ad valorem tax

Ad Valorem Tax

A tax based on the assessed value of real estate or personal property. In other words ad valorem taxes can be property tax or even duty on imported items. Property ad valorem taxes are the major source of revenues for state and municipal governments.

Investopedia Commentary

The term ad valorem is actually Latin for according to value.

See also: Income Tax, Mill Rate

ad valorem tax

A tax that is computed as a percentage of the value of specific property. For example, many states levy an annual tax on the market value of an investor's securities as of a certain date. Also called property tax.

ad valorem tax

any tax imposed on the basis of the monetary value of the taxed item. Literally the term means "according to value." Traditionally, most customs and excises had "specific" rates; the tax base was defined in terms of physical units such as gallons, pounds, or individual items

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