Is your old car a “classic?”

by Jeremy Withnall

They say that the only sure things are death and taxes. In the Icebox of Connecticut, we could probably add snow to that list. When winter storms pack more wallop and we get a few more inches than the forecasters predicted, the hardy folk of the Northwest Corner are used to it, and not surprised. But what do you do when the assessment on your vehicle is higher than the previous year by a significant amount and it’s your tax bill packing an unexpected wallop? This is the scenario that played out for a few Norfolk residents this year. Luckily, we have a process for dealing with issues such as these, and helpful town employees that can explain the intricacies of relevant state and local laws.

One of the residents who had a large jump in assessed vehicle value was Julia Scharnberg, who agreed to be interviewed for this article. The assessed worth of her 1990 Mazda Miata was previously $500;  this year’s tax bill was $4,030. “I like the car, it’s fun to drive, and that is why I hang onto it,” she said. “I was astonished at the difference—relatively modest in terms of dollars, but huge in terms of percentage change.” According to Scharnberg, when she contacted the Norfolk town assessor, Cory Iacino, she was told that in order to qualify for the lower $500 valuation, her vehicle needed to be officially scheduled as a classic car, or she had sign an affidavit certifying that she was preserving the vehicle for its historic value. Not wanting to go through the expense and hassle of getting the new plates required for that, she decided to appeal the decision through the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Walter Godlewski, the chairman of the BAA, explained the appeal process. “There are two periods during which taxpayers may appeal assessments, March and September. Each person appealing an assessment is sworn in and given 15 minutes to explain why she believes the assessment should be changed and present relevant evidence and information. Following the appeal, the board goes into deliberations and reviews the oral testimony and information provided by the taxpayer as well as the assessor (if any). The board may also do its own research, for example, looking at published and online motor vehicle valuation guides as well as recent completed sales data and sales listings. For motor vehicle appeals, we may inspect the vehicles and take into consideration factors such as mileage and condition. Our goal is to gather and consider relevant information so that we can make determinations that ensure property valuations are just and equitable.” 

Iacino gave the applicable statutes that she must follow as assessor. “I price motor vehicles in accordance with Connecticut General Statute Section 12-71d, Section 12-71(b), Section 14-1(3), Public Act 08-150 Section 1 and Public Act 09-187(b). There have been no recent changes in statutes in regard to the pricing of motor vehicles. A legislative change to the Connecticut General Statutes would be the way any changes would occur.” Iacino pointed to a fuller explanation of the assessment process given by First Selectman Matt Riiska, published in the July issue of Norfolk Now (available on the website).

Scharnberg said that “the appeal process was easy to navigate, and the board was very gracious and open to the information I presented. I was satisfied with the outcome.” However, she was not without concerns. “It would have been kinder and more transparent to announce that old vehicle valuation methodology was being examined, that there would be the opportunity for public input on any suggested changes, and any changes would go into effect next year. The drastic increase in tax dollars in my case amounted to about one month’s light bill. I was fortunate to be able to cover that added (unbudgeted) expense in July. Others might not have been able to.” 

Iacino wants to make sure residents know they had options and that the process was transparent. “I strongly encourage folks that have concerns regarding any of their assessments to please call or email the office so that I may walk them through on how the assessment was achieved, the statutes involved and correct any factual mistakes.”