[Archived]

I’m sure we have members using LLCs and I looked into it when we purchased. The benefits are the obvious tax savings but to do it correctly (read with the least chance of being caught) requires some expenditures as well. As with most things the better the protection the more expense. If it is something you decide to do make sure you have sound advice from a Montana lawyer not just an internet sales site.I discovered an added layer of insulation is for your Montana LLC to be owned by a New Mexico entity. My understanding is that New Mexico law prevents disclosure of members (owners) names making it more difficult to trace tag numbers to any paticular individual. Some states are more aggressive than others with Cal. at least having the reputation for the most aggressive in collecting their tax on RV purchases. Texas has had rumblings as well but I don’t have knowledge of any actual incidents. An obvious red flag for the various State Patrols is a Montana tagged bus pulling another states toad. Check out the status in your state before you decide. I don’t recall the actual numbers($$) but being found to not be in “true” compliance with any states tax law can be VERY expensive.Some owners would certainly have a legitimate reason to operate a Montana LLC. I did not at the time I registered the bus. For me after consideration of all the factors the biggest were (1) I’m proud of my state (2) it’s been good to me and (3) I drive Texas roads so I paid the Texas tax. It was just what worked for me.

[Davy]

I have a Montana LLC and I have not had any problems,it has worked for 6 1/2 years.

[Archived]

As states get more hungry for revenue they will continue to get every tax dollar they can.

Unless there is a true business purpose for creating an LLC in Montana it is viewed by some states as tax evasion.

If you decide to use the LLC route to avoid sales taxes (let’s be honest, that’s why it is done) you become less of a target if your plates are not visible to jealous neighbors when the coach is stored at home, that the toad plates match, and if possible your DL is also from Montana.

In the past California and Virginia have both gone after high end motorhome owners with Montana plates. There may be others, but those two had such an agressive program it was newsworthy.

[Les]

The get revenue at any cost states can buy the MT data base and then try to cross over the names. In the old days, they would actually put your name and address on the records, but that was only done by the quick internet sites in MT who wanted your money and didn’t care about anything else. Now that doesn’t happen, but as pointed out, you’re own neighbors could tend to be the problem.

Here’s the database that can be had for 36000 bucks: Corporate Records

[Paul]

Make sure you have a CDL. No one will likely say anything about your license unless you’re in an accident. In that event a lawyer could argue your coach is commercial given it is owned by a business, regardless of how it might be registered.

I looked into as well and the risk wasn’t worth it to me.