What makes Montgomery County worth the ridiculous taxes? (Silver Spring, Chevy Chase: homes, community college)

[destinedtodave]

I think the thread is useful for addressing the tax situation. Taxes are just one minor component of quality of life, but a consideration nonetheless. You have thread about diversity, walkability, food, property values, etc, so why not taxes?

[Digsbe]

I make over 100k as well. When calculating things (I drive a cheap car) living in NOVA would save me about 2k in annual tax burden. My job is in Bethesda, and taking Metro from NOVA would take too long (having to go through downtown DC first and connect to the Red Line) and forget driving the American Legion Bridge during rush hour. Main reason I live in MoCo partly is because I was born here and like most have a little sense of pride for the country (even though I concede in some ways Fairfax is better/nicer) and also for commuting reasons (although 270 gets worse and worse). I'd strongly consider going to VA if I could land something affordable somewhere close to Bethesda like Tysons or Falls Church. From what I've heard though traffic is worse on the VA side (then again everyone will say their traffic is worse) and that there are more tolls to pay in Virginia. I moved back to MoCo from Nashville though and I can't say I don't miss not having state income taxes in Tennessee...

One thing to consider when moving states though is car titling, tags, ID's, etc. When it was all said and done I spent near $450 to get tags/titles/license in Maryland. Not sure how much it would cost to go to Virginia. Another thing to look at is any income tax credits the state offers and how higher state taxes are a marginal deduction on federal taxes.

[Rufus Clay Banger]

Originally Posted by destinedtodave

That's just the facts? According to your own link, the tax burden is higher in Montgomery County than Fairfax County for incomes above $75K.

Tax burden at 75K (Fairfax vs Montgomery):
8.8% vs 9.4%

100K:
8.9% vs 10.1%

150K: (this assumes a very expensive car...)
9.6% vs 10.1%


So, what am I missing here? I'm moving from Bethesda to Fairfax, so if I'm wrong I'd like to understand why.

Another problem I have with Montgomery County taxes vs Fairfax County, is that no matter how frugal you are, MoCo will tax the hell out of you. Fairfax only gets you if you buy a new Tesla. My income is well over 6 figures and my car value is below $10K now. My tax savings will be in the thousands of dollars.

If you want to argue property prices, then you'd have a point. Prices seem to drop more quickly as you go further out in Montgomery.

You made my point for me by citing the link. We're literally talking tenths of a percentage. That's virtually equal and people in these income brackets would hardly know the difference. Not sure what's so hard to understand about that.

[destinedtodave]

Originally Posted by Rufus Clay Banger

You made my point for me by citing the link. We're literally talking tenths of a percentage. That's virtually equal and people in these income brackets would hardly know the difference. Not sure what's so hard to understand about that.

I will save over $2,500 per year. I wouldn't call that a "wash.". Face it, MoCo has a heavier tax burden on middle to high income people, as long as they don't buy new Teslas. The question of the thread is whether or not the cost is worth it.

[Rufus Clay Banger]

Originally Posted by destinedtodave

I will save over $2,500 per year. I wouldn't call that a "wash.". Face it, MoCo has a heavier tax burden on middle to high income people, as long as they don't buy new Teslas. The question of the thread is whether or not the cost is worth it.

If you never plan to buy a new car, then so be it. I'm not defending MoCo. I actually hate the place and wouldn't live there if you paid me to. But Fairfax is not much better, especially when it comes to taxation as matter of principle. Illegal immigrants are eating up local budgets and the leaders are perpetually grappling with how to eat those costs instead of eating their pride and acknowledging the cost to the county that comes with being a sanctuary county. Problem is, they are no longer able to eat those costs.....classroom sizes are forcing their hand. You're literally hanging your move on whether a car tax saves you tenths of a percentage in tax dollars vs MoCo. Your best bet is to go sit in on public meetings in Fairfax..... the car tax will be the least of your concerns.

Here's a bit of background. Very similar in MoCo, I might add. So you probably can't win with either destination:

https://www.numbersusa.com/content/n...eat-school-sys

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by destinedtodave

I will save over $2,500 per year. I wouldn't call that a "wash.". Face it, MoCo has a heavier tax burden on middle to high income people, as long as they don't buy new Teslas. The question of the thread is whether or not the cost is worth it.

You save that much only by driving a beater. Nothing wrong with that, but the majority do not drive beaters around this area.

[destinedtodave]

Originally Posted by dkf747

You save that much only by driving a beater. Nothing wrong with that, but the majority do not drive beaters around this area.

I'm not driving a beater. It's a 2013 Mazda 3. I see a ton on the road on both sides of the river. If you don't mind plunking down $40K on a car (or twice that), then I don't have a lot of sympathy for your tax situation. A car is the fastest depreciating purchase you will ever make, so even the nice cars become affordable in VA after a couple of years.

[destinedtodave]

Originally Posted by Rufus Clay Banger

If you never plan to buy a new car, then so be it. I'm not defending MoCo. I actually hate the place and wouldn't live there if you paid me to. But Fairfax is not much better, especially when it comes to taxation as matter of principle. Illegal immigrants are eating up local budgets and the leaders are perpetually grappling with how to eat those costs instead of eating their pride and acknowledging the cost to the county that comes with being a sanctuary county. Problem is, they are no longer able to eat those costs.....classroom sizes are forcing their hand. You're literally hanging your move on whether a car tax saves you tenths of a percentage in tax dollars vs MoCo. Your best bet is to go sit in on public meetings in Fairfax..... the car tax will be the least of your concerns.

Here's a bit of background. Very similar in MoCo, I might add. So you probably can't win with either destination:

https://www.numbersusa.com/content/n...eat-school-sys

I did buy a new car, back in 2013, and spent less than $20K. Those things depreciate extremely quickly.

I get you on the same issues facing Moco and Fairfax. It's not sustainable. My point is just that unless you buy a fancy car, VA has a better tax burden. I'm not at all saying that this is reason to move, just one of many considerations. No way in hell I move from Bethesda (where I currently walk to work) to Fairfax just on tax savings alone. I'm moving due to new work location (SO and myself), and to be able to buy more space. It's only after things are said and done that I look at the projected taxes and smile to myself about an extra $2,500 (non-taxable) per year.

[Digsbe]

Originally Posted by destinedtodave

I did buy a new car, back in 2013, and spent less than $20K. Those things depreciate extremely quickly.

I get you on the same issues facing Moco and Fairfax. It's not sustainable. My point is just that unless you buy a fancy car, VA has a better tax burden. I'm not at all saying that this is reason to move, just one of many considerations. No way in hell I move from Bethesda (where I currently walk to work) to Fairfax just on tax savings alone. I'm moving due to new work location (SO and myself), and to be able to buy more space. It's only after things are said and done that I look at the projected taxes and smile to myself about an extra $2,500 (non-taxable) per year.

Just wondering because I'm thinking along the same lines (although my job location will stay in Bethesda). I've been told property taxes in Fairfax are higher than MoCo unless you are in certain districts (I think some neighborhoods in Rockville/Gaithersburg), do you know if after property taxes come out, assuming you're buying, if things even out?

The taxes in MoCo make me ill. I'd also save roughly 2.5k if I calculated things myself right too. The household income in Fairfax is like 15k more than MoCo, and I wouldn't be surprised largely if some of it is due to taxation on higher income earners. I'm also looking into possible living in DC as well.

[kapone]

Pure paycheck break down