miles of line and superstructure within its limits. The total value of rolling stock owned and used in the State by each company is listed with the assessor of the county in which its principal office is located. The total rendition is forwarded to the State controller, who apportions the value among the counties on a pro rata mileage basis. This valuation is then added to the valuation of the other property of the road and is the basis for State and local taxes. Occupation tax.'-Railroad companies also pay to the State an occupation tax of 1 per cent on gross receipts from passenger travel. This tax is paid quarterly to the controller on a sworn statement by authorized officers of the various companies. Steamboat and stage companies pay the same tax. Telegraph and telephone companies. Telegraph companies pay a tax of 1 cent on every full-rate message sent between points in the State and a tax of one-half cent on other than full-rate messages, in addition to the usual local property taxes. Telephone companies annually pay the State a tax of 23 cents per telephone in use in the State." Sleeping-car and express companies. Sleeping-car companies pay a State tax of one-fourth of 1 per cent on the value of their capital stock in use in the State. The valuation is determined on a pro rata mileage basis, and the value of all property other than rolling stock is deducted. There is also a State tax of 24 per cent on gross receipts from passenger traffic in the State. Express companies pay a State tax of 14 per cent on gross receipts from traffic in the State." All sleeping-car and express companies are subject to the usual local property taxes. UTAH. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS. State aid.-The State shall neither loan its credit to nor subscribe to stock or bonds in any railroad, telegraph, or other private enterprise. (Art. VI, sec. 31.) The legislature shall not release any individual or corporation from its liability to the State or to any local division thereof. (Art. VI, sec. 27.) Uniform tax on property.-There shall be a uniform and equal rate of assessment and taxation on all property in the State. Every person and corporation shall be taxed in proportion to value of property. (Art. XIII, sec. 3.) All persons and corporations doing business in the State shall be subject to taxation for State and local purposes on all their property. (Art. XIV, sec. 10.) Rolling stock shall be considered and taxed as personalty. (Art. XII, sec. 14.) Income, license, and franchise taxes.-The legislature may levy a stamp tax, and taxes based on income, occupation, licenses, franchises, or mortgages. (Art. XIV, sec. 12.) Local aid.-The legislature shall not authorize any local division to loan its credit or subscribe to stock or bonds in any railroad, telegraph, or other private enterprise. (Art. VI, sec. 31.) Railroad companies." STATUTE PROVISIONS. Listing, valuation, etc.-The officials of railroads operating in more than one county are required to make annual reports to the State, setting forth all their property and its value. On the basis of these reports the various companies are assessed by the State board of equalization on their property and franchises. Rolling stock is valued on a pro rata mileage basis. The total valuation is apportioned among the counties for the computation and collection of the tax. Local taxation.-Railroad lands not employed for operating purposes are locally assessed and taxed. There is also a local tax on the values apportioned by the State. Telegraph, telephone, car, and depot companies.R These companies are taxed like railroads. 1 Revised Statutes of Texas (1895), p. 1019. 2 Ibid., pp. 1019., 1031. Ibid., p. 1075. 4 Ibid., p. 1076. Laws of 1897, p. 170. 8 Ibid., pp. 102-103. Nothing specific. Railroad companies.' VERMONT. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS. > STATUTE PROVISIONS. Listing, valuation, etc.-Railroad companies are required to make full returns, not more frequently than biennially, to the commissioner of State taxes, who appraises the value of the railroad property, including the corporate franchise. In the case of interstate roads, the valuation is determined on a pro rata mileage basis. The rate of the tax is seven-tenths of 1 per cent. Alternative gross earnings tax.-Railroad companies may pay in lieu of the tax on property and franchise a tax of 24 per cent on gross earnings from business done in the State, including a pro rata mileage portion of interstate earnings. Telegraph and telephone companies. Telegraph companies are taxed on the value of property and franchise as follows: 60 cents per mile of poles and the first line of wire; 40 cents per mile on each additional wire. In lieu of this tax, telegraph companies may pay a tax of 3 per cent on their gross earnings from business done in the State." Telephone companies pay a tax of 3 per cent on their gross earnings from business done in the State. Express and sleeping-car companies.3 Express companies pay a tax of 4 per cent on their gross earnings from business done in the State. Sleeping-car companies pay a tax of 5 per cent on their gross earnings from business done in the State. Steamboat, car, and transportation companies.* All such companies incorporated under the laws of the State pay a tax of seventenths of 1 per cent on an appraised valuation of their property and corporate franchises, or in lieu thereof a tax of 2 per cent on their entire gross earnings. License tax.5 All corporations doing business in the State and all incorporated in the State pay an annual State license tax of $10 if their respective capitals are $50,000 or less, and of $5 for each additional $50,000 of capital, the total tax not to exceed $50. Local taxation.6 The real and personal estate of all transportation companies not used for operating purposes is appraised by the listers of the towns like the property of individuals. Powers of commissioner of State taxes." This officer is empowered by law to summon witnesses, and to examine corporation books, papers, etc., to assist in reaching correct valuations for purposes of taxation. VIRGINIA. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS. Internal improvement.-The State shall not engage in nor be a party to works of internal improvement otherwise than in the expenditure of grants to the State of land and other property. (Art. X, sec. 15.) State aid.-The credit of the State shall not be granted in aid of any person, association, or corporation. (Art. X, sec. 12.) The State shall not be interested in the stock of any corporation. (Art. X, sec. 13.) The liability of any corporation to the State shall not be released nor diminished. (Art. X, sec. 21.) Uniform tax on property.-Taxation shall be uniform. All property shall be taxed according to its value. (Art. X, sec. 1.) 1 Vermont Statutes, Title 10, secs. 557-564. 2 Ibid., secs. 565–568. Ibid., secs. 569-571. * Ibid., secs. 572-574. Ibid., sec. 575. 7 Ibid., secs. 368–373, 593. Business capital.-The capital invested in all business operations shall be assessed and taxed as other property. Assessments upon stock shall be according to the market value thereof. (Art. X, sec. 4.) Railroad companies.1 STATUTE PROVISIONS. Listing, valuation, etc.-Railroad companies are required to make annual returns to the auditor of public, accounts, setting forth their entire property and their gross receipts and net earnings from operation. The auditor is empowered to examine corporation books and papers. The board of public works appraises all railroad property. The taxes on this appraisement are paid into the State treasury. Gross receipts tax.-Railroad companies also pay a tax on gross receipts to pay the expenses of the railroad commission. Local taxation.-Railroad real estate not in the right of way, including depots and other buildings, is locally assessed and taxed. Telegraph and telephone companies.? These companies are taxed on their property for State and public school purposes. Telegraph companies pay in addition a license tax of $2 per mile of poles, and 2 per cent on gross earnings from business done in the State. Telephone companies pay in addition a license tax, as follows: Those using 600 instruments or less, 50 cents on each instrument. Those using between 600 and 1,000 instruments, 75 cents on each instrument. Those using between 1,000 and 2,000 instruments, $1 on each instrument. Those using more than 2,000 instruments, $1.50 on each instrument. Express and navigation companies.3 These companies are assessed on their property by the State, and pay the usual property taxes. Express companies in addition pay an annual State license tax, as follows: Those operating over 1,000 miles or more in the State, $500; less than 1,000 miles, $300. Sleeping-car companies.3 These companies are taxed by the State for State and public school purposes. The tax is based on a pro rata mileage proportion of their capital stock. They also pay the usual local property taxes. Canal companies.* These companies are assessed and taxed on their property like railroads. WASHINGTON. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS. Release from taxation.-The power to tax corporations and corporate property shall not be surrendered or suspended by the State. (Art. VII, sec. 4.) State aid.-The credit of the State shall not be extended in aid of any person, association, or corporation. (Art. VIII, sec. 5.) Uniform tax on property.-There shall be a uniform and equal rate of assessment and taxation on all property in the State. (Art. VII, sec. 2.) Corporations.-Corporate property shall be taxed as nearly as may be by the same methods as are followed in taxing individual property. (Art. VII, sec. 3.) Rolling stock shall be considered and taxed as personal property. (Art. XII, sec. 17.) Local aid.-No local division shall give any money or property, loan its money or credit, or become the owner of stock or bonds in aid of any company or corporation. (Art. VIII, sec. 7.) Railroad companies." STATUTE PROVISIONS. Listing, valuation, etc.-Railroad companies are required to return to the State auditor schedules of their entire property of operation, capital stock, earnings, expenses, and indebtedness. The property is then assessed for State taxes by the State board of equalization. Local taxation.-Railroads are locally assessed and taxed on all their property. on the basis of annual lists which they are required to make in each county. Rolling stock is valued on a pro rata mileage basis. Telegraph and telephone companies.1 The property of these companies is taxed like the property of individuals. They are required to return annual schedules to the county assessors. These schedules are transmitted to the State auditor. Express, transportation, and stage companies.2 These companies are taxed on their personalty in the counties where it is kept. WEST VIRGINIA. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS. .State aid. The credit of the State shall not be granted in aid of any individual or corporation, nor shall the State ever assume the debts of any individual or corporation, nor shall the State become a stockholder in any company or association. (Art. X, sec. 6.) Uniform tax on property.-Taxation shall be equal and uniform on all property throughout the State. (Art. X, sec. 1.) Railroad companies.3 STATUTE PROVISIONS. Listing, valuation, etc.—Railroad companies are required to make detailed annual reports to the State auditor, setting forth property of operation, capital stock, bonded debt, earnings, and expenditures. On the basis of these returns, after approval by the board of public works, who have access to corporation books and papers and may examine corporation witnesses, the State auditor sets a valuation upon railroad property and apportions the same among the local tax districts, where the tax is computed at the usual rate and certified to the State auditor. The total taxes are then paid into the State treasury. Local taxation.-Railroad real estate not employed for purposes of operation is locally assessed and taxed. Each local district also receives its share of the taxes paid into the State treasury. Telegraph and express companies.1 The property of domestic telegraph and express companies is assessed and taxed like other property in the State. Foreign telegraph and express companies pay a State tax of 2 per cent on their gross receipts from business done in the State. Other transportation and transmission companies.5 Incorporated transportation and transmission companies, other than railroad, telegraph, and express companies, are locally taxed as follows: Real estate is taxed as in other cases. The value of the capital is determined and taxed by the following method: The aggregate value of personal property (not exempt from taxation) wherever situated, and including moneys, credits, and investments, is determined, and after deductions have been made for all amounts owed by such company as principal debtor, the remaining sum is taxed at the usual rate. WISCONSIN. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS. Internal improvement.—The State shall never contract any debt for works of internal improvement, nor be a party to carrying on such works, except where grants of land or property have been made to the State for that purpose. (Art. VIII, sec. 10.) State aid. The credit of the State shall never be given or loaned in aid of any individual, association, or corporation. (Art. VIII, sec. 2.) Uniform tax on property.—Taxes shall be uniform, and upon such property as the legislature shall prescribe. (Art. VIII, sec. 1.) 1 Laws of 1897, p. 154. 2 Ibid., p. 142. 3 Code of West Virginia, Chap. XXIX, sec. 67. 4 Ibid., Chap. XXXIV. Ibid., Chap. XXIX, sec. 64. STATUTE PROVISIONS. Railroad companies.' State taxation.-Railroad companies are required to make annual returns to the State treasurer, showing their gross earnings for the year, and specifying the earnings per mile of line. "License fees" are then levied on gross earnings as follows: 4 per cent on total gross earnings of $3,000 or more per mile. 3 per cent on total gross earnings between $2,500 and $3,000 per mile. 3 per cent on total gross earnings between $2,000 and $2,500 per mile. 2 per cent on the excess above $1,500 per mile, plus $5 per mile when gross earnings are between $1,500 and $2,000 per mile; $5 per mile when gross earnings are less than $1,500 per mile. Railroads built on pile and pontoon bridges pay at the special rate of 2 per cent on their gross earnings. Local taxation.-There is no local tax on railroads, except that lands owned by railroad companies, but not used for railroad purposes, are assessed and taxed like similar property of individuals. Telegraph and telephone companies. Telegraph companies pay a State tax as follows: On a single wire, $1 per mile; on a second wire, 50 cents per mile; on a third wire, 25 cents per mile, and on each additional wire 20 cents per mile." Telephone companies pay a State tax of 3 per cent on gross earnings of $100,000 or over and 24 per cent on gross earnings under $100,000.3 Express, sleeping car, equipment, and freight line companies.1 These companies are required to make annual returns to the State treasurer, who puts such returns before the State board of assessment. The tax is assessed on a pro rata mileage portion of capital stock, with certain deductions. In the case of express companies, deduction is made for real estate situated and taxed outside of the State and for personalty not used in the express business; in the case of sleeping car and equipment companies, for real estate situated and taxed outside of the State; and in the case of freight-line companies, for real estate situated in the State. WYOMING. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS. Internal improvement.-The State shall not engage in works of internal improvement unless authorized by a two-thirds vote of the people. (Art. XVI, sec. 6.) State aid.-The legislature shall not authorize the State to contract any debt in constructing any railroad or to loan its credit in aid of the same. (Art. III, sec. 39.) The State shall not loan its credit or make donation to any railroad or telegraph line. (Art. X, sec. 5.) The State shall not loan its credit, make donations, or subscribe to stock in aid of any individual, association, or corporation. (Art. XVI, sec. 6.) Uniform taxation-Listing, etc.-All taxation shall be equal and uniform. (Art. I, sec. 28.) All lands and improvements thereon shall be listed and assessed separately. (Art. XV, sec. 1.) Railroads.-There shall be a State board, consisting of the auditor, treasurer, and secretary of state, which shall assess at their actual value the franchises, roadway, roadbed, rails, and rolling stock of all railroads and other common carriers. This valuation shall be apportioned among the counties as the basis of taxation. (Art. XV, sec. 10.) Reports of railroad companies.-All railroads operating in the State must make annual reports of their business, as the legislature may prescribe. (Art. X, sec. 3.) Local aid. The legislature shall not authorize any county to contract any debt in constructing any railroad, or to loan its credit in aid of the same. (Art. III, sec. 39.) No local division shall loan its credit or make donation to any railroad or telegraph line. (Art. X, sec. 5.) No local division shall loan its credit, make donations, or subscribe to stock in aid of any individual, association, or corporation. 1 Revised Statutes of Wisconsin, secs. 1211-1213. (Art. XVI, sec. 6.) 3 Ibid., sec. 1222a. 4 Laws of 1899, chaps. 111-114. |