Connecticut House Bill HB05343

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/15
• Refer: 1/14/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Property Tax Rate On Older Motor Vehicles.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would significantly impact the existing property tax structure for older motor vehicles in Connecticut. By introducing flat tax rates based on the age and assessed value of the vehicles, the bill seeks to reduce the tax burden on owners of older cars who may find it financially challenging to keep up with conventional property tax assessments. This change is intended to promote vehicle retention among residents, particularly those who own lower-value vehicles that might otherwise be a financial liability under existing tax conditions.

Summary

House Bill 5343 proposes amendments to the Connecticut general statutes concerning the property tax rates applied to older motor vehicles. Specifically, the bill establishes a flat property tax rate of $100 per annum for motor vehicles that are eight to ten years old with an assessment value of less than $10,000. For motor vehicles that are ten years old or older with an assessment value of less than $8,000, the bill proposes a reduced flat tax rate of $50 per annum. This legislation aims to provide some relief to owners of older vehicles, making vehicle ownership more affordable for Connecticut residents.

Contention

While the bill has clear benefits for vehicle owners, it may attract criticism from those who argue that it could reduce municipal revenues generated from vehicle taxes. Some opponents might claim that this tax structure could lead to disparities in vehicle taxation that fail to account for the overall condition and utility of the vehicles in question. Other stakeholders might express concern that this change could incentivize the retention of older vehicles, potentially impacting environmental policies aimed at reducing emissions from older, less efficient vehicles.