I didn’t really fight the law, but I did try filing another abatement on my taxes.  This time on my car excise tax.  Earlier in the year, I sold my car, and transferred my plates to my new used car (I took my parent’s old car as they got a new car).

So I filled out the abatement form, and stapled my new registration as I thought was required, and went over to the Tax “Assitance” office at City Hall.   I was quickly turned away.  Apparently I need the bill of sale as well.  The text in the Abatement from reads as follows:

Bill of Sale and Plate Return Receipt or New Registration From if plate is transferred

I read that to mean: (Bill of Sale and Plate Return Receipt) or New Registration From if plate is transferred but apparently it really was Bill of Sale and (Plate Return Receipt or New Registration From if plate is transferred).   I’m not sure what the rules of precendence are for “OR” and “AND”.   Either way, I need to go back to the office with the Bill of Sale.   I had orginially intended to include the Bill of Sale just in case, but left it at home.  

All in all I wasted 30 minutes going down to City Hall, and will have to waste another 30 minutes next week, and for what?  $38.75.  I didn’t have nice car, and I actually still don’t.  I like to think my time and aggravation is worth more than this, but I’m unwilling to let this go.  I pick certain battles, and this is one of them.   I’m ok with missing few deductions on Tax Return for convenience sake.  I’m alright with not getting absolutely the best savings account rate.  I’m also ok paying for plumber on something that I might be able to do myself for convenience sake.  However, if I ever feel like I’m being unjustly charged, I will fight tooth and nail for every last cent as a matter of principal.