This also could effect other models & years but I know it effects a 2005 MCSC...

Well I finally took the time to go by the Shelby County license/tag office Friday. See when I got (& paid) my tag renewal in Sept my tag cost more than last year I researched online to see if our tax rates went up & saw that they had not. So the only explanation is that they valued my MINI higher this year than last. I mean it would be great if a car would appreciate in value but **ahem** they do not.

It turns out that the State of Alabama has some confusion going on with MINIS. They have them in their database as manufactured by MINI & they have duplicate entries that show the manufacturer as BWM. I guess they have different values for each manufacturer & this has messed things up a bit. They are researching the issue with Montgomery & I am supposed to hear something Monday. My tag went down $28 in 2007 from 2006 but it went up $14 for 2008 instead of going down $30 or so.

Just wanted to let any bama MINIS know so you can pay attention & be sure they don't try to screw you out of some money too

 

That is interesting. I need to check the ad valorem on my '05 Cooper and see if Tuscaloosa County, AL did the same. When I went to apply for a title and tag for the '09, they couldn't find a 2009 MINI Clubman in their system. Somehow, they registered it as "not listed" or something. On another note: Even with housing values decreasing, you won't see your property tax evaluation going down any.

 

With property valuations going down, it is a good bet that your rates will Increase - gotta keep all those public employees feeding at your trough...

 

I would not have as much of a problem with it if rates went up (all though I dunno if that will happen since us tax payers have to approve most tax rate increases & we have pretty muchly had enough). But for the to value my car higher is just not right. Cars don't increase in value like a home can. They were supposed to call me with answers today but my phone has not rang. Shocker huh

 

Just heard from the Shelby County license office guy. He says he knows this is crazy & wrong but he can't do anything about it. For the 2007 licensing year they valued my MINI at approx $19,500, then in 2008 they valued it at $21,500, & for 2009 it is valued at $17K. So obviously 2008 is askew

He is sending me all the info so I can write a letter to some AL board & try to get this value fixed. He isn't sure if they will make me come in in person or if the letter will do. I am gonna write the letter but there will be no personal appearance made as that's too much trouble for $40 (which is prolly what they count on).