Think your car’s value should stay the same or decrease over time? Think again—especially if you’re driving a newer model. Here’s a story that might make you want to double-check your property tax bill before you pay it. In Springfield, Missouri, a local taxpayer named Randal Hankins got a surprise when he opened his 2025 personal property tax statement. Hankins, who drives a 2023 GMC Yukon, noticed that his vehicle’s assessed value had jumped by $6,000 compared to the previous year, pushing his tax bill from $732.91 to $963.84. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this increase a mistake, or is there something more going on behind the scenes?
Hankins reached out to On Your Side for answers. Greene County Assessor Brent Johnson explained that the issue wasn’t with this year’s assessment—it was last year’s. Turns out, the 2024 value of Hankins’ vehicle was incorrectly calculated due to faulty data from a vendor. Johnson admitted, “Errors do happen,” but added that Hankins actually benefited from the mistake, paying $400 less than he should have in 2024. The corrected 2025 assessment reflects the true value, but Hankins is left wondering why he wasn’t notified about the error earlier.
And this is the part most people miss: By law, assessors must use the J.D. Power used car guide to determine vehicle values. However, newer models often hit the road before these guides are updated, leaving county workers to make educated guesses. Johnson explained, “Sometimes those values are calculated lower than the average trade-in because there’s not a trade-in market yet for those vehicles.” This means owners of newer cars are more likely to see fluctuations in their assessed values—and their tax bills.
So, what does this mean for you? If you drive a newer vehicle, it’s crucial to review your property tax statement carefully. While errors like Hankins’ are rare—affecting only about 5% of taxpayers—they can happen. If you spot something off, don’t hesitate to call your county courthouse. And don’t wait until the last minute to pay your bill.
But here’s the bigger question: Should taxpayers be on the hook for sudden increases caused by assessment errors, or should counties do more to ensure accuracy and transparency? Hankins believes he should have been notified about the mistake, but Johnson insists the county won’t retroactively charge for errors. What do you think? Is this a fair system, or does it need fixing? Let us know in the comments below.
Remember, knowledge is power—especially when it comes to your taxes. Stay informed, and don’t let surprises like this catch you off guard.
