Well! The annual property tax statement arrived this week, including a form letter entitled "COVID-19's Impact on the Vehicle Valuations of 2021."

In short, they're claiming that because the used car market went nuts last year they're increasing taxes on our vehicles.

The rationale stated is this:
- In March of 2020, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to near 0%. These unprecedented low interest rates, on both new and preowned vehicles, allowed consumers to purchase vehicles sooner than they would have in the past. A strong demand means higher prices.
- The "Covid-19" related closing of certain auto manufacturing plants for the necessary production of ventilators and other PPE caused a further reduction in inventory.
- Large fleet companies (e.g: rental agencies and car services) chose not to replace inventory, adding to the shortage of preowned vehicles in the market.


- - -

I get the whole supply-and-demand thing. I understand that market prices of used vehicles (not necessarily new ones) rose last year. I also understand that said increase means nothing to me -- I'm not selling my vehicle.

I understand the logic they're trying to use, but I'm not happy with it. From my uncomfortable desk chair, this looks like a money grab on the part of the county, for no good reason and with little recourse. They can blame it on the WuFlu (avoiding to some extent showing the county's own greed), and soak up the dollars. This county wastes money -- rather, spends it unwisely -- like a spoiled teenager. It's amazing how much the county has spent unnecessarily during the time I've lived here.

Too long, didn't read: County raises tax, blames it on the cooties, expects us to just roll over and take it.

I can picture this not going over well.

Say what you will about California but one thing's for sure - we have Prop 13 to stop the state/counties from doing the same thing with our property taxes.

I really feel those living in states where their property taxes can increase 25% (or more!!) next year because "covid."

Defund Government should be the catch phrase of the year.

I feel sorry for you people in states where they make you pay property tax on things like cars, that’s just ridiculous

Illinois for all of it's faults does not tax on the value of your vehicle. They screw us in a more traditional manner with high sales taxes and real estate taxes. Maybe tell them you wrecked the your car and it now has diminished value.

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Originally posted by p08:
diminished value.

I'm well-prepared to drive my 320k-mile truck over to the Commissioner's office and have a discussion with 'em.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:

quote:

Originally posted by p08:
diminished value.

I'm well-prepared to drive my 320k-mile truck over to the Commissioner's office and have a discussion with 'em.

Don't forget to tell them about the flood waters that it sat in for a few days.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
Well! The annual property tax statement arrived this week, including a form letter entitled "COVID-19's Impact on the Vehicle Valuations of 2021."

In short, they're claiming that because the used car market went nuts last year they're increasing taxes on our vehicles....

That sucks. Here in West Virginia they tax personal property as well (cars, trucks, boats, campers, airplanes, and most insidious of all motorcycles. But they decided they shouldn't hit us up on the crazy increase in used values due to the pandemic, so personal property this year was valued the same as last year. I imagine they'll return to NADA trade-in values next year though.

Never let a good crisis go to waste.

Do you have county legislators, whatever they may be called? If so, find where their office is, make an appointment to see them, go in and let them know if they want to get reelected, the need to stop this shit. For extra credit, rile up your neighbors and getthem to do similar.

Back when we had Gov Doyle in WI I remember him saying, ‘we have to raise taxes, everything is costing more’. That’s just as the average wage earner’s income was flat.

It’s more of the same.

quote:

I feel sorry for you people in states where they make you pay property tax on things like cars, that’s just ridiculous

^^^^^^^^^^
In many states there is little to no property tax on residences and land. In return license plates have added tax. It actually discriminates against the poor. My property taxes were 600 dollars last year while a comparable property in Illinois would be close to four thousand.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
Say what you will about California but one thing's for sure - we have Prop 13 to stop the state/counties from doing the same thing with our property taxes.

I really feel those living in states where their property taxes can increase 25% (or more!!) next year because "covid."

You're talking about real property taxes and the OP is talking about personal property taxes on the value of vehicles, two very different things.

California does have a tax on vehicles and it's assessed at registration time: Vehicle License Fee: 0.65% vehicle’s value

https://www.quora.com/How-does...ar-registration-fees

Yeah, when I lived in MS then GA they were into higher tax on vehicle plates, at least MS. Drive a new Corvette off the lot, you’re gonna pay for that plate yearly.

GA wanted tax paid every year or two on RVs, boats & the like. One has to look at the total tax picture to compare.

The nickel & diming can get exhausting, back & forth on the boat or vehicle costs.

Not the virus, but the *response* to the virus has wrecked a lot of tax bases by shuttering former tax paying businesses and such like.

Around here you now see local cops writing up a LOT more tickets, revenue enhancement style, that they never used to do before. Presumably because their town givernments are screaming for money.

Michigan registration fees are based on The vehicle type, weight AND MSRP when sold new. Unlike some states there is no reduction in registration fees as the vehicle ages.

Before 1983 it was based on vehicle type and weight.

quote:

Michigan registration fees are based on The vehicle type, weight AND MSRP when sold new. Unlike some states there is no reduction in registration fees as the vehicle ages.

So, if you buy a used beat-up Mercedes diesel, your registration fee is based on the MSRP when it was new and shiny?

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Michigan registration fees are based on The vehicle type, weight AND MSRP when sold new. Unlike some states there is no reduction in registration fees as the vehicle ages.

So, if you buy a used beat-up Mercedes diesel, your registration fee is based on the MSRP when it was new and shiny?

Yep. When we moved to MI the SoS charged us tax based on new MSRP. Kinda pissed me off being taxed on $30k vs. my Expedition's then current $3-4k actual value. Multiply that by two additional cars and a motorcycle, the newest of which is 2008. How the hell that's legal is beyond me but if I ever meet the author of the rule they're getting kicked in the balls. Repeatedly.

On top of that factor in no-fault insurance rates along with poorly maintained, pothole infested pavement and you get a feel for the joy of vehicle ownership in MI.