Officials prepare for motor vehicle tax reform changes - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Officials prepare for motor vehicle tax reform changes

Posted: Updated:
By Tara Herrschaft - bio | email
those buying from a neighbor or friend will have to take the change into consideration those buying from a neighbor or friend will have to take the change into consideration
the new motor vehicle tax reform kicks in on March 1st the new motor vehicle tax reform kicks in on March 1st
The change will only impact new car buyers but the whole process is changing The change will only impact new car buyers but the whole process is changing

  • More WALB News10 HeadlinesMore News Headlines

  • Thursday, June 20 2013 12:09 AM EDT2013-06-20 04:09:02 GMT
    The Albany Water Gas and light commission is preparing customers for a change that starts soon for those who pay with debit or credit cards.   WG&L leaders say the utility is paying $20,000 dollars a month
    The Albany Water Gas and light commission is preparing customers for a change that starts soon for those who pay with debit or credit cards.

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:41 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:41:18 GMT
    An Albany man who was born when Woodrow Wilson was president celebrated his birthday today. Century Pines Assisted Living Center threw a party for resident Charles Walker who turned 101 today. Walker was
    An Albany man who was born when Woodrow Wilson was president celebrated his birthday today.

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:34 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:34:54 GMT
    For years, the area right across the street from the RiverQuarium has been rundown, but that's changing. A couple of businesses are thriving there. The new art park is open, and a sidewalk improvement
    For years, the area right across the street from the RiverQuarium has been rundown, but that's changing.
    •   
ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

 Dougherty County commissioners are working to make sure residents applying for a new car title are prepared come March 1st, when the new motor vehicle tax reform kicks in.  Commissioner John Hayes says at a recent conference, commissioners across the state expressed concern about how the counties will handle the change.  "One of the important parts was the fact that staff now will have to determine values, even if they aren't trained to do so and that's going to be a bit of a task, "said Hayes. 

Denver Hooten, the Dougherty County Tax Director, says a state assessment table will calculate the vehicle value for clerks.  Staffs have been attending classes to make sure they're up to speed."They're going to be asking questions they've never had to ask before and when someone brings in their title work, they're going to have to look at it and make sure that the 6.5% is calculated properly," said Hooten.

Starting March 1st, new car buyers will have to pay that one time 6.5% tax for the title.  This replaces the annual "birthday tax."  Car shoppers will no longer have to pay sales tax at the dealership and the savings should offset the cost of the title ad valorem tax.  But those buying from a neighbor or friend will have to take this change into consideration. Hooten says despite all these changes they don't anticipate any problems, other than a crowd. 

 "Unfortunately they started it on a Friday, a first of the month, which is absolutely one of our busiest days on a regular basis so this is going to be challenging  and we just ask the general public to be patient with us," said Hooten. Commission chairman Jeff Sinyard says in addition to being patient, folks should also be informed.

 "Education is the key it's so important right now, we just don't want our citizens to not be aware of this change," said Sinyard.  Sinyard says understanding the new tax will prevent any confusion along with unwanted surprises. Lawmakers are still tweaking the current bill. 

Copyright 2013 WALB.  All rights reserved.