Comcast sues county
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Comcast has filed a lawsuit against Chesterfield County in circuit court, asking for a refund of $1,053,445 in taxes the cable company paid but now alleges wasn't owed.

An audit of Comcast's personal property from 2003-06 by the county assessed and taxed electronic equipment including modems, converters and remote controls as personal property. The suit said late fees, interest and penalties were added to the taxes paid.

"It's a personal property case," said Commissioner of Revenue Joe Horbal, "and it's a question of whether specific items of property are taxable." He declined further comment other than to say the tax is owed.

The filing said "…[the equipment is] classified as intangible property reserved for taxation by the state and not taxable by the county…The assessment is illegal and invalid."

The suit also reported that some of the equipment that was taxed is actually located in the city of Richmond and is therefore not subject to county tax laws.