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I feel the need to write this post about the issuance of non-repairable vehicle certificates, due to the rise of salvage vehicles in this country and people that I see who are caught up in non-repairable certificate dilemmas.  To shed light on this subject, the following will be observed in this post: what a non-repairable certificate is, buying or receiving a vehicle with a non-repairable certificate, how to avoid a non-repairable certificate mishap.   What is a Non-Repairable Certificate?   Before I state what a non-repairable certificate it, I must say that a non-repairable vehicle is also a salvage vehicle and in this case, is non-repairable. Note: refer to my previous blog on salvage vehicles (a salvage vehicle can fall in different categories).  A non-repairable certificate is a certificate that has been issued for a vehicle that has been declared non-repairable by the vehicle's owner or insurance provider.  In order for a vehicle to be classified as such, the estimated cost of repair of the vehicle must exceed 90% of its actual cash value, before the damage occurred.  Accordingly, to ensure that this last stage of this type of vehicle is filed and documented properly; any title, salvage title and or registration card, must submitted and cancelled, when applying for a non-repairable certificate.       Buying or Receiving a Vehicle with a Non-Repairable Certificate:   From the eyes of someone with experience in vehicle titles; I come across people who buy vehicles that have non-repairable certificates, without having a true understanding of what the term mean and then some will buy the vehicle knowing full well that this type of vehicle isn't road worthy, but will try to slip through the cracks anyway and sell it to unauthorized buyers anyway.  What do I mean?  First, let me say that whenever a non-repairable certificate is present, no one can sell such a vehicle, unless the buyer is a demolisher, recycler or scrap processor of some sort.  These types of individuals/businesses are only to use the vehicle for parts, scrap, or recycling purposes only.  So if anyone other than the types stated above, buy a vehicle that has a non-repairable certificate then they are putting themselves in an unfortunate situation.  Second, some people may try to sell or "flip" a non-repairable vehicle to a buyer who isn't savvy about non-repairable vehicles.  The recipient, believes that they have a good deal and will try to get a title, only to face rejection.   For example, I've advised clients who have bought vehicles (and I'm talking about late model vehicles that appeared to be in excellent condition) with non-repairable certificates, thinking that they were able to get a regular title for the vehicle and drive it without any problem at all.  Unfortunately, I've had to relate the bad news to them that the vehicle that they have purchased is good for nothing but parts or scrap.  At then end, money was lost and they had a vehicle that didn't do them any good.     How To Avoid a Non-Repairable Certificate Mishap:To save yourself time, frustration and the reality of not getting a clear and legitimate title, adhere to the following points when it comes to non-repairable certificates: If you are buying a vehicle and you receive a non-repairable certificate; please understand that this vehicle is for parts or scrap only and that you won't be able to get a title for it and put it on the road-NO EXCEPTIONS.  Ask to review any paperwork, prior to you signing any documents.If you buy a vehicle that has a non-repairable certificate and the dealer didn't present you with legitimate disclosures "indicating that the vehicle was to be sold to a demolisher, scrap processor or recycler" and you believe that you were deceived, you should seek to take legal action immediately.Get the history of the vehicle prior to going to the dealer if possible. For questions regarding a non-repairable certificate, submit your concerns toswhite@wisdomandauthority.com   ...read more

This post will act as a reminder that 4th Quarter IFTA tax filing ends on January 31, as well as a source of motivation to help you get your taxes submitted on time.  In this briefing I will focus on what you need to file your IFTA taxes on time, what happens when you don't file on time and other points to remember when filing your IFTA taxes. What Do You Need to File Your IFTA Taxes? Accurate mileage logs/records Accurate fuel records/receipts If you are late from previous quarters you will need to have the documents that you received from Motor Carrier Services stating penalties, late charges, additional requirements, etc. (FROM YOUR BASE STATE) If you are facing an audit and still need to file your IFTA taxes, you will need all of the items listed above as well as prior IFTA tax filing documents, fuel receipts and mileage logs/records from 3-5 years of filing, from the start of your operation or the date/s in question as requested by the auditor What Happens When You Don't File on Time? An IFTA late fee is imposed by your base state Penalties and interest accrue continuously on your IFTA account until the tax is paid If your taxes aren't paid within a certain amount of time your IFTA license will get suspended and this will affect your IRP (apportioned registration as well) Your overall trucking operations will be at stake.  If you choose to operate on invalid credentials (IFTA, IRP, etc.), you will face more citations and penalties from Motor Carrier Services, Scale officials, DOT, etc. and your trucking operations will shut down! Other Points to Remember When Filing your IFTA: If you are hauling in KY, NM, OR and or NY;  (based on weight limits) you will be required to obtain weight distance and hauling permits for these jurisdictions If you obtain a KY, NM, OR and or NY permit, you will be required to file the quarterly weight distance tax for these jurisdictions.  The quarterly tax has the same quarter start and end dates as well as filing deadlines as IFTA Tax requirements. Wisdom&Authority Title Solutions is committed to helping you stay in motor carrier compliance.  Don't avoid getting the help you need with your IFTA filing.  If your tax filing is out of hand, help is available to you today.  From basic to complex fuel tax matters, your situation is covered. ...read more