I received a call from my local county tax collectors office stating that there is a bill for a car that had been repo'd a few years ago. th...

Question

I received a call from my local county tax collectors office stating that there is a bill for a car that had been repo'd a few years ago. the other person that is on the bill has not attempted to make payments or even called me to set any arrangements as well as for the car. I have attempted to contact this person several times but he will not return my calls. Is there anything I can do?

Answer

There are a few details that you omitted. Why is the tax collector calling you? Were you a co-owner or co-signer on the finance contract? Why is it that you think the other person is responsible? Whjy are they also on the bill?

If you were both registered owners of the car then you are equally liable for the tax. However, the taxing authority wants the money and they are not obligated to just get 50% from you. My advice is to pay the tax and then go after the other person for contibution for their share. What I would do is send them a letter via UPS/FedEx and get signature confirmation. It costs more but too many people play games with certified mail and refuse it.

Make a demand in the letter for their share of the tax. Indicate that if you do not receive it in 30 days, that you will pay and seek contribution. If the amount is less than $5,000 you can sue the other person in small claims assuming that he/she lives in in NC. You would sue in the county where the other person lives.