How much will the DMV tax me?

Monthly payments on sales tax to dmv in CA?

• My friends roommate tells me that he purchased a used car from a private party and immediately afterward broke his leg and had did not have the full sales tax due to doctor bills. He explained this to the woman at the DMV and she said that normally the taxes were due up front but that "certain exceptions could be made", and that he was given 3 months to pay the sales tax in full. I always thought you had to pay all sales taxes up front but then again I don't know why he would lie about such a thing either. What do you make of said scenario?

• Answer:

  Most taxing agencies, including the California Board of Equalization (and the Franchise Tax Board and IRS, among others) offer payment plans for those who are unable to pay taxes due to emergencies. I don't know the details but it is entirely possible.