737 1,116 13,302 84,911 16,171 Hayes Hitchcock .... Holt S Hooker . Howard. . , . Jefferson Johnson,, Appendix C 241 Table of Nebraska Counties Showing All Taxes Charged for All County Purposes, Including Average Levies of Township, Road District and All Minor Divisions Which Co-operate With County Government, for the Year 1913 (Cont'd) Prepared by WARD NEWCOMB, Clerk of Clay County Counties Railway and Court House Bonds, Judgment and Old Claim Levies, Sinking andBuildingFunds Township and Special Road and Bridge District Levies notUnif orm Over the County But Reduced to an Average Rate Total Rate per $1000 Tax per Capita 1910 Census Rate peri Amount $1000 Charged Rate per $1000 Amount Charged Adams *S $3.70 5.05 $28,342 26,689 $104,914 68,954 5,461 7,751 78,512 35,305 60,826 27,485 113,847 133,833 106,661 115,501 75,542 21,612 53,661 36,971 73,856 79,068 123,429 151,572 36,988 34,010 134,150 17,097 77,103 144,957 714,135 18,505 83,200 56,728 38,491 47,156 194,321 15,100 12,330 25,398 5,625 49,729 112,924 84,793 41,855 11,010 25,444 105,511 8,650 76,263 85,619 70,866 $13.70 13.05 12.50 13.20 14.00 17.20 21.73 15.00 14.93 19.13 13.47 13.70 9.20 20.00 15.00 13.50 9.15 13.58 15.82 20.46 11.63 15.00 20.11 14.00 16.43 15.07 15.70 12.20 11.13 14.45 14.20 11.70 16.71 15.00 17.25 13.00 7.50 14.50 14.26 10.70 12.60 15.00 13.50 22.27 15.50 17.20 12.26 14,90 $5.00 4.92 3.78 4.64 5.97 5.76 6.89 4.52 5.20 10.52 6.92 5.84 4.97 5.98 5.15 8.12 4.70 6.81 8.96 5.91 5.63 4.12 8.40 9.57 6.72 6.55 4.24 4.52 5.67 5.51 4.49 3.90 6.41 4.27 3.61 5.15 5.13 6.18 5.55 6.30 4.37 3.66 4.70 6.65 8.82 7.07 5.08 6,96 Antelope S Banner i - - - Elaine Boone Box Butte $2.20 4.10 '.50 6.20 $4,516 11,474 3',812 43,380 .. .1 Boyd . S 6.73 5.33 2.93 5.07 18,847 40,661 20,475 40,156 Brown ........ Buffalo S Burt S Butler S Cass 1.50 12,646 Cedar Chase Cherry 5.00 5,403 Cheyenne 2.00 5,477 Clay S Colfax 3.55 .38 4.62 8.76 .43 28,658 2,212 36,040 64,887 1,365 Cuming S Custer S Dakota - Dawes Dawson . ... 4.00 26,687 .11 716 Deuel Dixon S 4.23 2.87 19,934 27,605 Dodge S Douglas 3.00 136,459 Dundy Fillmore S 3.43 25,636 4.45 17,483 Franklin S Frontier . . . Furnas 1,279 ' S.'ll ' 59',394 Gage S Garden .11 Garfield Gosper 2.00 1,430 Grant Greeley 1.00 1.28 3,430 10,136 Hall S Hamilton 4.06 32,155 Harlan S 4.40 14,623 Hayes Hitchcock . . .50 8.07 908 38,242 Holt S Hooker 3.50 2.95 1,953 13,080 Howard .20 .06 886 435 Jefferson Johnson 242 Report of Nebraska Tax Commission Table of Nebraska Counties Showing All Taxes Charged for All County Purposes, Including Average Levies of Township, Road District and All Minor Divisions Which Co-operate With County Government, for the Year 1913 (Cont'd) Prepared by WARD NEWCOMB, Clerk of Clay County Counties Assessed Valuation County General Fund, Including Levies for Aid, Soldiers' Relief, Jury and Insanity County Bridge Fund, Including Bridge Bond and Emergency Bridge Levies County Road Fund, Including County Ditch and Dragging Levies Rate per Amount $1000 | Charged Rate per $1000 Amount Rate per Charged $1000 Amount Charged Kearney S 4,297,134 2,166,478 1,006,543 1,515,052 5,841,897 23,980,164 5,334,410 532,445 419,928 6,906,174 545,377 5,279,341 1,571,682 4,171,545 5,773,820 6,095,336 8,726,464 5,438,629 1,370,237 4,400,861 4,663,348 9,043,071 5,663,987 3,089,829 7,582,241 1,192,469 8,228,839 4,254,636 10,493,969 2,788,631 8,499,228 2,860,442 3,204,661 1,397,566 4,416,184 6,142,077 532,546 3,426,161 3,641,053 5,862,859 5,702,159 5,388,463 696,934 9,077,353 4.76 9.00 9.00 7.50 5.20 5.50 7.00 9.00 9.00 6.20 9.00 3.80 9.00 6.20 5.20 4.00 6.00 3.70 6.10 4.20 6.20 4.20 4.60 7.50 5.70 9.00 3.70 7.50 5.20 9.00 3.50 9.00 4.25 9.00 7.20 3.20 9.00 7.00 3.90 4.10 5.10 4.00 9.00 3.20 20,454 19,498 9,058 11,363 30,378 131,891 40,542 4,792 3,779 42,818 4,908 20,061 14,145 25,864 30,024 24,381 52,359 20,123 8,358 18,484 28,913 37,981 26,054 23,174 43,219 10,732 30,447 31,910 54,569 25,098 29,747 25,744 13,620 12,578 31,797 19,655 4,793 23,983 14,200 24,038 29,081 21,554 6,272 29,048 2.79 2.75 4.00 .50 5.00 2.50 2.80 2.00 4.00 5.00 2.75 3.70 3.00 7.00 5.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 11,989 5,958 4,026 758 29,209 59,950 14,936 1,065 1,680 34,531 1,500 19,534 4,715 29,201 28,869 24,381 34,906 21,755 .10 2.75 2.00 2.50 1.00 430 5,958 2,013 3,788 5,842 Keith Keya Paha . . . Kimball Knox S Lancaster. . . . Lincoln 3.70 4.00 2.00 3.50 2.75 19,737 2,130 840 24,172 1,500 Logan . Loup Madison. . . . McPherson . . . Merrick S Morrill 2.50 1.00 2.00 2.00 3,925 4,172 11,548 12,191 Nance S Nemaha Nuckolls . . Otoe Pawnee 5.00 1.50 27,193 2,055 Perkins Phelps S Pierce . 5.00 1.80 2.60 4.00 3.50 3.50 2.50 4.00 4.50 2.00 3.00 3.00 4.00 4.00 5.00 4.00 1.00 4.00 2.20 4.00 4.25 4.00 1.00 2.50 23,317 16,278 14,726 12,359 26,538 4,174 20,572 17,019 47,223 5,577 25,498 8,581 12,819 5,590 22,081 24,568 533 13,705 8,010 23,451 24,234 21,554 697 22,693 2.00 1.80 4.00 3.00 9,327 16,278 22,656 9,269 Platte S Polk Red Willow... Richardson. .S Rock 2.50 3.00 3.50 2.00 3.00 2,981 24,687 14,891 20,988 8,366 Saline Sarpy Saunders Scott's Bluff. . Seward S Sheridan 3.00 .25 2.00 3.00 3.00 4.00 3.00 .10 3.20 1.60 3.00 4.00 8,581 801 2,795 13,249 18,426 2,130 10,278 364 18,761 9,123 16,165 2,788 Sherman . . . .S Sioux Stanton Thayer Thomas Thurston Valley S Washington. . . Wayne . Webster Wheeler . . York. S Total.... $470,690,414 $2,815,244 $1,606,477 $776,186 *S Supervisor or township organization Appendix C 243 Table of Nebraska Counties Showing All Taxes Charged for AH County Purposes, Including Average Levies of Township, Road District and All Minor Divisions Which Co-operate With County Government, for the Year 1913 (Cont'd) Prepared by WARD NEWCOMB, Clerk of Clay County Counties Railway and Court House Bonds, Judgment and Old Claim Levies, Sinking andBuildingFunds Township and Special Road and Bridge District Levies notUnif orm Over the County But Reduced to an Average Rate Total Rate per $1000 Tax pei Capita 1910 Census Rate per $1000 Amount Charged Rate per $1000 Amount Charged Kearney S Keith .55 1.50 2.20 2,363 3,250 2,214 3.67 15,762 50,998 34,664 17,311 15,909 109,120 250,577 76,884 7,987 6,299 101,521 7,908 78,871 23,575 88,237 76,485 63,980 149,291 93,296 10,961 47,092 62,980 108,163 63,436 44,802 86,510 17,887 83,549 63,820 128,027 44,102 101,000 42,906 71,478 20,963 67,127 77,161 7,456 51,392 52,270 83,253 64,055 80,827 10,454 87,958 11.87 16.00 17.20 10.50 18.68 10.45 14.41 15.00 15.00 14.70 14.50 14.94 15.00 21.15 13.25 10.50 17.11 17.15 8.00 10.70 13.51 11.96 11.20 14.50 11.41 15.00 10.15 15.00 12.20 15.81 11.88 15.00 22.30 15.00 15.20 12.56 14.00 15.00 14.36 14.20 11.23 15.00 15.00 9.69 5.6( 9.01 5.0: 8.11 '5.9' 3.4( 4.9( 5.21 2. 5.3: 3.2( 7.6( 5.1' 9.81 5.8' 4.9. 7.7J 8.81 4.2( 4.5: 6.25 5.61 6.0; 4.0{ 4.9( 4.9; 4.6* 6.8* 6.0* 5.2* 6.3 5.8* 8.6c 3.74 8.9C 5.22 6.26 5.9C 5.51 6.54 6.16 6.73 4.56 4.69 Keya Paha .... Kimball Knox S 7.48 .75 .31 43,691 17,970 1,669 Lancaster 1.70 40,766 Lincoln . ... Logan Loup Madison McPherson . . . Merrick S 1.70 .50 8,975 786 5.74 30,301 Morrill Nance S 6.95 1.05 .50 3.91 .45 29,000 6,044 3,027 34,101 2,470 Nemaha Nuckolls Otoe 3.20 4.00 .40 2.00 27,925 21,755 548 8,802 Pawnee Perkins Phelps S Pierce 4.50 .31 4.16 19,806 1,423 37,626 Platte . . . . S Polk Red Willow Richardson. . S 2.21 16,753 Rock Saline . . .95 7,843 Sarpy Saunders .... .50 ' ' i.20 ' 5,247 ' ' 1.81 ' 4.18 ' 5,06 i 35,556 Scott's Bluff . . . Seward S Sheridan 10,199 Sherman S Sioux 3.50 11,216 10.30 33,022 Stanton .... Thayer 2.36 14,512 Thomas Thurston . . . Valley S Washington Wayne. 1.00 1.00 2.90 .25 4.00 1.00 3,426 3,641 17,003 1,426 21,554 697 7.16 26,055 .03 3.99 191 Webster . . Wheeler.. York S 36,217 Totals . . . $472,955 . . $964,449 $6,635,261 $14.10 *S Supervisor or township organization 35629 IVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY