State: October tag renewal notices delayed, Troup tax commissioner says issue causing confusion

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 2, 2015

Staff report

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Contributed

ATLANTA — A vendor contracted to print and mail motor vehicle tax notices has faced “several operational and production related issues” and has been unable to send October notices on time, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue.

The mailing of notices to vehicle owners has suffered severe delays, specifically the October renewal reminder mailing, the department said in a press release. October renewal mailings should have been received by motor vehicle owners by the first of October. The department is working to mail the November notices as quickly as possible, according to the press release.

“Everybody across the state is affected by it,” said Gary Wood, Troup County tax commissioner. “From what I understand, (the contractor is) going under. Normally, you get them 45 days before the due day. It’s creating an enormous amount of confusion from across the state.”

Although not required, renewal notices are mailed to motor vehicle owners in participating counties. Vehicle owners are required to pay the full renewal amount on time — typically the motor vehicle owner’s birthday or based on business name. There are several renewal options, depending on county, available to motor vehicle owners, including:

• Mail: renewals received by mail may be returned to the local county tag office using the payment voucher.

• Online: If a resident of a participating county, motor vehicle owners can renew online using the renewal identification number, or RIN, located on the renewal notice. If the renewal notice is unavailable, a resident may use the RIN look-up tool found on the Department’s website, www.dor.georgia.gov.

• Phone: Residents of participating counties may renew via phone by calling 855-508-6636.

“If (tax payers) have any questions, they can give us a call,” Wood said. “But saying, ‘I didn’t get my bill’ isn’t an excuse for not paying.”

For information on renewing online, locating a local county tag office or obtaining the online RIN at https://mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags/.

The Troup County Tax Commissioner’s Office may be reached at 706-883-1620.

Information from a press release by the Georgia Department of Revenue contributed to this report.

Reach the LaGrange Daily News at 706-884-7311.