[Turk]

I was asked a similar question.
They ansered it for me...

They asked me how much I insured the car for?

Don't give in to the temptation to under value your car to save a few bucks in registration and taxes, and then turn around and nsure it for a higher amount. I am sure they have access to the Insurance policies and if they wanted to, they could easily find out what you think your $20,000 car is REALLY worth.

Couple of years ago, assuming you did the work yourself, there would not be any additional taxes paid YOUR labor. There still is not.
However mid-year they changed the forms you must fill describing the "kit car" you claim, you bought. They realize you only paid $11,000 for your FFR and and the engine came out of a donor car. Then you did all the work. They want more than the txes and fees due on a $12,000 car.

What is your FFR worth now? how about after paint, and completion? If it is a $30,000 car now after all your hard work, that is what the taxes supposed to be based on. It doesn't matter if you did the work or someone else did.

What is the car worth?

Some of our previous diffculties with DMV and Morgenster have been because of some of us giving them something to sink their teeth into. More revenue! You can easily be made a scapegoat for avoidance of taxes and fees. Not worth it!!

Do the right thing.