What is the income approach in personal property assessment?

The income approach is a valuation method that estimates the value of personal property based on its ability to generate income. This approach is particularly useful for properties that produce a steady stream of revenue, such as rental equipment, machinery used in production, or any business asset that can be leased or rented.

By analyzing the income that the property can generate, the appraiser can derive its present value by applying a capitalization rate, which reflects the expected return on investment. This method emphasizes the economic benefits of owning the property, thereby providing a clear financial rationale for its valuation.

Other methods mentioned, like assessing only tangible property value or defining value based on replacement costs, do not take into account the income-generating potential of the asset. Similarly, relying solely on market comparisons could overlook the specific revenue aspects of the property in question. Thus, the correct choice illustrates the importance of income generation in determining the value of personal property.