The Watchdog: Car donation leads to Md. withholding tax return

Problem: Crime & Punishment

Bill Aucoin is in trouble with the state of Maryland, so much so that the Department of Budget and Management's Central Collection Unit has notified him that his income tax refund is being withheld.

His transgression: He gave his old car as a gift to a local charity.

"I am cited for failing to maintain insurance on a car in the state of Maryland," Mr. Aucoin said. "So, if you donate your car to a charity, you are a criminal in the state of Maryland, and they steal your income tax return."

When Mr. Aucoin and his wife decided to donate their...