New Excise Tax on Vehicle Tabs in Seattle

[ZeeOhSix]

Saw on the news tonight that Seattle passed a new tax on car tabs to fund the monorail project (big waste of money IMO).

It's 1.4% of the value, which for say a 2002 Z06 might be around $40,000. That's an ADDITIONAL $560 for freakin' tabs!! Just another way for the tax man to get in to your pants.

They kept saying "Seattle drivers" ... so I'm hoping it's only going to affect people who actually live in Seattle (ie, have a Seattle address).

Anyone else out there know the details? I'm gonna be pissed if it costs me $600 a year for damn tabs!

[Mufflerbearing]

I can sympathize with you.

I have to pay RTA fees here in Everett which includes funding for Light Rail. I've been paying this for years now and there is still no time line for bringing it north to Everett. To my knowledge they haven't laid an inch of rail so far and I'm sure I will never see it up here in my lifetime.

Long before these projects are complete they will pass the point of becoming ineffective and obsolete.

I'm just glad I don't have an opinion on them.

Pat

[ZeeOhSix]

Hey Pat -- I don't live in "Seattle proper", but in Auburn. I just haven't heard the details of the BS tax, and am wondering if it's just for people with Seattle addresses (zip codes??) or half of King County. Anyone hear the details on this??

I guess when I get my next tab renewal in the mail I'll know for sure.

[No Doubt]

All the info you need is here:

http://www.dol.wa.gov/vs/monorailqa.htm#What%20is

"What is the Monorail Tax?

At the November 2002 General Election, Seattle voters approved a motor vehicle excise tax of up to 1.4 percent (1.4%) on Washington licensed vehicles registered within the City of Seattle. The Board of the Seattle Monorail Project set the tax rate at .85 percent (0.85%) to be charged during the planning phase of the project. The tax will increase to 1.4 percent (1.4%) when long term bonds are issued for capital construction."

[ZeeOhSix]

No Doubt -- thanks for the link. Looks like I'm safe from the BS tax ... for now. Just the poor guys in the Seattle city limits who have to pay out the nose on this one. All the morons who voted for this tax probably don't even own a car.: roll:

[rsherrard]

Maybe we can drive our Z's on the monorail?

Rob

[freefall]

So, do they stick you with property taxes on your cars in WA? They like to tax EVERYTHING in NC...

[ZeeOhSix]

Originally posted by freefall
So, do they stick you with property taxes on your cars in WA? They like to tax EVERYTHING in NC...

There use to be an "Excise Tax" based on the current value of the vehicle, but that was voted out a few years ago. Ever since then the state of WA has been crying like a baby with a shitty diaper that they lost so much money. Probably true, but they need to find better and more fair ways to suck tax money from the residents.

Anyway, the city of Seattle (not the state) voted to slap an excise tax (1.4% of the current value) on vehicles again for the stupid assed monorail dream. Apparently, it only affects people who actually live in the city of Seattle city limits ... which I don't, so I'm happy about that. I really don't want to pay $600/year for license tabs and get to drive it for only 6 months of nice weather.

I'm sure a lot of people who voted for this law don't use (or even own) a car in Seattle, and want more mass transit.