Dear Friends,
As you may recall, the Democrats’ transportation finance bill contains a number of new tax increases. Some of them will begin impacting drivers in the next two weeks, others will show up later, but I thought I would bring them to your attention today.
JULY 1 TAX INCREASES
If you’re thinking about buying a new or used car, do so before July 1 so you can save yourself some money. The Motor Vehicle Sales Tax will be jumping from 6.5% to 6.875% on that date, which means Minnesota will have the 5th highest vehicle sales tax in the United States.
There is also a $6 fee increase to secure a new drivers license, which applies to applications made on or after July 1.
OCTOBER 1 INCREASES
If you shop in the Metro Area, prepare to pay more. On this date, the sales tax in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties will jump by .75%
An additional $1 surcharge will also be added to filing fees.
JANUARY 1, 2024 INCREASES
As you ring in the new year, prepare to pay more for gasoline. Democrats approved automatic gas tax increases for inflation, and this inflation-determined increase will now occur every January 1, basically forever.
Vehicle registration tab costs will also rise. The average driver will see a 36% increase on these costs over the first 11 years of owning the vehicle, but some years will see a 50% increase.
JULY 1, 2024 INCREASES
At-home shoppers will be paying this new 50-cent per delivery fee, which will be implemented on deliveries over $100. Exemptions include deliveries for groceries, prepared food, baby products, and feminine hygiene products. It is the largest delivery tax in the U.S.
VETERANS SOBER HOME DISCUSSION
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend and speak at a special meeting at the American Legion in Albert Lea, where a new veterans’ sober home for southern Minnesota was discussed. Representatives from Trinity Sober Homes, a non- profit which operates a few high-quality sober homes throughout Minnesota, presented this opportunity. Bravo Zulu house would potentially be located near Wells?. I was very impressed with what I heard about this potential sober house, which would target veterans. It would include a spiritual element, a work or volunteer requirement, as well as the potential of residents working with retired military dogs. Trinity Sober Homes has a post treatment recovery rate of 71%, which is very good. Veterans suicide is at an epidemic rate, with an average of 20 veterans committing suicide a day in the United States. Ninety-five percent of those have PTSD, and VA data shows that the vast majority of vets with PTSD abuse drugs and alcohol. A program like this is much needed, and would be very welcome in southern Minnesota! You can read more about this meeting by clicking here.
Have a good weekend,
Peggy