“Tax season has appeared,” says Black Book’s Ricky Beggs. But it’s not only the arrival of W-2s and tax returns that indicates such an arrival — the proof is in the auction lanes, as well.

Beggs said the season “finally raised its head this past week, causing more aggressive bidding for some vehicles in some markets.”

In the latest “Beggs on the Used Car Market” video report, the Black Book editorial director said reports from buyers and sellers in the lanes last week focused on “springtime optimism” from the Nevada market, to “steady”, “strong”, and “the market is improving” across the U.S.

Prices declines for some segments are slowing, as well, perhaps a harbinger of tax season’s regular price hikes at auction.

Cars have begun to retain their value a bit better, with the average segment decline coming in at $40 last week.

And four car segments saw stronger price retention this past week than the rate of decline seen two weeks ago.

For example, the premium sporty cars fell by $79 this past week, which was a “noticeable improvement from the previous seven weeks which all had greater than $100 declining change levels,” Beggs said.

“Maybe this is one of those signs of a spring market getting closer,” he added.

For the trucks, the story was a bit different. After touting strong price retention throughout 2013, the average segment decline last week was $67, which was also the greatest decline seen in the past eight weeks.

That said, “We expect this increasing level of segment change to be only temporary,” Beggs reported.

Beggs also reported last week which segments may see the biggest price hikes during tax season this year, and pointed out a few units to watch. See the Auto Remarketing story here.