The Expert Podcast

So, the whole Montana LLC title scam is starting to heat up again. This is an article actually from an NBC affiliate in Montana. So, the investigations that different states are doing are starting to reach Montana where they're saying out of state vehicle owners using Montana LLC's to dodge taxes. That's a pretty big deal. It's not just to get a title, it's dodging taxes. And what the article talks about is how other states are actually getting downloaded information from the Montana DMV in order to prosecute people who are using this method to improperly either evade taxes, evade registration fees, sometimes even evading inspection or emissions.

Let's see what they say. First of all, they say that the Montana is a magnet for out ofstate vehicle owners looking to avoid hefty sales taxes and high registration fees. It also explains how there's businesses specializing in this arrangement. So, there's companies that help you do this. So far, there's been three and a half million vehicles registered uh in Montana, and the other states are starting to clamp down on this, or they have been for a while.

California, Utah, Wyoming are all cracking down, but there's other states as well, and they're warning that the state law in that state requires registration and taxes if the vehicle is primarily operated in California. So, even if you have a Montana LLC, if you primarily operate in California, you have to register in the other state. And the states are using algorithms and AI to do this. um they're using comparison of state databases to identify violators.

And there's also um a new law in some states that says if a resident controls a vehicle owned by an out ofstate LLV LLC, your video will be back in 8 seconds. In the meantime, remember you have access to live one- on-one consultation, undivided attention of a licensed certified expert in this subject and many others. We want to listen to your story. We want to hear your questions and give you expert advisement of your options. We want to tell you what we know about your situation and what options you have. Now, back to your video.

This is Wyoming. The state presumes the owner owes registration unless they can prove an exemption. So, if you have a Montana plate on your vehicle and you're driving around in your home state and one of their license plate readers catches you or you get pulled over or you're in an accident or even get a parking ticket, they're going to presume presumption meaning that they're going to presume you're supposed to be paying taxes in your home state. Now, you can argue against it and you can say, "No, here's the reason why." So, if you're a legitimate Wyoming resident and you're on vacation, that will clear you of that violation.

And the Montana DMV is also starting to get involved. Our motor vehicle department, this is an official with the Montana DMV. Um, our motor vehicle department is in communication with other states. So, they're starting to share their LLC information with the other states to see if they can help identify these people.

Officials warned that registering vehicles using Montana LLC's without legitimate ties to Montana can carry serious risks. Steep penalties, back taxes, fine, and even criminal charges if they determine residents have used a sham LLC to evade taxes. Insurance companies can refuse coverage because you have a vehicle registered out of state that you're not insuring properly. So, if you get in an accident or you hurt somebody, your insurance company might not pay the claim.

So, be aware that this so-called loophole uh has risk associated with it. Uh just like the old uh Vermont loophole did and they shut that one down and a lot of people got in trouble with that one too. So, you want to use legal methods to get a title. Just be aware that your state is probably watching license plates being driven around from Montana or Delaware because Delaware does this too. And if they find that you are a legitimate resident of your home state with an out ofstate license plate, they may crack down on you.

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