FAQs • What is a Personalty tax and why do I have to pay it?

What is a Personalty tax and why do I have to pay it?: Personalty tax is a tangible tax on the assets used to run and operate your business listed on an asset schedule provided by Shelby County. The Shelby County Assessor’s office provides the assessed value. If the asset schedule is not filed by March 1 with Shelby County, they will issue a forced assessment.

Business Licenses

1. Do I need to obtain a business license for both the City of Bartlett and Shelby County?: Yes. If your business is located within the Bartlett city limits, or if you do business in Bartlett, you will need to obtain both a city and a county license. Please see either the City of Bartlett’s website or call 901-385-6428 and Shelby County Business Tax 901-222-3059.

First, you must obtain a Shelby County Business License. They are located at 1075 Mullins Station and can be reached at 901-222-3059 if you have any questions.

Secondly, the Bartlett application is an on-line process. The application can be accessed via https://bartletttnbusiness.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/bartletttnbusiness .

Once completed and submitted online along with the required documents, it will go through an electronic approval process from the Planning/Zoning and Code Enforcement Departments. The Fire Marshal approval will also be required for commercial buildings.

Once all of the approvals are received, the application will be forwarded to the Tax Department.

An invoice will be emailed to the email address indicated on the application for the $15 application fee to be paid.

After payment is received, the new business license will be issued and emailed to the address indicated on your application for posting in your place of business.

3. What is a Personalty tax and why do I have to pay it?: Personalty tax is a tangible tax on the assets used to run and operate your business listed on an asset schedule provided by Shelby County. The Shelby County Assessor’s office provides the assessed value. If the asset schedule is not filed by March 1 with Shelby County, they will issue a forced assessment.

4. If my business closes what do I do?: Business closures are handled by the TN Department of Revenue. All closures will require that the business file a final/closed gross receipt tax return and remittance of all taxes. A copy of the final/closed business tax return must be given to the Bartlett’s Tax Department.
Also, the Shelby County Assessor’s Office Asset Schedule Department must be notified within 15 days after the date of selling or terminating the business. If the business asset schedule is not closed by December 31 of the year in which the business was sold or closed as assessment will be levied for the next year.