By Stephanie Shea, Communications Strategist, Arlington County Treasurer’s Office

There was a time in ye old Virginia, when individuals were taxed on their possessions, or “tangibles.”  In the 1600s, it was the Sheriff who noted a person’s chairs, beds, silver, farm equipment, and other assets. The Sheriff, too, received the tax payments. Over much time, tangible tax for individuals was eventually replaced by a vehicle personal property tax. Today, individuals no longer pay tax on their non-vehicle possessions, but businesses still do. And today, it is the Commissioner of Revenue who makes assessments, with whom you file, and who performs audits. It is the Treasurer’s Office who sends the bills for taxes and receives the payments. The Sheriff is no longer in the tax business.
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Businesses must report property that is owned, leased, or in their possession in Arlington as of January 1. All Arlington County businesses must file a Business Tangible Property Tax Return with the Commissioner of Revenue each year by May 1. There are a few exempted items, and the Commissioner’s website can help you learn what those are. Payments are due each year to the Treasurer’s Office by September 5.

By Johanna Spath, Principal, Everbrook Academy

“Is my child ready for elementary school?” If you’re the parent of a young child, or children, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question. In today’s world, we want to make sure that we’re giving our children every advantage and opportunity that we can. And that means ensuring that their education begins early—and gets off to the right start.
 
So how do you choose a preschool? There are many factors to consider, so you want to weigh your options carefully and make sure that you’re making the best decision for your family.

By Christine Searle, Owner, Searle Business Solutions, LLC

Hooray! Searle Business Solutions, LLC, just celebrated its third anniversary and survived the crucial two-year period when 33 percent of all new businesses fail. So how did I beat the odds? Looking back at all the things I did, engagement in the Arlington Chamber of Commerce tops the list.
 
Three years ago this month, I quit my full time job, launched my website, and started networking. I was ready for a change and determined to build a sustainable business helping nonprofits, businesses, and individuals get control over and understand their finances. Back then, “chamber of commerce” was just a vague term that I had heard on NPR.​

By Shannon Flanagan-Watson, Arlington County Business Ombudsman and Assistant County Manager

As Arlington County’s Business Ombudsman, I have the privilege and exciting opportunity to work every day in partnership with the business community. During this time, I’ve worked with numerous small and large businesses, and many organizations including the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Ballston, Crystal City and Rosslyn Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and other business associations in Arlington.

By Caroline Taylor, Communications Manager, Arlington Chamber of Commerce

Here at the Chamber, we work hard to provide valuable opportunities and events to help our members and the business community grow and thrive. With this goal in mind, we began work on a live podcast series with ARLnow, called Secrets to Success, which features various Arlington business titans who share personal insight and their path to success in the business world. Each episode is recorded before a live audience and later posted online. During the planning process, a live event like this seemed like a win for everyone involved – for young and emerging professionals looking to learn the ropes, as well as more established business leaders seeking to build their networks.
 
We couldn’t have been more right.