Arlington is currently facing a persistent challenge as officials strive to prevent individuals from evading vehicle taxes.
Commissioner of Revenue Kim Klingler highlighted the ongoing struggle during a recent luncheon with Arlington Senior Democrats.
In her 18 months in office, Klingler acknowledged that determining which vehicles are registered for tax purposes in Arlington is a complex issue.
“There are people who will do anything in their power to dodge the system,” Klingler stated.
She expressed frustration but also empathy toward individuals who may not be familiar with the tax regulations in Virginia.
Klingler shared her own experience of receiving tickets for her car not displaying the county decal shortly after she moved to the area.
At the time, she had left her car legally parked while on a work trip, and upon her return, found her vehicle covered in five citations.
“I didn’t want that to happen to anyone else,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to helping residents understand local tax laws.
To address these challenges, Klingler worked with county officials to develop an online checklist designed to guide new residents through Virginia’s vehicle tax provisions.
In Arlington, responsibilities regarding vehicle taxes are shared between the commissioner of revenue and the county treasurer.
Together, they manage approximately $150 million in vehicle taxes, which accounts for around nine percent of the county’s annual revenue.
Klingler noted, “I assess, Carla collects,” highlighting their collaborative approach to tax administration.
Klingler, a well-known Democratic activist, has her roots in the community as a former executive director of the Columbia Pike Partnership.
She succeeded incumbent Ingrid Morroy in the commissioner position during elections in 2023, running unopposed in both the Democratic primary and the general election.
With a staff of 54 and a budget of $6.43 million for fiscal year 2026, the commissioner’s office seeks to ensure compliance while remaining fair to residents.
Not all vehicle owners need to register their vehicles in Virginia; exceptions exist for active-duty military personnel, members of Congress, foreign diplomats, and full-time students who don’t work in the state.
Klingler and Treasurer Carla de la Pava are committed to enforcing tax laws but with a spirit of understanding when it comes to compliance.
While other jurisdictions may adopt a more aggressive tax collection approach, Klingler emphasized her office’s belief in fairness, stating, “I’m about let’s be fair, fair, fair.”
Their efforts include the use of license plate readers to identify unregistered vehicles, although Klingler assured attendees that any gathered information is deleted within 24 to 48 hours.
The office does not share this data, maintaining a focus on respect for privacy.
Arlington officials also run an online tip line that allows residents to report vehicles they suspect are out of compliance.
This initiative has proven financially beneficial, generating between $1.4 million to $1.5 million annually for the county.
Looking toward future compliance initiatives, Klingler humorously suggested the possibility of equipping her dog with a license plate reader.
She remarked, “I walk my dog a lot. I would like to get a license-plate reader on her. They’re starting to make them small enough.”
As the city continues to navigate the complexities of vehicle taxation and compliance, Klingler and her team remain dedicated to striking a balance between enforcement and understanding.
image source from：arlnow
