Outrageous Massachusetts Sales TAX! HELP!!

[peterlund]

I wish it worked that way, but the insurance company had value in semi-restored condition of $1800 or so. I can't win!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tifosi Wow, does that suck. But, on the brighter side, if in the event there's an accident and the insurance companies want to quibble price, there's your proof right there that an official office/department/whatever NADA calls itself, or is it the actual DMV reference? In which case you can literally say that the state govornment says it's worth at least $9400. Little consolation I know, but could be a silver lining at some future point. (look at all the dillemas others have had trying to get a fair value out of insurance claims) Worth getting in writing even....

[peterlund]

To have an independent inspector do the analysis would make sense, but sadly I live in Massachusetts. THey do it one way, PERIOD. The clerk looked as if she got mild pleasure in informing me that she would do me a favor and give me the NADA value at low retail. There was no other way around it. I have actually enlisted two state reps and they have already contacted the Revenue thieves, and are planning to file legislation to change how this is done. One of the Stat reps informed me by email that when she moved here she brought her two cars with her, and when going to register them in Mass she had to pay sales tax to the state.... In essence paying sales tax TWICE... My story seemed to re-ignite the obvious screwing she got.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1750GT Here in Ontario a vehicle older than 15 years must have an appraisal certificate from a registered licensed appraiser before the DOT will allow the vehicle to be registered. The good old days of a bill of sale is no longer valid.....yup just another money grab by big brother. In my case my car was appraised at $500.00...but the cost to get the appraisal was $100.00. Perhaps you should have had the vehicle appraised by a licensed appraiser (if such exist in your state). Also.....and to make you feel a little better....our tax rate is generally 12% (7% PST and 5% GST) on all goods and services!

[peterlund]

I will move as soon as my kids finsh up with college. I am so highly taxed that If I move I will feel rich! 4500 in real estate taxes, and I stil ahve to pay for rubish pickup, I have septic (no sewerage) I have well water, volunteer fire dept, etc. Small town yet tax rate is one of the highest in the eastern part of the state. Nothing here but cranberries and toll roads. We pay taxes that have cute names so that we forget that they are just that... more taxes. Ok... I will stop ranting, where did I leave that bottle of Scotch???

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowmileage I'd move TF of that state as quick as I could pack my stuff. I don't even like to drive thru it. Kinda funny when you think about it - I mean how the patriots started the rebellion there cause of taxation.

[Geezer]

Not to rub salt in the wound, but I paid a one time GRAND TOTAL of $25.00 for my 82 spider for tax, reg, & license as an antique car. I will NEVER have to pay anything to the state or county again for this car as long as I own it.

Life is good here in the Redneck South.

[ghnl]

When we moved here (NC) from MA our 21 yr old son came with us. We went to a local insurance agent to arrange NC vehicle (vee-HICK-al) insurance (INN-sure-ance). I handed the clerk a copy of what my son had for liabilty insurance in MA and asked for similar coverage. The clerk put some info into her computer then wrote down a figure.

Doing some rough calculations in my head I asked if that was his monthly payment (in which case it would have been about the same as he was paying in MA). She replied, "no that's per year."

I told my son to sign quick before they changed their minds!

[peterlund]

I know the insurance here is insane. I have peeked at getting antique insurance online... Last fall I did a comparison on my 79 Spider. Grundy wanted $105 A YEAR. I have it currently registerd in Mass by Liberty Mutual for a bargain of $985 without collision.... Never mind what our regular cars need for insurance. My son (due to youthfull poor descisions) has surcharges on his policy. A 1997 Neon costs him $3850 or so without collision coverage. Do you feel his pain? I can live with the insurance, and legitimate taxes, and tolls, and real estate costs, and labor costs, and services costs, and repair costs and and and... But to be robbed by my own government is way too much for this usually even-keeled soul to take. I will let you all know how I make out, but I feel defeat is in the air. If the south will take me in, I will certainly be heading that way soon.... I promise ot even start pronouncing my "R's".
Thanks for letting me vent.... My wife was getting tired of hearing me on this subject...

[GrandPrix]

I bet where you live is beautiful, though.

That's worth something.

SD

[ghnl]

My wife says Massachusetts is so crowded nobody wants to live there anymore...

I bought her a t-shirt that says, "I wasn't born in the south but I got here as quick as I could." Took her about 15 minutes to decide she was meant to be a southern belle.

I refuse to pronounce 'R's though. I pahk my cah.

[AlfaTango1]

Wow, I never thought I'd say I'm glad to have the California DMV! We still get away with bill of sales on used cars. Of course a 2002 BMW for $700 won't pass muster unless it is a salvage or nonop but at least we have an outlet for argument. In AZ there is no tax on a private party sale as it should be. I was born in MA and love to visit but wouldn't want to relocate there. Having said that... Go Celtics!

[Pat Braden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlfaTango1 Wow, I never thought I'd say I'm glad to have the California DMV! We still get away with bill of sales on used cars. Of course a 2002 BMW for $700 won't pass muster unless it is a salvage or nonop but at least we have an outlet for argument. In AZ there is no tax on a private party sale as it should be. I was born in MA and love to visit but wouldn't want to relocate there. Having said that... Go Celtics!

[RandallM]

Sorry to hear about that Peter, but once you paid it you're petty much screwed. If you had gone to an official appraiser recognized and certified by the state and provided such an estimate, you wou'd still be screwed as these folks charge $100 or more to do so. This is another reason why I left that part of the country (Taxachusetts) in 1984 and came to Texas.

Hell! I was PO'd last month when I brought home my 86 home from Louisiana. I claimed $2000 on it and and paid sales taxes and title of $175. Thanks man you made me feel much better.

You know, when I left there in 84 I used to have to pay nearly $350 a year on my car worth $10,000. When I moved to Texas no annual auto property taxes, just $56 a year registration.

If you really want a state with low taxes go to Mississippi.

Anyway, come to the South where you have low taxes and you can drive that Spider 12 months a year. Best of all, NO SALT on the roads!

[green 69 gtv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterlund I am requesting the help of any Massachusetts residents that have recently had the pleasure to register an Alfa Romeo. I just left the registry last week after presenting my signed title and valid bill of sale on a long dormant, very rough, non running, inneed of total restoration Spider that i paid $400 dollars for. I needed to aplly for a title, as we get a stiff pejnalty if we do not do it within 30 days of purchase, so I ran right in to do the deed. I stood there stunned when the clerk said I needed to pay tax on the NADA value that she pulled up on the computer..... Well, Mass has a 5% sales tax rate, and the NADA value on low retail (daily driver in need of restoration, average wear non restored) was 9400 dollars. Yes that is right, I had to pay $470 dollars tax on my $400 car. Not only am I outraged, I live in a state that can rob you with no recourse. I found through my friendly Department of Revenue, that we here in Massachusetts do not have a system to file for appeal or amendment either! We have an official form to file, but no legislation that makes the Dept of revenue need to even look at the official form. The registry offers the form to get you out of there, but it is a useless tool. I would like any of the BB readers whom have had a similiar experience to please PM me or respond to this thread. I have a couple of State senators interested in putting forth legislation to stop this foolishness. I have lived in this tax-crazy state all my life, but this incident has pushed me over my tax-paying edge!!! Any help would be appreciated, and any war stories helpful. Regards to my fellow BB-ers. The war is ON! Pete

[Frank S]

Have you tired to go to a used car dealer and ask them to provide with tax form putting a value on your car. Some dealers will put a low value on the car if you pay them a fee...

[Tifosi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandallM Anyway, come to the South where you have low taxes and you can drive that Spider 12 months a year. Best of all, NO SALT on the roads!

[RandallM]

Okay Darren you forgot wild hogs.

Well that's why you need an Alfa down here, fo