Mililani, HI asked in Tax Law for Hawaii

Q: I was given a motor vehicle by a widow who's husband did not register and not paid annual vehicle tax for 15 years

Is it possible to ask a judge to waive or reduce the tax, the vehicle is in poor condition and not worth much

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1 Lawyer Answer
Mark Simonds
Mark Simonds
Answered
  • Haiku, HI
  • Licensed in Hawaii

A: Aloha, this is a question best left to your local DMV. Usually, if a car is not to be used for an extended period of time, it is advisable to turn in the license plates and obtain a "storage certificate" the issuance of same would stop registration fees and taxes from accruing. The courts would have little to do with this issue.

If you cannot get the back taxes waived, it may not be feasible to pay off all the back taxes, unless it is an antique, classic, or collectible automobile. If it is not any of those, you may want to turn in the plates and either scrap it or part it out.

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