61-3-503. Assessment -- definition. (1) (a) Except as provided in 61-3-520, light vehicles subject to a local option motor vehicle tax under 61-3-537 must be assessed the tax as of the first day of the registration period, using the depreciated value of the manufacturer's suggested retail price as determined in subsection (2).

(b) If the depreciated value is less than $500, the department shall value the motor vehicle at $500.

(2) (a) Except as provided in subsections (2)(c) and (2)(d), the depreciated value for the taxation of light vehicles is computed by multiplying the manufacturer's suggested retail price by a percentage multiplier based on the type and age of the light vehicle determined from the following table:

(b) The age for the light vehicle is determined under 61-3-501.

(c) If the value of the light vehicle determined under subsection (2)(a) is $500 or less, the value of the light vehicle is $500 and the value must remain at that amount as long as the light vehicle is registered.

(d) The depreciated value of a light vehicle that is 17 years old or older is computed by depreciating the value obtained for the vehicle at 16 years old, as determined under subsection (2)(a), by 10% a year until a minimum value of $500 is attained. The value must remain at that amount as long as the light vehicle is registered.

(3) (a) For the purposes of this section, "manufacturer's suggested retail price" means the price suggested by the manufacturer for each given type, style, or model of light vehicle produced and first made available for retail sale by the manufacturer.

(b) The manufacturer's suggested retail price is based on standard equipment of a light vehicle and does not contain price additions or deductions for optional accessories.

(c) When a manufacturer's suggested retail price is unavailable for a motor vehicle, the department shall determine an alternative valuation for the motor vehicle.