The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1906-01-09
TAXATION.

aNatIon.
The execution of our tax laws remains
unsatisfactory. Inequality of valuations,
the escape of personal property and vari-
Gus forms of tax evasions are intensifying
. the dissatisfaction. Whatever theory may
be held as to the wisdom of taxing per-
sonal property, that subject is not ques-
ton of debate so long as our constitution
requires 1t to be taxed. Personal property
has multiplied rapidly In the last decade
not only through increased production,
but through the various forms of bond
and stock issues. Our tax levies how
ever, falsify this well known fact. The
per capita value of assessed personal prop
erty in 1879 was $l14; in 1904 it was $72
This statement needs no comment. The
assessed value of our real property In
creased from 1927. 100000 in 1879 to 1912 1872,
b94 In 1904, over NO per cent. Our assessed
personal property in 1879 was $l29 900 900
and in 1904 S15s, 9e7, an increase of less
then 20 per cent
According to the census reports and
other statistical data, we had at the las
census tangible personal property in the
state amounting to $5S3,O00,000, and to. this
can be added intangible personal property
consisting of trust company, bank stocks
and insurance values amounting to $780,
100000, making the total over $3.50 000.0 00
as against an assessment of 1858, pa, 9S7.
and this does not include over $500 600 900
of cash deposits, which some hold merely
represent other forms of property. APP
parently nearly $500.O00000 of tangible per
sonal property escapes the assessor This
Is about 80 per cent of the present assesses
ed valuations of all property In the state
and II assessed should result in reducing
the tax rates SO 1-s per cent on the pres
ent basis of expenditure. Real estate Is
clearly bearing an unfair share of taxa
ton and persons of small means a larger
proportion Of taxes than the well to do. A
vast deal of property now escapes through
lack of courage or through favoritism on
the part of officials.
The claim that 1t is impossible to find
and list property that now escapes the
tax assessors is the cry of Incompetence
What the census taker can find the as
SCISSOR surely can find Recent events
have shown that other reforms once said
to be impossible can be accomplished
Reform in this direction Is no exception
to the rule. Massachusetts, which com
pares with our state in many particulars,
finds 1897 worth of personal property per
capita for assessment. New Jersey should
be able to find more than $72
The lack of uniformity In valuations
and assessments is well known This is
largely due to a system that depends upon
the varying judgments OF 500 or more diff
ferent tax assessors with as many differ
ent views. In some states uniformity is
secured by a state board or county
board making complete valuation of all
property at periods of from three TO five
years. inequalities grow UP in the in.
term. but a REIMBURSEMENT OF values cor
reefs these inequalities at each recurring
period of county or state assessment Tho
adoption OF some sucn method as this IN
our own state is worthy Of consideration.
Taxpayers and Tax Spsnders.
The economical administration of state
affairs and the Increase in the state reve-
nues under wise legislation have enabled
the state to assist In the relief Of local
taxation. New Jersey does this with a
liberal hand. She is not only paying part
of the expenses OF city and county, but
she contributes large sums that would
otherwise be raised through local taxes
This year such aid to the various taxing
districts amounts to over s2,s20.000. To
this should be added s4S5.O00. the proceeds
OF the act of last year, taxing second
class railroad property at local rates,
making total Of over y2S0000Q.
Nearly all Of this annual return has
some within the last ten years yet dur
ing this period Of increased income from
the state local taxes have increased.
The taxpayer in the municipalities has a
right to ask to what purpose is this vast
sum Contributed II he derives no benefits
therefrom IN reduced tax bills. Our boast
ed system Of corporate taxation fails if ri