DVLA muppets

[GreigM]

I have a car on SORN and took the paperwork into the DVLA to put the cherished plate which was on the car onto retention. A week later they have sent me a tax disc valid until the end of the year (the same data as the SORN was valid until). I didn't pay for, nor ask for a tax disc.

Initially I though "great, free tax disc", but thinking about it I'll now be due a fine under the continuous insurance nonsense, and knowing the DVLAs attitude of "la la I'm not listening" there won't be many chances of fighting it.

So what should I do (given I can't get through on the phone - apparently they're too busy and just disconnect)?

Should I:

1. Write to them, returning the tax disc and hope they correct the mistake.
2. Return the disc and apply for a refund, and hope I don't get a fine in the meantime.

I'm heading towards #2 as while I'm not entitled to the cash, its causing a lot of time and energy and this would be the quickest way to correct the situation.

[Blue Oval84]

Option 2 would be my preferred course of action!

[Aberdeenloon]

Yup, option 2.

[mercfunder]

You haven't been charged for the tax disc?
if not is not option 2 "obtaining money by deception"?
Can't see the a Govt dept taking a soft line on that.

[GreigM]

mercfunder said:

You haven't been charged for the tax disc?
if not is not option 2 "obtaining money by deception"?
Can't see the a Govt dept taking a soft line on that.

Where's my deception?

[mercfunder]

GreigM said:

mercfunder said:

You haven't been charged for the tax disc?
if not is not option 2 "obtaining money by deception"?
Can't see the a Govt dept taking a soft line on that.

Where's my deception?

Maybe I am misunderstanding this, but I read it as if you were going to send the tax disc back claiming a cash refund, how is that possible if you didn't pay for it?

[GreigM]

mercfunder said:

Maybe I am misunderstanding this, but I read it as if you were going to send the tax disc back claiming a cash refund, how is that possible if you didn't pay for it?

Its possible because they issued a tax disc by mistake. I make no deception - I didn't ask for a disc, nor did I make any false declaration, but to get my car back onto SORN they will automatically refund the rest of the disc. I can't contact them in any way to do this outside the "normal" procedure, so I see they have left me no option to keep myself legal and not liable for a fine.

[Chiswickboy]

Do you not need to have the vehicle taxed for a plate transfer?

Which plate does the tax disk belong to; one on retention or the replacement?

[GreigM]

Chiswickboy said:

Do you not need to have the vehicle taxed for a plate transfer?

Which plate does the tax disk belong to; one on retention or the replacement?

No, you can do the transfer from a SORN - not usual (which is obviously what has caused the confusion). The disc belongs to the replacement (non-retained) plates...I imagine they should have sent a replacement SORN but don't have a procedure for that.

[Aberdeenloon]

GreigM said:

mercfunder said:

Maybe I am misunderstanding this, but I read it as if you were going to send the tax disc back claiming a cash refund, how is that possible if you didn't pay for it?

Its possible because they issued a tax disc by mistake. I make no deception - I didn't ask for a disc, nor did I make any false declaration, but to get my car back onto SORN they will automatically refund the rest of the disc. I can't contact them in any way to do this outside the "normal" procedure, so I see they have left me no option to keep myself legal and not liable for a fine.

I don't see it as deception either. You have a valid tax disc. You want to cash it in. Simples!