ALEXJONES.BIZ

I went to the tag office on April 25th to obtain a new tag for my car that had been sitting up for almost 12 months. Knowing what is needed for the transaction I showed up early at 8AM so I could be done and out in 15 minutes. The tag office in Jackson is very quick to serve you. Or they have been in the past.

I knew the tag had expired and was told by a friend that all I needed was to sign an affidavit attesting to the fact. The MS State Code tells me that same thing.

http://www.mscode.com/free/statutes/27/051/0041.htm

(6) If the person owning a vehicle subject to taxation under the provisions of this chapter does not operate such vehicle on the highways of this state from the date of acquisition or, if previously registered, from the end of the anniversary month of the tag and decals to the date on which he makes application for a current license tag or decals, he shall pay such ad valorem tax for a period of twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the month in which he applies for a current license tag or decals under Chapter 19, Title 27, Mississippi Code of 1972. The owner shall submit an affidavit with an application attesting to the fact that the vehicle was not operated on the highways of this state from the date of acquisition or, if previously registered, from the end of the anniversary month of the tag and decals to the date on which he makes application for the current license tag or decals.

(7) Any person found violating any of the provisions of this section shall be arrested and tried, and if found guilty shall be fined in an amount double the total amount of taxes involved.

But to no avail. I had no luck getting it accomplished the right way. I had to spend the next three hours obtaining signed affidavits from others. Upon presenting the unnecessary paperwork I was cheated again when the representative placed a March decal on the new tag instead of an April decal. The rep also would not correct her mistake when I pointed it out to her causing me to loose 30 days of the 12 months I paid for.

So I decided to write a letter to at least obtain a copy of this “so-called” policy. I know it will be a long drawn out battle but it is necessary to make a point. Here is the letter I wrote to the Jackson operations manager. I think he is the person I spoke to that day but I’m not sure.

—– Original Message —–
From: “Alex Jones”
To: “Larry Camper” lcamper@co.hinds.ms.us
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 12:37 PM
Subject: Hinds County Exemptions and Credits Policy

Mr. Camper,

I am looking to obtain a copy of the Hinds County Tax Collectors policies in regards to exemptions and credits that are required of Mississippians and not listed in the MS Code.

According to MS State Law SEC 27-51-41

(6) If the person owning a vehicle subject to taxation under the provisions of this chapter does not operate such vehicle on the highways of this state from the date of acquisition or, if previously registered, from the end of the anniversary month of the tag and decals to the date on which he makes application for a current license tag or decals, he shall pay such ad valorem tax for a period of twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the month in which he applies for a current license tag or decals under Chapter 19, Title 27, Mississippi Code of 1972. The owner shall submit an affidavit with the application attesting to the fact that the vehicle was not operated on the highways of this state from the date of acquisition or, if previously registered, from the end of the anniversary month of the tag and decals to the date on which he makes application for the current license tag or decals.

I attempted to follow this law this very morning and was meet with malcontent at the Jackson office. My affidavit was not acceptable by the representative nor their supervisor. I was told it is policy that not only do I provide an affidavit but that my neighbors must also provide an affidavit as well. Something about the vehicle being less than 10 years of age. I asked to see a copy of this policy so I could follow it to the letter and the supervisor could not provide one.

I find it appalling that the Hinds County Tax Office usurps the law for financial gain. I have no problem paying my taxes and I do not understand why the law cannot be followed. Not only was my notarized affidavit not accepted, I had to sign an additional affidavit on-site. Upon providing the un-necessary documents I again was cheated at payment. The law states that “he shall pay such ad valorem tax for a period of twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the month in which he applies for a current license tag.” That was today April 25, 2008. I should have been provided an April decal. The representative placed a March decal instead April. When I brought this to the representatives attention she indicated it goes back 30 days from the date I apply and would not correct her mistake.

I cannot believe their is such gross incompetence in that office. If policies actually exist they should be posted on your website and made available to the public. I am demanding that I be provided the details I should follow to obtain a copy of this policy. I will be seeking reimbursement for my time this morning as well as a corrected decal for my tag. If you have any questions for me please feel free to contact me at (cell-number). Thank you for your time.

Alex Jones

I’m going to give Mr. Camper 1 week to reply. Then I am going to send an email to Mr. Fair the Tax Collector. If no response then I’ll just keep going to others such as the Attorney General and or the News outlets. I hope to update soon.