Be prepared to feel the pinch when renewing your vehicle tabs this year. As of March 1st, the Regional Transit Authority tax goes into effect for those living within the Sound Transit District. While Gamblin Motors’ hometown of Enumclaw and Buckley are not positioned within the taxed district, many of our neighbors in King, Pierce, and Snohomish County can expect a higher bill this year. How much higher? The tax will increase from 0.3% to 1.1% resulting in a $110 annual fee for a $10,000 vehicle. While the Sound Transit 3 measure garnered strong support last November, residents are still in for some sticker shock when it comes time for tab renewals.

Taxes collected are slated for a large expansion of light rail in Tacoma, Seattle, and Everett. The Sounder Commuter will also see expansion under the measure. In addition to the rail improvements, park-and-ride and bus-rapid transit are scheduled for further development. Just how much is this investment going to cost you? First, it is important to determine if you live within the taxable district. Sound Transit provides an address locator to see if you fall within the boundary: http://bit.ly/2mECzfm. If you do in fact live within the Sound Transit District, the Department of Licensing has a vehicle tab estimator to give drivers an idea of what to expect when their tag renewal letter arrives in the mail: http://bit.ly/2lOrI51.