9 replies to this topic

[Barnero]

Today I wrote both of my state representatives and the governor about what I feel are unreasonable tag taxes and fees in Alabama. I would encourage anybody who buys tags in Alabama to do the same. Not sure how they compare with other states, but they are unreasonable, in my opinion. Below is what I sent to the state fathers:

Hon. XXXX

I would like to bring to your attention the unreasonable tag fees and taxes paid for motorhomes in Alabama. No need to be long winded, but get right to the point. I believe it is very unfair to charge a different issuance fee for ANY vehicle, to start with. I just bought an old motorhome and my issuance fee for the tag was $275. Why would that be different for different vehicles, especially in this case? In addition, my taxes were almost $600. I fail to understand why we are taxed the same as a commercial vehicle that is for-profit and driven most of its miles in-state. Motorhomes are usually driven most of their miles out-of-state, and travelers often park for extended periods, unless they are full-timers. This seems like a tax that is a "share the wealth" tax -- unreasonably placed on prive citizens of Alabama as if they were a business. Is there something we can do about this injustice?

Thanks for your time,

[genenick]

$275 is a chunk of change. Is that for one year? Here in Louisiana I pay $25.00 a year (issued for 2 years at a time totaling $50.00) for my rig. I use USAF Veterans Plates which I understand gives the two year option. Normally I belive they are renewed annually for $25 as a private bus. If you are a 50% for greater disabled vet you can get the tags for free. I have handicapped tags on my car and pickup truck and those are renewed for $10 every 2 years. The normal published rate is $1 ofr each $1000 of the purchase price with a minimum of $10 renewable up to 4 years for each renewal. If you bought a car/truck for $28,000 then your rate would be $28.00 a year. Before 2000 it used to be a flat rate of $3 year for cars and $10 a year for trucks.

[pianodan]

Here in MN, the veteran's tags and handicapped (all known as special plates) generate an extra $10 for the initial issuance of the tags, then normal renewal fees following that, based on value and weight ( weight jumps in over 9600 GVWR). For example, my two old Chevies ('95 Suburban K1500 and '94 X-cab LWB 2500 HD) are $42.50/yr now, up from $38.50 last year, and my '91 motorhome 18k GVWR is $125/yr (up from $115 last year). I think we need to move to La. At least I don't live in CA any more, where it would be much more expensive and we would have to pay for smog inspections every 2 years as well.

[kingfr]

I believe that the issuance fee in Alabama is actually somewhat less for a motorhome than a commercial vehicle of the same GVW. My tag's issuance fee was $$1.25. The license fee for this year for a MH of 33K GVW is $275. By the time they got through adding ad valorum taxes, the tag was $1262.49. Alabama taxes motor homes as second homes, which means that the tax is based on 20% of the assessed value. A primary residence is taxed at 10% of the assessed value, less a homestead exemption. However, when you buy the motor home in Alabama, the sales tax is 2%, plus whatever your county charges. This is much less that most states, Montana being an exception. When I bought my coach, I paid 2.5% sales tax on it. Since I am a full-timer, I think that my motor home should be taxed at the primary residence rate, but I probably won't win that battle. I see a move to Texas or South Dakota in my future!

[audmars]

Our tag this year was unbelieveable ... almost caused me coronary arrest!! We need to do something about it but I am not sure what and how to go about it ... If you hear back and they give you a process to follow, let me know. I will help out or do whatever they suggest!!

[Barnero]

Just wanted to update.

I got a response from Alabama State Senator Paul Sanford today. He said he had reviewed the fee data from the Alabama Revenue Dept and he agreed the rates were too high. I left him a copy of my Tag & Tax Receipt per his request and he is going to work for some change. I ask all Alabama residents to write or email your legislators to support this effort.

I reviewed the Tennessee fees and their tag totals ran from $25 to a little less than $102 a year. I got a response from Legislator Howard Sanserford earlier after much delay and sarcasm, which he basically said there was no point in trying to change things like that in fought budget times. I guess that is probably a typical response from a politician, especially these days.

Senator Sanford was very graceful with his response and said basically he was there to serve. What a refreshing attitude for a public office holder these days. My hat's off to him!!!!

[hermanmullins]

14 days short of two years. Good news or bad news, who could have asked for a quicked response. WOW

[johnklopp]

I have a 2005 Dodge ram pickup in California and the tags were $625 this year. My coach is registerd in Texas and they have no problem with an Escapees address allowing me to register the coach for a little over $200

[Barnero]

Herman,

Part was my fault. When Sanderford gave me his response I was frustrated and didn't do any more till last fall when I wrote Sanford. He is not even the senator for my area, but was the one to commit to help. What are the tag & tax rates for Texas?

[hermanmullins]

Texas Taxes: 2002 40'M/H $235.00
2000 Caddy 41.00
2005 Mariner 64.00