Personal property taxes on cars in Missouri (Kansas City, North Kansas City: health insurance, buying)

[xz2y]

I just ran across some info that said in Missouri, you need to pay personal property taxes on cars. I searched the websites for the county and city of KCMO, and could not find any info on an approximate estimate of taxes for specific cars. Can anyone who lives there provide some examples of taxes levied on their cars? I just wanted to get an idea for a 5 year old Civic. Thanks!

[RjRobb2]

I am not sure how they calculate it. It usually isnt more than like $500. It is done on the county level. You can call the assessor's office and ask. I am guessing your car would be around $300. I had an Accord and it was usually around $350.

[xenokc]

Not sure where you are coming from but also consider that MO gas tax is one of lowest in country, so gas prices are lowest in country....

USA National Gas Price Heat Map - GasBuddy.com

And auto insurance tends to be below average for larger cities.

[kc chris]

I think mine ran around 8 or 9%. Assessed values seem to be like 25-50% of blue book though, not sure how they come up with it.

$300-$500 sounds about right for most people.

[poke17]

Just for reference... my 2006 Jeep Commander (maybe valued at $7k) is $322, and my wife's 2011 Honda Pilot Touring (approx $40k new) is $850. This is in Platte County. I would think you're safe in expecting 300-350.

[xz2y]

Thanks for the info. On the Kansas website, there is a calculator for this purpose, as KS imposes a personal tax levy on cars as well. My 2008 civic ended up at $147 for a 12 month period. I'm not sure how the calculation is done, but the calculator is helpful. I wish MO had one, but I can call an assessor's office for an estimate.

I agree that gas taxes are lower in MO, and everything is a trade-off. Here in Michigan, auto insurance is the 4th highest in the country. So, I'd be saving on gas, insurance, among other things, such as rent. Comparisons are interesting, as one state is higher on income taxes, for example, and while another is lower on income taxes, there are other "taxes" such as those on personal property. The biggies in terms of expenses, however, are housing and health insurance, and those do vary a lot state to state. I'll be ready for Medicare when I move, so those estimates are online and easy to access.

Thanks again for the info on the MO personal property taxes on cars.

[Okey Dokie]

About $250.00 for my 2008 Saturn Aura ($22,000 new). Clay County, North Kansas City School District. Which school district is important, since that is by far the largest chunk of the tax.

[xz2y]

Originally Posted by Okey Dokie

About $250.00 for my 2008 Saturn Aura ($22,000 new). Clay County, North Kansas City School District. Which school district is important, since that is by far the largest chunk of the tax.

So it sounds like the calculation is based in part of the new value of the car, even if it's used. Is that correct? My 2008 civic LX is generally listed as $16,500 new value.

[Curmudgeon]

Taxation is based upon valuation which decreases yearly. Taxes for our 2007 Honda Accord were $147.47.

[Okey Dokie]

Originally Posted by xz2y

So it sounds like the calculation is based in part of the new value of the car, even if it's used. Is that correct? My 2008 civic LX is generally listed as $16,500 new value.

The value is based on a standard value - I believe it's Kelly Blue Book - regardless of mileage or condition. Your 2008 Civic LX would be valued the same with 12,000 miles or 112,000 miles. It will be worth less next year, so your taxes should go down. Then one year you'll decide to buy a new car and ouch! they'll go back up.

Also, in Missouri, your personal property taxes are determined what you own on January 1st and are billed the following December. If you're thinking of buying a new car in December, resist that urge and wait until January 2.