The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-10-28
THE TRrEsSraL ASSESSMENT.

THE IRIENNfAL ASSESSMENT.
." We are very busy just now getting out
the proper election blanks and papers," said
County Commissioners Clerk Hileman on
Saturday, but expect to finish up next
week. when we will be able to devote our
time to the triennial assessment. We have
received the new records in which are to be
kept the judgments and mortgages certified
to us by the Prothonotary and Recorder. but
we have not yet received the blank returns
which each taxable is required to fill up. 1t
is hard to tell what to do with all these
blanks after they shall be returned, as they
will soon fill all the vault room at the dis
will be distributed as soon as received. so
that the Assessors may not be delayed in
their work. The new tax law was passed at
the late session of the lee islature, and bears
of the taxpayer to return his taxable proper
ty of personal nature. instead of requiring
the assessor to hunt it up, as heretofore. The
assessor is empowered TO swear the person
making the return to its truthfuiness. 1t is
expected that the new plan will develop
thousands of dollars worth of property that
never paid taxes before.
WHAT Is TAXABLE.
The act makes taxable for state purposes
at the rate CT three mills on the dollar, all
money owing by solvent debtors. whether by
promissory note or penal or single bill bond
or judgment: also all articles of agreement
and accounts bearing interest, owned or pos
sessed by any person or persons whatever
except notes or bills for work or labor done,
and all money loaned or invested in any
other state. and all other moneyed capital in
the hands of individual citizens of the state,
all shares of stock IN any bank or saving in
stitution or company, safe deposit. guaran-
tee, surety and real estate title insurance. or
trust company now or hereafter incorporat.
ed by or in pursuance of any law of the
commonwealth or the United States. In
case any of these concerns decide to collect
annually from the shareholders tax Of six
tenths of one per cent. upon the par value
of all the shares of the corporation, and pay
the same into the state treasury on or be-
fore the first day of March in each year. the
shares and so much Of the capital and prof.
is OF each as shall not be invested in real
estate shall be exempt from all other taxa
ton.
HOW WILL you SWEAR?
As in the old act upon the subject. all
household furniture. vehicles, watches and
other personal property are taxable. Under
the new law there is no escaping from prop
er taxation. Formerly the statements were
not made under oath. Now the assessor is
required to furnish blank to each taxpayer
who must fill it out and make return within
ten days after, with an affidavit attached.
made and subscribed before the assessor, that
the return is true and correct to the best Of
his or her belief There Is . special provi-
sion for the benefit of those Who might be
disinclined to give the assessor the informa.
ton be desires. Upon the refusal or failure
of any taxable person to make 4 return rs
requested, it will be the duty of the assessor
to make return for the person estimating
the amount from the best information at bis
command. to which estimated return The
county commissioners will add 50 per cent.
ana the aggreease amount shall Be tbe ba-
SIS of taxation. The assesspFs will ad~inis-
ter the oaths and aflrmatiopa geaWired BY
the act to all taxable penons without charge.