$125 to transfer my driver's license to Mass? Are they serious?

[bUU]

I believe the only taxes that will be lower in MA are personal income taxes (5.3% in MA versus 6%-7.75% in NC). Other than that, you can expect to see higher taxes and a greater level of services, to citizens in general, and to the poor most specifically.

[el_greco]

I don't really have a problem being taxed but this isnt really a tax is it? They want $125 to transfer a license. I just don't see how it can possibly cost this much to transfer a license when other states are that much lower. It seems like they are just adding in extra fees or charging more just because they can or because they want more money.

Maybe the populace isn't OK with being taxed X amount more so the state has to do little things like this here and there to make up for it. But that makes it harder to keep track of where the money is going and what it's being used for. Not a good path to go down...

If they want to tax me tax me, but things like $125 to transfer a license? It's just offensive. Citizens should have never allowed it to go this far

[donewithpretty]

Originally Posted by el_greco

I don't really have a problem being taxed but this isnt really a tax is it? They want $125 to transfer a license. I just don't see how it can possibly cost this much to transfer a license when other states are that much lower. It seems like they are just adding in extra fees or charging more just because they can or because they want more money.

The fees are kind of an alterna-tax. Basically, Romney didn't want to raise taxes (he's Republican), so he closed the budget gap through fees instead.

As Governor, Romney Balanced Budget by Hiking Fees

[mmyk72]

wow, I don't remember it being this high when I transferred by license from another state 10+ yrs ago. Good thing it's newcomers paying that ridiculous amount, not us who are here already.

I actually pay less in car insurance compared to TX. However, the excise tax (annually fee just to have the car) is another killer... that's 1 of the reason I'm not upgrading my 19 yr old car since the excise tax is much higher for new cars.

[nzone]

Originally Posted by el_greco

How do they justify this? It costs like 10 dollars in NC. People just allow them to charge this much?

I think you've selected Class C license ($125). You should have selected Class D license ($100, regular passenger car), this is equivalent to Class C in NC. This is for 5 years whereas NC charges you annually (but it's still $60 cheaper).

...but wait for $50 registration fee (standard plate) for every 2 yrs, $29 annual vehicle inspection, and vehicle exercise tax at $25 per $1000 of vehicle values.

But nothing compares to approximately 19% sales tax in Quebec Canada.