NEW JERSEY: $100K MERCEDES = $400 MORE TAX
Want to own a plush or fuel-thirsty ride? That’ll cost you extra in the Garden State.
New cars that cost $45,000 or more or have a combined EPA fuel-mileage average of 19 or below pay an additional 0.4% when registered, on top of New Jersey’s 7% sales tax. The tax dates to 2006, but notably, the dollar value hasn’t been adjusted since then, even as the average price of a new car has risen (it’s almost $35,000 now).
NEW MEXICO: CUTTING CENTENARIANS A BREAK
In the Land of Enchantment, making it to 100 years has a payoff beyond the chance that Al Roker will wish you a happy birthday on the “Today” show: You don’t have to pay state income tax anymore.
If you’ve been physically present in the state for at least six months and a resident of the state on the last day of the year, and you’re not someone’s dependent, you’re eligible. You’ll still need to file, and there are some complications if you’re married and your spouse doesn’t qualify.