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Posted by Darlene Beaulieu, Manchester, November 30, 2005:

I was wondering if anyone in your community has ever registered a vehicle that was purchased through Goodwill Industries.  Well today was the first time that I have done so.

When the Goodwill Transportation Specialist came in she told that she was a dealer, and did not state she was from Goodwill. She had in her possession a title application as well as a yellow sales tax form.  Of course as we all know, if a vehicle is purchased from a dealer, the dealer is responsible for collecting all fees title application as well as sales tax. 

When I saw the title application and sales tax form, I informed the registrant that the dealer was responsible for sending fees to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.  Unfortunately, due to miscommunication from the Goodwill employee, I went under the assumption that she was just another used car dealer.  Therefore, both the employee and customer when to BMV to register the vehicle.  Shortly thereafter, we received a call from BMV. 

Unknown to us we found out that Goodwill Industries are called half dealers.  They do not collect title or sales tax fees.  The town is responsible for collecting the fees. 

Has anyone ever had this situation in their town office?

Replies:The Town of Woodland had a similar case last winter but the registrant had been given a bill of sale for the vehicle, so it was evident that no sales tax or title applications had been processed.  (Janelle, Woodland)

No one from this office has ever handeled a Goodwill purchase. Thanks for the "heads up." (Jean Marie, South Thomaston)