Looking for an Attorney Skilled in DMV and State Sales Tax Cases (California / Montana) | FerrariChat
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Looking for an Attorney Skilled in DMV and State Sales Tax Cases (California / Montana)

Discussion in 'California (Southern)' started by koolshades, Oct 20, 2025 at 9:21 PM.

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  1. koolshades

    koolshades Rookie

    Dec 30, 2004
    39
    #1 koolshades, Oct 20, 2025 at 9:21 PM
    Looking for an Orange County, California Attorney Skilled in DMV rules and State Sales Tax Cases (California / Montana).
     
  2. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    29,380
    socal
    #2 fatbillybob, Oct 20, 2025 at 11:02 PM
    Rot roh!
     
  3. hirohawa

    hirohawa Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 13, 2004
    153
    Los Angeles
    #3 hirohawa, Oct 21, 2025 at 12:22 AM
    I’d be interested as well.
     
  4. koolshades

    koolshades Rookie

    Dec 30, 2004
    39
    #4 koolshades, Oct 21, 2025 at 12:23 AM
    DMV is starting to go through high end car dealer records one by one in SoCal. Good to know the facts and have knowledge ahead of time on how to handle future purchases properly. Would like to consult with a good knowledgeable local attorney.
     
  5. Innovativethinker

    Innovativethinker F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 8, 2009
    10,154
    So Cal
    Full Name:
    Mark Smith
    #5 Innovativethinker, Oct 21, 2025 at 12:27 AM
    Pretty small market for those skills. I think most rely on advice from the Montana legal system. I could be wrong.

    How did you learn about this? (Generally, not
    Looking for specifics)
     
  6. koolshades

    koolshades Rookie

    Dec 30, 2004
    39
    #6 koolshades, Oct 21, 2025 at 12:34 AM
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2025 at 12:40 AM
    I've had a dealer license in OC for over 35 years. I'm curious if they spot your new car registered in Montana here in Cali twice within 60 days in the first 12 months of ownership, do you get a sales tax and License and reg bill with penalties in the mail? I know you can bring it in for service but it all seems a little fuzzy. I've heard a few stories. Just trying to get facts.
     
  7. NepTunes9

    NepTunes9 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 9, 2025
    38
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Dave Barberree
    #7 NepTunes9, Oct 21, 2025 at 9:33 AM
    I have seen many news articles that CA & Utah are beginning to crack down. There is a provision about the vehicle being previously registered outside of CA (12-months or longer). Unclear if that is a valid loophole or makes you less of a target in some way
     
  8. TheRyanH

    TheRyanH Karting
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 19, 2021
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    Los Angeles
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    Ryan H.
    #8 TheRyanH, Oct 22, 2025 at 12:16 PM
    My understanding is that CA is starting to target the dealers with the intent of getting all sales records and going through those for back taxes. A friend of a friend got a head's up call from one such dealer and then got letters for all of his cars purchased through that dealer for what he currently owned and had sold.
     
  9. koolshades

    koolshades Rookie

    Dec 30, 2004
    39
    #9 koolshades, Oct 22, 2025 at 12:46 PM
    Is anyone in Southern California acquainted with an attorney who has experience handling similar matters? Having proper legal guidance would help ensure that owners understand their rights and are prepared to respond appropriately to any related inquiries.
     
  10. jackinpsp

    jackinpsp Rookie

    Feb 19, 2025
    22
    Palm Springs, CA
    Full Name:
    Jack Melvin
    #10 jackinpsp, Oct 23, 2025 at 2:20 PM
    Although it's not an attorney, Chatgpt gives a pretty thorough explanation when you ask the question, "What are the risks of titling my car out of state if I live in California".
     
  11. koolshades

    koolshades Rookie

    Dec 30, 2004
    39
    #11 koolshades, Oct 23, 2025 at 3:19 PM
    I'm looking for some detailed info. My car is titled and registered in my name at a house I own in Montana. Not an LLC. My car was just in a SoCal Ferrari service center for 3 weeks. Should it be towed out of the service center? Can I drive it in CA for 10 days? Does it need to leave CA right away? Can I drive it 3 days in CA then drive it to Vegas and leave it there for a month at a friends house. How many days can I drive it in California on my dealer plate within the first 12 months? Stuff like that.
     
  12. jackinpsp

    jackinpsp Rookie

    Feb 19, 2025
    22
    Palm Springs, CA
    Full Name:
    Jack Melvin
    #12 jackinpsp, Oct 23, 2025 at 3:38 PM
    Do you maintain a residence in Montana? Where do you file your state income taxes? Where do you claim residency? Montana plates are definitely red flags in California because of the prior abuses. Unless you are trying to skirt the law, reside in California, and simply are attempting to avoid state sales and use taxes, you should be fine.
     
  13. koolshades

    koolshades Rookie

    Dec 30, 2004
    39
    #13 koolshades, Oct 23, 2025 at 5:37 PM
    I maintain houses in both Montana and California and pay my taxes in California. I’m doing everything possible to remain fully compliant with the law. The car was delivered outside California and will be kept out of state for the first 12 months, except when transported into California for service.

    Am I allowed to drive it in California for a day or two before or after the service while it’s on Montana plates? Would using my California dealer plates make any difference?

    Additionally, if I transport the car to California for a one-day Saturday car show, then take it to Las Vegas and Lake Havasu, returning three months later for another one day show—what happens if the DMV records the VIN at both events within that initial 12‑month period of ownership? Would that trigger a significant use‑tax assessment?

    I believe many people would value clear, factual answers to questions like these for future purchases. We all want to stay legal and compliant while avoiding unnecessary taxes—not evade them. It would be helpful to consult with a knowledgeable attorney experienced in this area.
     
  14. mcw

    mcw Formula Junior
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 10, 2008
    545
    #14 mcw, Oct 23, 2025 at 7:05 PM
    You may benefit from the old style of seeking an answer by asking people progressively closer to your goal. Why not start with an attorney who deals with DMV issues in California, get some lingo and leads from that person and go from there to next step until person you seek is found? And also read the relevant California motor vehicle code sections, particularly those which discuss the location of the car as the relevant issue (not where you live or where the car is titled).

    If sales tax or registration fees could be substantial and your vehicle does not require such sales tax or registration fee payment, it sounds worthwhile to get competent legal advice and keep the records needed to prove your usage and compliance. Your questions about using a dealer plate, for how long, how often, on a car titled and registered in Montana, but driven in California are a bit complicated for armchair advising here. I would not want to face a tax evasion problem.

    My experiences are simpler, I spend most of my time in California and Ferraris I buy for use in California I pay the sales tax and registration in California. My cars are driven on the road frequently and I don't have any garaged collector low-usage Ferraris.
     

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