Aircraft are assessed for property tax purposes based on their type and usage and must be reported on the Aircraft Property Statement (Form 577). Aircraft are categorized into general aircraft, certificated aircraft, fractionally owned aircraft, and historical aircraft, each with specific assessment methods and requirements.
General Aircraft
Definition: Privately owned aircraft used for personal or business purposes, not authorized for commercial passenger, mail, or freight transport.
Valuation: Assessed based on market value using the Aircraft Bluebook-Price Digest or V-Ref Aircraft Value Reference.
Tax Situs: Located and taxed in the county where the aircraft spends the most time on the ground when not in flight.
Certificated Aircraft
Definition: Aircraft operated by air carriers under a certificate issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board or California Public Utilities Commission.
Assessment: Values are allocated across jurisdictions based on flight and ground time, as well as arrivals and departures during a BOE-designated representative period.
Fractionally Owned Aircraft
Definition: Aircraft fleets managed by a company, with ownership divided among multiple owners in a timeshare-like arrangement.
Assessment: Taxed on a fleetwide basis to the managing company, with values allocated based on county-specific flight activity compared to worldwide fleet activity.
Coordination: A lead county assessor facilitates reporting, allocation calculations, and multi-county audits.
Historical Aircraft
Definition: Aircraft of historical significance, including those 35 years or older or with fewer than five models existing worldwide.
Exemption Requirements:
Owned by an individual not holding it for sale
Not used for commercial or general transportation
Displayed publicly at least 12 days in the year prior to the lien date
The Assessor utilizes the Aircraft Bluebook as the primary value guide for appraising general aircraft. This method is in compliance with Revenue and Taxation Code section 5364 and is used by county assessors throughout the state. The retail values listed in Aircraft Bluebook are for a fully airworthy aircraft with average equipment for the model and in average condition considering the aircraft's age and likely use. Once a bluebook value is determined, the Assessor discounts the value by 10% to more closely align it with private party market values. Other consideration is given for: • Overall condition of the aircraft • Equipment installed • Hours since a major engine overhaul • Total airframe hours
If you believe the market value of your aircraft is less than its taxable value on January 1, you can request a value review be performed by the Assessor’s Office. Our office welcomes any information and market data you are willing to share that can help us arrive at fair and accurate assessments. Your gross taxable value can be found in the upper right corner of your tax bill. Please compare this value to your opinion of market value before deciding if you would like to request a value review by the Assessor. Please include with your request any information that supports your opinion of value. Call (559) 636-5159 to request one be mailed to you, or you can download a Request for Value Review form from our website.
You may request a statement by calling (559) 636-5159 or sending an email to AssessorBPP@tularecounty.ca.gov. You can also download an Aircraft Property Statement from the Assessor's website. If you are filing for the first time, please write “first-time file” at the top of a new Aircraft Property Statement. This will help our office quickly recognize that a new assessment needs to be created.
