Tax Record Definitions

I found these definitions listed on the Chester County [PA] Archives website and found them very helpful. So, I thought I’d share them.

Types of tax records:

  1. return – a list of persons with taxable property without an assigned value listed
  2. assessment – a list of persons with taxable property which includes the assigned values, also may include the amount of various types of property (land, including types of land; cattle, sheep, horses, etc.)
  3. rates – a list of persons with the amount of tax assigned to that individual

Types of individuals listed in tax records:

  1. landholder – someone who holds land by deed or lease
  2. inmate – a married or widowed, landless individual who may own taxable property (like a horse)
  3. freeman – single, free man at least 21 years of age
  4. nonresident landowner – the owner of unoccupied land

I find this list particularly helpful. I’ve always wondered at the definition of “inmate” and how old a man had to be before he was officially “of age” and therefore could be listed in tax records.  Can I also assume he couldn’t own property on his own (without a guardian) until he was 21? If you know, please leave a comment.

Cite This Page:

, "Tax Record Definitions," A Pennsylvania Dutch Genealogy, the genealogy & family research site of Kris Hocker, modified 18 Sep 2009 (https://www.krishocker.com/tax-record-definitions/ : accessed 29 Mar 2024).

Content copyright © 2009 Kris Hocker. Please do not copy without prior permission, attribution, and link back to this page.

One Reply to “Tax Record Definitions”

  1. Wilma Dibelka 24 Oct 2009 at 11:04 am

    What a treasure KrisHocker is. I am by no means an expert and this site is full of interestingly presented information. Thenk yiou ! ! !

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