Montana

Californians caught using ‘Montana Loophole’ to dodge supercar sales tax — and Beverly Hills is the worst

Published

3 weeks ago

March 9, 2026

Californians caught using ‘Montana Loophole’ to dodge supercar sales tax — and Beverly Hills is the worst

California has launched a huge crackdown on criminals buying and registering supercars outside of the state to avoid eye-popping sales tax.

Fourteen people have been charged after $20 million worth of vehicles were sourced to the Big Sky State in what authorities are calling the “Montana Loophole.”

The cars include a $1.8 million McLaren Elva, a Porsche 918 Spyder and a $1.26 million Ferrari F12TDF, the attorney general’s office said.

In the Golden State base rate sales tax is 7.25%. For a Lamborghini or Ferrari that can reach up to $250,000 or higher, that can mean a tax bill over $18,000. In Montana it is zero.

The gang, from Alameda, Marin, Santa Clara and Sacramento, allegedly dodged more than $1.8 million in taxes since 2018.

They are accused of filing false records showing the supercars were bought in Montana but then drove and kept them in California.

The DMV has launched nearly 100 criminal investigations into similar schemes across California since 2023 and recovered $2.3 million. It says the schemes are costing over $10 million per year.

It says there are 601 fraudulently registered cars involved and the DMV and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration have reviewing all car sales made in Montana.

California AG Rob Bonta said: “When bad actors abuse legal loopholes and submit fraudulent documents to evade their obligations, the California Department of Justice will not stand idly by.

“Every dollar of unpaid taxes is a dollar taken from California’s roads, schools and the vital services our communities rely on.”

The AG’s office said Beverly Hills was the city with the most suspicious car sales, with 416 cases on its radar from the luxury enclave.

It also released a series of text messages from defendants in Marin County and Walnut Creek, which said: “Don’t want the state of California to know anything about this car.”

Another asked: “Before you deliver it to him can you please remove the dealer plate.” One more asked if those with Montana plates had issues, the reply was: “Not yet.”

Another defendant added: “70k saved — I can’t believe the registration lasts for five years — that’s crazy. Stupid California. Paid 3k to own a 600k car for 5 years — lol in Cali that’s like 75k for 5 years. Hella dumb.”

California DMV Director Steve Gordon said: “We encourage all Californians to do the right thing and register their vehicle here if they are operating it in California.”

Source link

Click to comment

Montana

Montana Morning Headlines: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Published

12 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Press Room

WESTERN MONTANA — Here’s a look at Western Montana’s top news stories for Wednesday.

Thompson falls residents are paying around 110 dollars a month for water and sewer services on vacant lots that aren’t even connected to utilities, an issue that was brought up at Monday night’s city council committee meeting. Now, community members are circulating recall petitions targeting the mayor and several city council members over the billing practice. (Read the full story)

Two Missoula restaurants, Pangea and the Stave & Hoop Speakeasy, announced temporary closures due to unexpected changes on Tuesday. Management said both will return with new concepts and ownership, calling it a “see you soon” rather than goodbye. (Read the full story)

Travelers’ Rest State park is celebrating 25 years as a state park, where both Salish ancestors and Lewis and Clark once camped near Lolo Creek. The historic site now draws about 80,000 visitors annually from around the world to learn about the area’s rich history. (Read the full story)

Source link

Montana

Montana wildlife officials offer reward after blow darts found in ducks

Published

12 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Press Room

Montana wildlife officials offer reward after blow darts found in ducks

BILLINGS— Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is offering a cash reward up to $1,000 for information regarding blow darts found in ducks in the Billings area.

Dani Theis with Montana FWP said Tuesday that the office has received multiple calls reporting the issue over the past year, specifically in Billings areas such as Shiloh Conservation Area and Rose Park.

Watch the report:

Montana wildlife officials offer reward after blow darts found in ducks

Shooting ducks with blow darts is illegal and shooting them in town and off-season is illegal as well.

“Taking migratory birds, ducks included, these mallards, outside of those seasons really puts their populations at risk,” she said.

The blow darts have not immediately killed the ducks, but Theis said it’s likely painful.

Vanessa Willardson/Q2

Dani Theis

“It can’t be good for its quality of life,” she added.

Wildlife officials are also seeking information on a baby fawn deer killed by a blow dart in Roundup on March 23. That incident took place on the 100 block of Fifth Street West.

Theis recommends those with information report it to tipmont.mt.gov.

Source link

Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for March 30, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 31, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 30, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 30 drawing

07-11-31-41-57, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from March 30 drawing

01-21-44-47-48, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from March 30 drawing

09-12-19-24, Bonus: 03

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 30 drawing

07-29-42-67-68, Powerball: 08

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 30 drawing

24-25-32-34-44, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link