DVLA + Car Auction

[saltybiscuit]

i recently bought a car at auction and it had about 9 months tax on it. i kept the tax disc and not the car as it was a bit of a dog! I sent the tax back to the DVLA to get a refund so i wouldnt make a total loss on the car, however this morning i have recieved a letter from the DVLA stating that i wasnt eligble for a refund as i didnt own the car. Now i did infact own the car albeit for a week as i put straight into the following weeks auction, i have contacted the auction house and they did send off the relevant documentation and also stated that they have come across this several times and in their experience, and it can take quite a few months and hassle to sort out.

Is this correct, in this modern era of technology and information that a simple 9 months tax refund for a car that i owned will take several months of time and hassle to sort out?

Any ideas, or help would be greatly received.

[POORCARDEALER]

Car needed to be registered to you when you applied for the refund.

[saltybiscuit]

Thank you, I bought the car from the auction and I spoke to the auction as they have said they have sent all the relevant documents off, so I have no reason to think that I didn't own the car for a week. However if I had been caught for speeding etc surely I would be prosecuted as the car was mine.