[WSBAPT] Off Topic Referral Sought - DOL Vehicle Registration Denial - RTA Nonpayment

[John Sullivan]

Listmates:

This is way off topic and way outside my wheelhouse (although technically it is a tax matter). Does anyone do, or know another attorney who does, appeals of DOL vehicle registration denials for nonpayment of RTA tax?

PC, a retired King County Sheriff's Deputy, spends six months of the year down in AZ in an RV. He and his wife own a home in King County. That's where their mail goes and their voter registration is. When they are up here, they split their time between that home and one in Grays Harbor County their son owns. They have for at least seven years registered an auto and their RV as Grays Harbor domiciliaries. A few months ago, they were notified by WA DOL that neither the RV nor the auto could be registered until they pay back RTA tax for seven years as King County domiciliaries. It sounds like the tax assessment alone is at least $10K. the little bit of research I did suggested a 50% penalty and interest could be tacked on. PC does not want to take the position they are domiciled in AZ because he says the registration fees are higher and AZ has an income tax.

Anybody handle this sort of appeal? It may be too late. Again, the little bit of research I did suggested there is a 30-day clock running on appealing from the date they received notice from the DOL. Honestly, I know a fair amount about controlling domicile from my estate planning work, and I suspect at the end of the road this PC would be found to be domiciled in King County. What PC hopes for, is an attorney who could negotiate some sort of reasonable settlement or payment schedule.

Thanks for any information. Just not something I have ever dealt with. It does sound like playing the "I live in another state or county" lottery isn't always a winner.

Best regards,
John J. Sullivan
Attorney

Lyons | Sullivan
10655 NE 4th Street, Suite 704
Bellevue, WA  98004
425*451*2400 x-3 tel 425-451-7385 fax
www.dljslaw.com<http://www.dljslaw.com/>

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