Southington's Car Tax Sticker Shock Explained

SOUTHINGTON, CT — With tax bills out and due, many residents, including those in Southington, are noticing something different regarding their car taxes.

Essentially, state vehicle valuation laws now have older vehicles assessed higher than they used to be, resulting in a bit of sticker shock when the bills arrive.

Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone recently issued information in an attempt to educate taxpayers about the situation.

He said vehicles are now valued on a standard, 20-year depreciation schedule, regardless of the vehicle's condition and book value, and it is all based on the MSRP or "manufacturer's suggested retail price."

"This year's car tax bills are surprising many residents because some car assessments are rising, instead of falling as most expect," wrote Ricciardone to the community last week.

Anyone with questions on the car tax assessment process can call Ricciardone at 860-276-6200 or visit the Southington Tax Assessor's Office at Southington Town Hall, which can also be reached at 860-2760-6205.