Alexandria Car Tax

[JackSpadesSI]

I'll be moving from Michigan to Alexandria, VA this summer to start my new job. I've heard there is a property tax on cars registered in Alexandria, but I haven't been able to figure out just how much that's going to be. Would someone here please explain how to calculate this tax to me? Thanks!

[Zchild]

The state of Virginia has a tax system in which you will pay once a year based upon the value of your vehicle. The newer the vehicle the more you will pay... Additionally each city can have it's own lessor tax system which you could be required to pay. I used to live in Virginia Beach and paid the state vehicle tax plus an additional city tax. Lastly you will be required to get your vehicle inspected once a year in Virginia. Just my two and a half cents worth...

[JackSpadesSI]

According the alexandriava.gov website, the tax is 4.75% of the car's assessed value. I drive a 2011 335i, and the Blue Book value looks to be in the ballpark of $36,000. Does that mean that I will really owe the city of Alexandria $36,000 * 0.0475 = $1,710 every year? That seems a little steep!

[Zchild]

That's why I live in Maryland cause I don't want to pay those kind of prices to drive my car. You could always live in Maryland and commute to Alexandria. Just a thought!

[AG]

There's a bit of car-tax relief, so you "only" pay 37% on the first 20k. So it's really 20,000*.0475*.37 + 16,000*.0475 = 1,111.50. You may also want to contact the city to determine what they assess the value as. It may come in below the 36k.

[pseto]

That's why I live in Maryland cause I don't want to pay those kind of prices to drive my car. You could always live in Maryland and commute to Alexandria. Just a thought!

+1

[mcoupemindy]

+1

You know the blended tax rate in VA is lower right? SMDH.

[Biggins]

You know the blended tax rate in VA is lower right? SMDH.

...but you'd still be on the wrong side of the Potomac

[jhm5]

Read the Alexandria web page http://alexandriava.gov/Cartax#calculation and you'll see you pay 37% on the first 20,000 of assessed value, plus the full city tax on the remainder. The city uses the 'clean trade in value' on the NADA guide. When you register your car in VA (you have to go to a DMV office) you'll also have to get a safety inspection sticker (at a private garage licensed to do such inspections) and also go to the Alexandria City Hall to get a city tax decal (when you'll get the bad news on the local tax. Thereafter, you'll get an annual bill due by Oct 5.