Landlord responsibility in reporting tax cheat?

[ms06880]

CT requires its residents to pay property taxes on registered vehicles every year (aka "car tax"). Individuals moving to the state have 60 days to transfer vehicle registration to CT. A neighbor has brought to my attention that my tenant has two cars that are still registered out of state, despite having been a full time CT resident for nearly a year. Am I responsible for alerting local tax collector of this or should I just mind my own business? On one hand, I feel that everyone should pay what they owe (I'm not happy with the car tax either; but I still pay it every year.) On the other, no one likes a tattle tale and all the negative karma that goes with it. Help!

[momcents]

I'd mind my own business. That is just me.

[disneysteve]

I think you are asking two different questions:
1. Are you responsible for reporting it? I'd say no. It isn't your job as the landlord to make sure your tenants pay their taxes.
2. Should you report it? I wouldn't. What good can come of it, especially if they find out you were the one who turned them in? If you really want to report it, do it anonymously. Use a public phone to call, don't give your name and just say you've noticed a neighbor with out of state plates.

[jpg7n16]

Why did the neighbor take it to you? Why wouldn't they just take it to the authorities? Or to the tenant?

You're just a landlord, not a license plate enforcer.

I wouldn't bother. I don't call 911 every time someone speeds by me on the highway. I don't like people driving 85 in a 60, but realistically, that's their problem.

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Now - I wouldn't alert the authorities, but would prob alert my tenant that it could cause an issue. What if they just didn't know? You could save them from getting a ticket.

If they say, 'yeah I'm not worried about it' - then forget about it and they will too.
If they say, 'oh wow, I didn't even think about that! Thanks!!!!' - then you've earned yourself a great tenant (and just been a standup person)

[ms06880]

I appreciate your candid responses and wise guidance. Best to leave it alone. Many thanks, I truly appreciate it.

[Gary Barzel]

Originally Posted by jpg7n16

Now - I wouldn't alert the authorities, but would prob alert my tenant that it could cause an issue. What if they just didn't know? You could save them from getting a ticket.

If they say, 'yeah I'm not worried about it' - then forget about it and they will too.
If they say, 'oh wow, I didn't even think about that! Thanks!!!!' - then you've earned yourself a great tenant (and just been a standup person)

There's definitely a possibility that he doesn't know about it, just make sure to tell him that a few people mentioned it to you, so that if the neighbor decides to report it himself, you don't want your tenant blaming you for it.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by jpg7n16

I don't like people driving 85 in a 60, but realistically, that's their problem.

I'm just jealous of those people . I'd like to be driving 85 (or more) but choose to stick closer to the limit.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Gary Barzel

There's definitely a possibility that he doesn't know about it, just make sure to tell him that a few people mentioned it to you, so that if the neighbor decides to report it himself, you don't want your tenant blaming you for it.

I doubt that he doesn't know his vehicle is supposed to be registered in the state in which he lives. That's pretty common knowledge. People typically do that either to avoid taxes or to avoid higher insurance rates.

I agree that telling him is a good idea, though, for just the reason you mentioned. Let him know that others have noticed it and mentioned it so he might get reported by somebody, just not you.

[marvholly]

OP
Is there any possibility of YOU being liable in any way - financially or being charged w/some sort of law infraction? If not, then I would follow DS's advice - maybe even send a letter or email so I had proof the tenent was warned. If yes then for your own well being you MUST report.

[momcents]

If your tenant is parked on private property (the place that they rent from you), police cannot come and issue tickets. If they are parked on the street, that is another issue.

[mom-from-missouri]

Are they exempt?? Such, as are they military or students? Perhaps they rent the car and don't own it?? We have a kid out of state (who is an adult) but rents a car from here--the company she rents from are the ones who tag and insure it......

[cptacek]

We have the same situation at work. One of the higher ups moved here from Iowa over a year ago and hasn't changed her tags yet. I printed off the law and stuck it in her mail box, but she hasn't done anything about it yet. Her registration is up in March. If she re-registers her car in Iowa, I'm going to turn her in. Because the law is the law.