Businesses in Arizona face a levy on possessions used for income generation, including equipment, furniture, and inventory. This assessment, based on an asset’s depreciated value, varies by county and is administered at the local level. For instance, a printing company might pay based on the value of its presses and cutting equipment. This system differs from levies on real property like land and buildings.
This revenue stream provides crucial funding for essential public services delivered by county governments, such as education, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance. Historically, this form of taxation has been a cornerstone of local government finance in many states, allowing for localized resource allocation and supporting community-specific needs. The system aims to distribute the tax burden fairly among businesses based on their investment in productive assets.