New car seized days after purchase over NT$300,000 tax debt

A woman in Hsinchu, Taiwan, faced a startling consequence for accumulated tax debts when her brand-new car, purchased just four days prior, was immobilized by authorities. The Hsinchu City Taxation Bureau, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau's Hsinchu Branch, utilized a smart parking notification system to locate and flag the vehicle, effectively preventing its use.

The woman, identified as Ms. Chen, owed a total of NT$300,000 (approximately US$9,300) across 117 unpaid items, including license plate tax, fuel charges, and highway tolls. Her long-standing debt dated back to 2009, with previous vehicles she owned also being used on public roads even after their license plates were deregistered. Despite previous attempts to enforce collection, authorities had been unable to seize assets until Ms. Chen purchased the new car.

Upon discovering the new vehicle through the city's "Roadside Parking Smart Notification System," tax officials promptly initiated enforcement procedures. Faced with the imminent seizure of her new car, Ms. Chen cooperated with the Hsinchu Branch, explaining that she primarily used the vehicle to transport a relative to medical appointments and acknowledged facing financial difficulties. Authorities then arranged a "payment by installment" plan to help her manage the debt.

The Hsinchu City Taxation Bureau reminded the public that any vehicle operating or parked on public roads is subject to tax regulations. Failure to pay license plate tax or using a vehicle with deregistered plates on public roads can result in the repayment of back taxes plus fines. The bureau encouraged individuals with tax-related inquiries to contact them directly.

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The city's "roadside parking smart notification system" can help track down vehicle owners with overdue taxes and fees, and can also provide information to the police department for the seizure of vehicles that continue to be driven on the road after their license plates have been suspended or cancelled.