The Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the imposition of regional taxes and fees by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority was unconstitutional.

"This bill creates an open, public process for the return of taxes and fees paid by individuals to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority" Governor Kaine said.

The seven taxes and fees will be returned as follows:

- The Department of Motor Vehicles 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 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463) 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 for additional information, or, after April 1, call 804-278-0187.

The bill also directs all collection agents to cease collection of the taxes and fees. Additional information on the return of taxes and fees collected can be found at here.