Looks like Californians cant use the no-sales tax cheat anymore:

Use Tax: This tax is similar to sales tax. It is collected at the same rate as your county of residence. It is due on all vehicles purchased in California and on those brought into this state. Existing law imposes a use tax on a vehicle purchased outside of California and brought into California within 90 days of purchase. New legislation effective October 1, 2004 through July 1, 2006 requires payment of use tax on a vehicle purchased outside California and brought into California within 365 days of the purchase date. Any sales taxes paid out-of-state will be considered when computing the use tax due this state. This fee is due for ownership transfer of recently purchased vehicles.

Bummer.. Shoulda bought my evo last spring

Terry S

 

I bought it last spring out of state and brought it in.. i do not have a permenant residence set up and am considering myself migratory... I plan to possibly register it here next year... pass that 365 day date.. hows this going to effect me?

 

Well if you already paid for sales tax when you bought the car, then waiting wont matter if you dont want to pay the sales tax. If you've already registered the car in another state, you have like 30 days to register it with the CA DMV. Here's a link to the registration information for CA http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/vr.htm

 

why wouldnt i just wait till next year to register it? I dont even have a residency and dont pay rent.. plus i have houses in south carolina where im planning going back to. Im just trying to figure out how anyone could figure out.

 

Get pulled over.

Honestly, I was just trying to point out its tougher to avoid paying the sales tax on new cars now. I cant suggest anything regarding registration like in your situation.

Terry S