Car registration not in my name

[misawerner]

I am separated, filing HoH. I paid the car registration and late fee for the car I am driving. The registration is not in my name but in my to-be ex spouse's name. Should I deduct it? What happens if the ex does too? Is there a form that is needed to prove the credit?

[nyinyeb]

Unfortunately, you cannot deduct car taxes or registration fees if you are not owner of the vehicle. You must own the car to qualify for the deduction.

[joahna]

Is the car registration card proof of ownership for tax purposes? 

[macuser_22]

---

@joahna wrote:

Is the car registration card proof of ownership for tax purposes? 

---

No.  A pink slip (title) is proof of ownership.   The registered owner and legal owner can be different.

[joahna]

What if there’s a loan for the car and there’s no title yet until that’s paid off. What is proof of ownership when you got no title? How’s IRS gonna know you own the vehicle? Through the registration?

 Thanks

[Critter-3]

You do have a title of ownership however it will have a lien holder on it ... and you can get a copy of it if you wish however many states will not automatically issue it... you must request it.