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tmar10 · 09-15-2008, 11:06 AM

It appears I am in a catch 22 situation over the county vehicle tax on our Bounder. Last year's tax bill was based on the previous years purchase price of 92,000 but this year's notice showed only a 10% decrease in the value. The tax collector said the 10% figure based on sales info from local dealers. When I asked about the appeal process, they informed me I would have to get the motor home appraised by at least two dealers to determine the true market value. I feel certain the dealers will not give me the true market value, only their hopes and dreams.

When I see dealers moving 08s for prices less than or equal to what we paid for our unit and little or no demand for the new 09 units, it is hard to believe the value of our unit has only lost 10% of its original value during the last two years. NADA is worthless because of the low number of reported sales on the rv's and shows our unit with an average retail price greater than my purchase price over two years ago.

If anyone has any words of wisdom, I am all ears.

tmar10 · 09-15-2008, 11:06 AM

It appears I am in a catch 22 situation over the county vehicle tax on our Bounder. Last year's tax bill was based on the previous years purchase price of 92,000 but this year's notice showed only a 10% decrease in the value. The tax collector said the 10% figure based on sales info from local dealers. When I asked about the appeal process, they informed me I would have to get the motor home appraised by at least two dealers to determine the true market value. I feel certain the dealers will not give me the true market value, only their hopes and dreams.

When I see dealers moving 08s for prices less than or equal to what we paid for our unit and little or no demand for the new 09 units, it is hard to believe the value of our unit has only lost 10% of its original value during the last two years. NADA is worthless because of the low number of reported sales on the rv's and shows our unit with an average retail price greater than my purchase price over two years ago.

If anyone has any words of wisdom, I am all ears.

Half Dimes · 09-15-2008, 11:28 AM

I wonder if they only depreciate a car or truck by that amount. I remember the old story that you lost 30% of the rig's value as soon as you pulled out of the dealer's lot.

Gary RVRoamer · 09-15-2008, 01:15 PM

You lose about 30% of the MSRP when you take delivery of a new one. That's not necessarily 30% less than what you paid - depends on your negotiating skills.

10% less than the actual selling price is probably a reasonable depreciation for one year if you "bought it right" to begin with. Is the amount about what NADA Low Retail shows (no options)? If so, that's another indication the value is fair. If even less, you are probably ahead of the game and ought to accept the valuation as is.

jfb · 09-15-2008, 06:53 PM

Sounds like the the state is using their own blue book, NADA, etc vehicle pricing system for determining the taxing base value??
Good luck in getting the "value" changed!

WA used to to tax ALL motor vehicles at 2.2% of its blue book system. Had to be changed by the initiative process. Now MH cost around $135, toads $35.

tmar10 · 09-16-2008, 10:04 AM

Hello Gary,

The county appraisal is about 6k above NADA low retail and they have a big gap between low and average retail. Based on my interactions with the tax office, they are determining the market value of our unit though discussions with the local dealers.

We did quite well during the negotiating process for our new RV and do not mind paying our fair share but local tax rates are supposed to be based on fair market value not the wishes of the local dealers who have their own agenda.