I never fail to read the monthly Sunday columns contributed by Applied Analysis principals Jeremy Aguero and Brian Gordon. Their observations of local economics and trends are always thoughtful and have an upbeat and optimistic tenor.
The Feb. 22 column noted that Nevada’s continued strong population growth numbers are heavily anchored with Californians immigration. It has been taken as fact that their top primary reason for moving here is to escape their oppressive tax structure. Likely with this in mind, the column goes on to say that, “These new Nevadans are not just changing their address; they are rewriting their household balance sheets in a single move.”
Recalling the fable of the frog and the scorpion, avoiding taxes apparently is the nature of many new residents. Everyone knows that the one “tax” which is higher in Nevada is automobile registration fees. But the plethora of California license plates observed around Las Vegas would make it appear that all too many have figured out how to beat this one higher cost by retaining their registration in California.
The law requires automobiles be registered within 30 days of taking residence or the owner is subject to a fine of up to $1,000. Surely millions are being lost through this blatantly obvious tax-avoidance scheme. The fine should be doubled every 30 days and the DMV should install a hotline to corral the tax dodgers.
