Montana
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.”
Last week on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show, we talked all things runoff. Reports from across the state highlighted rising rivers, muddy water, and anglers shifting gears to find fishable conditions.
We also covered where to look when your favorite river blows out, what techniques are working in higher water, and how quickly conditions can change with a few warm days. Of course, there were a few stories about showing up to chocolate milk rivers and having to scramble for a backup plan.
If you missed it, catch the full episode now for statewide fishing updates, spring conditions, and all the latest Montana outdoor talk.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 24, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 24 drawing
07-16-32-35-40, Mega Ball: 12
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 24 drawing
12-24-25-28, Bonus: 14
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 24 drawing
12-26-28-29-47, 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.
Economic impacts from the conflict between the U.S. and Iran continue to affect numerous industries.
In Montana, officials have declared an emergency to help meet fertilizer demands across the state.
“Global logistical disruptions and supply chain volatility have impacted the consistent flow of fertilizer into the United States and Montana,” the emergency declaration said.
Slowed deliveries into Montana, the vast distances that must be traveled with supplies and a lack of drivers have increased short-term demand for the delivery of anhydrous ammonia and other fertilizers by commercial delivery trucks, state officials added.
The weather forecast, combined with an ongoing drought, may threaten farmers’ ability to obtain fertilizer in time for planting and crop emergence.
Through May 1, hours-of-service requirements for commercial motor vehicles are being suspended to facilitate and expedite the delivery of fertilizer products.
This relief applies to motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency.
Temporary registration and fuel permit requirements are also suspended.
However, vehicles operating in excess of legal size and weight still require a permit and will be allowed to travel at nighttime, on weekends and on holidays when providing direct assistance. Loads exceeding 10 feet wide traveling during nighttime hours on non-interstate highways require a front pilot vehicle.
Drivers must comply with posted load limits on roads and bridges unless specifically authorized.
Fuel prices also remain a concern across the trucking industry.
Analysis indicates those costs will remain elevated as global conflicts continue.
The Energy Information Administration said uncertainty, combined with low U.S. inventories, will result in a peak national average diesel price of over $5.80 per gallon in April.
For 2026, EIA expects diesel to average $4.80 per gallon.
“Our modeling indicates that fuel prices will continue to rise until these variables resolve,” EIA Administrator Tristan Abbey said in early April. “Full restoration of flows will take months.” LL
Read more Land Line news.
-
New York25 minutes agoWith Homicides and Other Violent Crimes at Record Lows, Funding for Prevention Falls
-
Detroit, MI55 minutes agoLions draft grades Reacts survey: Grade the full 2026 class
-
San Francisco, CA1 hour agoThe final Jordan Mason trade results are in
-
Dallas, TX1 hour agoDallas Severe Weather: Tornado watch until 11 p.m.
-
Miami, FL1 hour agoCowboys Must Call Dolphins For All-Pro LB Trade After Miami’s 2026 Draft Haul
-
Boston, MA1 hour ago
PICK IS IN: WR Lewis Bond from Boston College drafted at No. 204 overall
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoNew Broncos TE Justin Joly posts welcome message
-
Seattle, WA2 hours agoSeattle Mariners Win a Home Run Derby vs St. Louis Cardinals 11-9
