Consumer complaint received 2025-09-01 00:00:00
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Lease
Issue: Managing the loan or lease — Billing problem
Company: ALLY FINANCIAL INC.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Re : Complaint Regarding Ally Financial Auto Lease Account [ Agreement Number : XXXX ] - Case # XXXX I am filing this complaint against Ally Financial ( Ally Auto ) for their ongoing refusal and delays in providing essential documents needed to register my leased vehicle in California after relocating from Massachusetts. Specifically, Ally has failed to provide a XXXX of Facts ( or equivalent certification ) confirming that they, as the lessor, are collecting and paying California use tax monthly based on my lease payments. Additionally, they have refused to provide their federal Tax ID ( XXXX ) or XXXX sellers permit number, both required by the California XXXX for this process. These failures violate consumer protection standards, breach our lease agreement, and have caused me significant harm, including potential XXXX penalties and insurance complications. 

On XX/XX/year>, I contacted Ally via their messaging system to request documents needed to register my leased vehicle in California, as required after moving states. The California XXXX mandates registration within 20 days to avoid penalties. 

On XX/XX/year>, Ally responded by attaching a PDF with account information, but instructed it be viewed on a computer. 

On XX/XX/year>, I followed up, explaining that the XXXX rejected the PDF and required original documents with wet signatures, a statement certifying that " Taxes are being paid monthly '' ( as the lessor collects use tax on lease payments ), and Ally 's Tax ID. This is standard for leased vehicles to qualify for use tax exemption under California law, where no lump sum tax is due at registration if the lessor pays use tax directly to the XXXX based on rental receipts ( XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX et seq. ). 

On XX/XX/year>, Ally claimed they had " mailed the account information, '' but provided no details, tracking, or confirmation that it included the required tax certification or XXXX ID. 

On XX/XX/year>, I followed up again, noting non-receipt and reiterating the needs, including the tax statement and XXXX ID. No response. 

On XX/XX/year>, I sent another message escalating the issue, warning of complaints and legal action. Still no substantive response or documents as of XX/XX/year>. 

Throughout, Ally has not provided the Statement of Facts ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) or an equivalent letter from the lessor certifying that use tax is paid monthly to the XXXX on rental receipts. This form must include the lessor 's XXXX sellers permit number ( or XXXX ID ). They have also refused to disclose their Tax ID, despite it being necessary for XXXX forms like XXXX XXXX ( Application for Title or Registration ). 

Ally 's lease agreement implies timely cooperation for registration changes, as they remain the legal owner ( Vehicle Code XXXX ). Their delays and refusals appear deceptive, as they falsely claimed documents were mailed without proof, potentially violating the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and California 's Unfair Competition Law ( Business & Professions Code XXXX ). 

As a result of Ally 's refusing to fulfill its obligations, I can not complete registration, risking late fees ( starting at 10 % of renewal costs, escalating ), vehicle impoundment, or fines. I am unable to update my insurance address, potentially leading to coverage gaps or denied claims. I XXXX be forced to pay unnecessary lump sum use tax at registration, despite Ally collecting it monthly, leading to double taxation. This has caused stress, time loss, and potential financial harm ( e.g., XXXX penalties ).

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation