Government entities want your money, and they try initially to be as intimidating as possible. Don't immediately fold and give in to their demands.
Usually, there is a 'Path of the Middle Way'...a grievance process, protest form, or meeting with a hearing officer or county clerk.
Lately, I saved a lot of money by getting scheduling a hearing, online via Zoom, with a hearing officer (speeding ticket). I asked what my options were. He gave several, one of which was a 'continuance'; which means I pay the ticket plus an extra moderate amount, but it does not go officially on my record if I don't get another ticket in a year. This saves me $300 on insurance premium increases over a 3 year period.
I've also recently protested a tax penalty from Indiana. I filled out the abatement form, using the information from my accountant. I'm paying the interest, but I will likely get the hefty penalty abated.
Put up the effort to resist. They will assume you might be ready to go all the way to court, and that they can possibly lose. At the very least, your full resistance would cost them money and time...which they hate. The compromise step built into their system works in your favour.
August 21, 2020 at 07:26PM
