Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

California Vehicle License Fees: Incidence And Equity, Jennifer Dill, Todd Mitchel Goldman, Martin Wachs

Urban Studies and Planning Faculty Publications and Presentations

Most states tax the value of residents' motor vehicles. In recent political debates over the future of these levies, the relative effects of these taxes on different socioeconomic groups have been a prominent question. By linking data from the Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey with estimates of vehicle values from consumer vehicle pricing guides, the socioeconomic and demographic incidence of California's Vehicle License Fee is examined. After the effects of state and federal income tax deductions are taken into account, the fee is found to be as regressive as the state's sales tax.