Regional Transportation Authorities

House Bill 3202 authorizes Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads to raise revenue through regional authorities, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority respectively.  The Supreme Court ruled that the authority to impose taxes and fees granted by the General Assembly was unconstitutional. 
Governor Kaine signed House Bill 1578 (2008).  This bill establishes procedures for the return of the taxes and fees collected by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.

The seven taxes and fees will be returned as follows:

• The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will return the 1% initial vehicle registration fee and the $10 regional registration fee  by mail beginning in early April.  DMV will publish guidelines for the return of the fees by April 1.  Individuals who paid these fees are encouraged to ensure that DMV has their correct mailing address to allow for quick and convenient return of the fees.  Call DMV Direct at 866-368-5463 to update your address or for additional information.
• The Clerks of the Circuit Courts will work with settlement agents to return the congestion relief fee (real estate grantor’s tax) to the affected settlement agents within 60 days.  The settlement agent will in turn refund the individuals or entities that paid the congestion relief fee.  The Clerks will jointly develop uniform guidelines for the return of the fee within 60 days.  Call your settlement agent or the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority at 703-766-4650 for additional information.
• The 2% vehicle rental tax, 2% transient occupancy tax, $10 safety inspection fee and the 5% sales tax on motor vehicle repair will be sent to the Unclaimed Property Division of the Department of the Treasury.  Citizens may request refunds from the Unclaimed Property Division. The department is working to finalize guidelines for refunding money. Go to the Department of Treasury at www.trs.virginia.gov for additional information, or, after April 1, call 804-278-0187.

Detailed guidelines for the return of the taxes and fees will be posted as they become available.