Statute of Limitations?

[freedavid]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? WA

Hello,

I have just been contacted by a collection agency alleging that I owe taxes (less than $5000) to the State of Virginia for 1994. Besides the fact that I have no documentation left over from that period to argue the claim or support my innocence, is there no statute of limitations applicable here?

Thanks

David

[FlyingRon]

What assertion of innocence are you trying to make? There's no statute of limitations on tax liability. Once the determination is made you owe the money (which most likely did happen before 2000), you owe it forever. A tax lawyer will be your best option if you feel the bill is invalid.

[davew128]

Originally Posted by FlyingRon

What assertion of innocence are you trying to make? There's no statute of limitations on tax liability. Once the determination is made you owe the money (which most likely did happen before 2000), you owe it forever. A tax lawyer will be your best option if you feel the bill is invalid.

Wholly incorrect. There certainly is a statute of limitations to collect tax. Unfortunately for the OP, in Virginia it is 20 years from the date of assessment.

[freedavid]

are they required to present any supporting evidence, or can they randomly send me bills as and when they wish and I'm required to pay? As far as I know I paid all taxes for which I was liable at the time so I don't understand why they are after me 14 years later. I have not seen any documentation - what can I ask for?

Thanks

David

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by davew128

Wholly incorrect. There certainly is a statute of limitations to collect tax. Unfortunately for the OP, in Virginia it is 20 years from the date of assessment.

There is also a statute of limitations on the federal end as well, so I don't know where Ron is coming from.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by freedavid

are they required to present any supporting evidence, or can they randomly send me bills as and when they wish and I'm required to pay? As far as I know I paid all taxes for which I was liable at the time so I don't understand why they are after me 14 years later. I have not seen any documentation - what can I ask for?

Thanks

David

Ask for any and all documentation to substantiate the tax liability. I have run into this lately in my home state as well. Sometimes its actually fraudulent (ie the collection agency is NOT representing the state). Sometimes its very old stuff that really has been turned over to a collection agency, but its either inaccurate or meant for someone else with a similar name.