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Smithfield Tax Assessor
Smithfield Town Hall
64 Farnum Pike
Smithfield, RI  02917

Phone: 401-233-1014
Fax: 401-232-7244



Suzanne Kogut
Tax Assessor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Assessor
 


Suzanne Kogut
Tax Assessor

E-Mail

 

 
 
Questions Regarding Motor Vehicle Taxes

Why is my motor vehicle tax bill higher this year?

Prior to this year’s bill, Motor Vehicle values were reduced $6,000 by the State. The revenue lost by this exemption was reimbursed to Smithfield by the State of RI. This year, Legislators have amended to law to read that beginning in the fiscal year 2011 and thereafter, the exemption shall be $500.00 Cities and Towns may exempt more, however any such additional exemption shall not be subject to reimbursement. After careful consideration, Smithfield has exempted $1,000 from the value. The impact to individual motor vehicle owners is $39.00 per each additional $1000 value up to $6,000. The Town has also further reduced the real estate rate to ease some of the burden.

Example: A vehicle valued at $7,000 last year would have a $39.00 bill. $7,000 - $6,000 exemption = $1,000 value x $39.00 per thousand.

The same vehicle this year with a value of $7,000 would have a bill of $234.00. $7,000 - $1,000 = $6,000 value x $39 per thousand.

Why did my motor vehicle increase in value?

State Law has been amended to eliminate the hold harmless provision which had limited increased assessed value of vehicles from one year to the next. This year, used vehicles have seen an increase in market value due to the demand for used vehicles. The affordability of new cars in this economy has decreased which has placed a high demand for used vehicles which has driven up the values.

Also affecting the used car market was the recent “cash for clunkers” program which mandated these vehicles be disposed of and they were not put back into the market. The less cars on the market, the greater the demand for the existing ones.

 
2009 Revaluation Vision Appraisal Technology has completed the review process for the Smithfield Statistical Revaluation and assessments notices have been mailed as of 02/04/2010. Read more>>>
 

The Annual Business Registration Forms for businesses in the Town of Smithfield are mailed in October.  Please completely fill out this form and return it to the Town Clerk’s office, with the $5.00 fee, by December 15th in order to process by December 31st.  The form will be reviewed and, if in compliance, a Registration Certificate will be mailed to you.  Please read the Ordinance that applies to this renewal and the penalties which apply located below.  

This annual registration is not required for any business required to obtain a town license pursuant to RI General Law.  Please notify this office if this applies to you so that we may remove you from the annual notification.   

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Tax Assessor’s office at 233-1014 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Businesses are required to file two annual forms:
Annual Tangible Property Declaration Information about PDF documents.
Annual Business Registration Information about PDF documents.
 

PHONE:  401-233-1014

FAX:  401-232-7244

LOCATION:  The Tax Assessor's office is located in Town Hall, 64 Farnum Pike, on the 1st floor. 

FUNCTION:  This office prepares all regular and special assessment tax rolls for the Town of Smithfield as dictated by law. The tax assessor evaluates all taxable personal property within the town. All property is assessed as of December 31st of each year based on the use of the property during the current year.

Motor vehicles are also valued using the state's "Vehicle Value Commission" publication. Also, values are based on last years' number of days registered during that year.

Tax bills will be mailed out on July 30th with quarterly payments due September 1 - 30, December 1 - 31, and March 1 - 31. The last payment is due on June 1 - 30 of the following year.

  • Reminder: Tax summaries are available for viewing & printing on the Smithfield RI Tax Database.
     
  • Helpful: The following is a direct link to the Rhode Registry of Motor Vehicles website which can be used to change your address, renew registrations, and change tax towns:  http://www.dmv.ri.gov/
     

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 2010 tax rates?

Real Estate $15.59
Motor Vehicle $39.00
Inventory $0
Tangible $56.98

How is my property tax assessment calculated?
The values are based on 2009 Revaluation Schedules.  The market value of the land is added to the replacement cost new less depreciation of the improvements.
This value is compared to the selling price of similar houses in similar neighborhoods. The more heated living space the higher the assessment. 

How is my motor vehicle tax calculated?
The values placed on motor vehicles are based on the number of days registered during the previous year ending 12/31.  The State publishes a schedule of values each year and that value times the mill rate per thousand equals the new value.   The 2010 motor vehicle bill reflects the elimination of the State's $6,000 exemption.

Are forms from the Tax Assessor's office available on-line?
Yes.  Several forms are available on the forms page of this web site.

How can I report changes to my property?
Changes or any improvements to your property should be done with the issuance of a building permit. Visit the Building Officials Office on the lower level of Town Hall. 

How do I qualify for an exemption?
The Tax Assessor's office has exemption applications available for veterans, senior citizens and disabled persons. Please call before December 31 for senior citizens and March 15 for veterans and disabled persons for qualification information.  Exemptions affect only the current years taxes.  Call 233-1014 to get the specific qualifications. 

When will I receive my tax bill?
Tax bills for 2010 are scheduled to be mailed on July 30, 2010.

How can I appeal my valuation?

The first step is to obtain an appeal form on-line or at the assessor’s office.  Follow the instructions for filing an appeal and return to the office.  According to R.I. General Law, the appeal deadline is 30 days for Motor Vehicles and 90 days for Real Estate and Personal Property.

Motor vehicle appeals must be filed thirty (30) days from the mailing of your tax bill, and real estate and tangible have ninety (90) days from the first due date.

Do I have to register my business with the Tax Assessor?
Yes.  According to Town Ordinance 236-13, all commercial and/or manufacturing businesses located in Smithfield, prior to the initial commencement of business within the Town, shall file a business registration.  The form for this registration is available on-line or may be obtained in the Town Clerk's office.   The form, along with a $5.00 fee, can be returned to the Assessor's office at 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI. 02917. Annual Business Registrations are also required.
 


 

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