debt validation for old excise tax

[jcappa76]

What is the name of your state? Massachusetts, but debt is in Connecticut

Hi folks. First time here, have a question on debt validation.

I received notice from a collection agency a few weeks back of their intent to collect on a 6 year old STATE EXCISE TAX debt (for my car). I immediately requested validation of the debt because the debt amount didn't look right.

In response to my validation request, I've received 2 things from the collection agency:

1) a printout of the collection agency's internal itemization of accounts
2) copies of state tax law that explain that automobile owners are responsible for taxes even if they don't receive a bill

I've gone back to them and explained that I don't believe this is proper validation, since they haven't provided any documentation from the original creditor with my name on it that shows the original amount is on file (basically, I think this would just be copy of the original excise tax notice). They've responded by saying that they don't have to and that the burden of proof is on me.

Am I within my rights to request the original tax bill? It's not a large debt (less than $1000) and I hate to make a fuss, but at this point I've been given nothing that proves to me that the debt is legitimate. However, maybe the rules for excise tax are different?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

[FlyingRon]

You're out of luck. FDCPA doesn't apply to your car tax.

[jcappa76]

FlyingRon,

Thanks so much for your response. I had a feeling there might be special circumstances for an old excise tax. FYI, the Attorney General's office of MA, the Attorney General's office of CT and the Federal Trade Commission told me otherwise, (whatever interns they had answering calls did, anyway), but I had a feeling they weren't grasping that it was a tax, not an old credit card bill or other commercial debt. Thanks again.