Contributor

John Campbell

John Campbell (R-Irvine) is an Assemblyman representing the 70th District in Orange County. Mr. Campbell is the Vice-Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. He is the only CPA in the California State legislature and recently received a national award as Freshman Republican Legislator of the Year. He represents the cities of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods and Lake Forest. He can be reached through his Assembly website and through the website for his California Senate campaign.

Car Tax Refund
Demand your refund when you pay your car tax
[John Campbell] 7/11/03

I have told you that the Governor's tripling of the car tax is illegal and probably unconstitutional as well. I have told you that the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer's Association has filed a lawsuit (on which I am also a plaintiff) to overturn this illegal tax. But, starting with new and renewal registrations October 1st, the new tripled tax will be in effect and you have to pay it unless you want to get pulled over by the police for having expired tags.

Over 10 years ago, the state imposed another unconstitutional tax on cars called the "smog impact fee." When the court eventually overturned this tax, very few taxpayers received refunds because they had not kept records and were unable to file an official claim for refund.

Not this time. Go to my website and you will find a car tax refund form that you can print and send in to the DMV at the time you pay your illegal tax. All the instructions are there too. If you send this in, you will be officially recording your refund request with the DMV. You will also be burying the state in these claims to let them know that you will not tolerate abuses of power (and theft of your money) like this. You will also be aiding the lawsuit as the refund claims will be used there too. Be sure to save a copy of the form and your bill and your check. It may take several years to resolve this and you want to make sure you get your money back when the time comes.

It may take time, but we can beat this thing. You can help, and get your money back someday if we are successful. Spread the word. Pass the form on to everyone you know.