Complaints of double taxing of vehicles owned by new residents moving in from out of state are not what they appear to be, according to Box Elder County Assessor Monte Munns.
A recent report accused Box Elder County of interpreting changes in state law to collect taxes from newcomers when the taxes had already been paid in another state.Munns told county commissioners that confusion exists over for which year taxes are being paid. He explained that when someone moves into Box Elder County and has a 1993 sticker on his vehicle, it means 1992 taxes were paid during 1993 in the other state. As a result, the new resident still needs to pay 1993 taxes in Box Elder County because no 1993 taxes were paid.
Munns pointed out that, contrary to reports, most counties in Utah, including Weber and Cache, assess their motor vehicle taxes this way. Davis County is a notable exception.
The State Tax Commission is currently reviewing the new law and is expected to make a decision soon.