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Patrol: Up to 14,000 drivers have registered cars out of state

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BY CLARENCE MABIN / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008 - 05:14:40 pm CDT



Nebraska is losing $11 million annually because thousands of drivers are improperly registering their vehicles or paying sales taxes in Iowa and South Dakota, state officials said Wednesday.

More than 14,000 Nebraskans have potentially registered their vehicles illegally in the two border states, officials said at a news conference announcing a more than two-month investigation of what could amount to widespread tax evasion.

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“Noncompliance with motor vehicle registration laws is not a victimless crime,” said Beverly Neth, director of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

“When individuals make a choice to register their vehicles in other states, then the law-abiding taxpayer is the victim.”

Motor Vehicles, the Nebraska State Patrol and the state Department of Revenue are conducting the investigation, which, so far, has generated a list with roughly 14,000 names and one person charged.

“These residents need to be aware they are costing the state of Nebraska millions of dollars in lost revenue, and our investigators are actively pursuing those who choose to violate these laws,” Patrol Col. Bryan Tuma said.

Typically, improperly registered vehicles subject owners to misdemeanor penalties. But motorists who register or title their vehicles in a deliberate attempt to avoid taxes  could be charged with a fourth-class felony and, possibly, face prison time.

Tuma said the investigation was ongoing and no decisions have been made on how many of the 14,000 should be contacted, and if so, how.

He encouraged motorists who have skirted the statutes to voluntarily comply with them.

A first step in the process, he said, is for motorists to contact their county treasurer. Residents who voluntarily comply will likely not be subjected to prosecution, he said.

“If they come in, pay their back taxes, we will probably not” investigate, he said.

“Our effort is not to make arrests en masse. This is not our goal.”

The annual estimate of $11 million included revenue lost from motor vehicle taxes and fees and lost sales tax revenue.

Motor vehicle taxes are assessed at the initial registration and then yearly, according to a fact sheet distributed at the news conference. Twenty-two percent of the revenue goes to counties, 60 percent to schools and 18 percent, generally, to cities or villages.

Other motor vehicle fees, such as the registration fee, help fund highways.

About 48 percent of motor vehicle sales tax revenue is distributed to the Department of Roads. Cities and counties receive about 25 percent of the total. Less than 1 percent goes to a bridge fund.

Compared with Nebraska, Iowa has only slightly cheaper costs, but South Dakota’s motor vehicle taxes are substantially less, officials said Wednesday.

Of the 14,000 residents who potentially illegally registered their vehicles, about 9,000 did so in Iowa, Neth said. The rest registered in South Dakota, she said.

Most of the residents live in or near Lincoln and Omaha, officials said.

Neth said for years she had heard anecdotal accounts of Nebraskans registering vehicles in other states. But the investigation didn’t begin until November, apparently spurred by several circumstances.

A fraudulent titling case in Douglas County in 2006 got officials thinking about the problem. And Neth’s Iowa and South Dakota counterparts told her — perhaps at a conference, she said — they were collecting Social Security numbers in a database.

Officials decided to cross-reference Social Security numbers of Nebraska drivers with Social Security numbers on file in Iowa and South Dakota, she said.

The result: 14,000 names.

Neth was hard pressed to come up with any valid reasons for the out-of-state registrations.

Arguments that state taxes and fees were too high don’t fly, she said. “I don’t have the ability to lower fees and taxes,” she said. “They are what they are.”

A Lincoln doctor was the first, and so far, only person charged as part of the investigation.

Dr. Matthew M. Glenn received diversion services earlier this month. He had been charged on suspicion of failure to pay Nebraska sales taxes on a 2005 Porsche. Glenn allegedly paid taxes on the car in South Dakota.

Reach Clarence Mabin at 473-7234 or cmabin@journalstar.com.


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Nina wrote on April 16, 2008 11:21 am:
" Of course - we know some of those. A comment I hear - 'It's worth the risk of getting fined to keep from registering in Nebraska, where costs are triple. A year of Iowa plates plus a fine is still cheaper than a year of Nebraska plates. "

 make them pay wrote on April 16, 2008 11:23 am:
" What are they going to do about it? I know a neighbor that has a cabin in South Dakota and a house here in Lincoln and their license are from South Dakota.. been that way for 5 or more years. "

 Justice wrote on April 16, 2008 11:26 am:
" What this reports specifically says is that Nebraska's tax code on vehicles is out of whack. We always hear about how Nebraska has to keep up with the neighbors on things like education, but when it comes to taxing the citizens, the state is leading the way. Perhaps if the tax were lower, than people would not be trying to register their vehicles elsewhere and Nebraska would reap the benefits of year after year registration fees. "

 Evasion wrote on April 16, 2008 11:26 am:
" Wow! $11 million?

Bottom line is it's tax evasion. Felony charges seem a bit extreme. But they should definitely have to pay the appropriate taxes and receive a stiff fine. "

 D.A. wrote on April 16, 2008 11:26 am:
" If the state patrol knows this, then let's enforce the law and get our money. If they can quantify these numbers, then we can certainly take it the distance and cite individuals and get them in compliance.

We can then start right here in Lancaster County and get the slackers that for some reason get away with registration outside the county, yet the car is parked in a driveway or workplace and spends nearly 100% of its time in Lancaster County. I pay my taxes and registration legally, so can everyone else. I'm tired of people who seem they need to cut corners to "get over" on the system....let's have law enforcement go get 'em. "

 Neener Nina wrote on April 16, 2008 11:28 am:
" Now these folks will have paid taxes in another state and will have to pay the tax in Nebraska too, plus a fine. NOT worth it! "

 What does that say? wrote on April 16, 2008 11:29 am:
" Perhaps that should be a signal to the legislature that the tax burden on the state's citizens is significant enough that 14000 people choose to risk breaking the law to save money. Lower the tax rate to be more in line with neighboring states and this is a non issue. "

 Why wouldn't wrote on April 16, 2008 11:29 am:
" people who have dual residency register their vehicles elsewhere. It's 55 bucks a year in Iowa. "

 brotherwild wrote on April 16, 2008 11:33 am:
" Maybe if the costs of great state of Nebraska were a little more reasonable there would be more people doing the right thing. Obviously if there are 14000 people not following the law, then there is a bigger problem at hand. "

 Amnesty wrote on April 16, 2008 11:35 am:
" Maybe Nebraska should offer amnesty or reduced fines for folks who self identify? Might help in tracking these folks down and collecting the monies owed.
"

 DUH? wrote on April 16, 2008 11:41 am:
" Have you ever wondered why our costs are triple? It's because of all the people that are breaking the law and registering their vehicles in other states. And therefore those states can keep their registration fees down!If they would keep the money in Nebraska it wouldn't cost so much to get it done. If you live in Nebraska you should support the state, period!!! If you don't like it then move to another state and take your cars with you! "

 Good luck wrote on April 16, 2008 11:41 am:
" A couple of years ago I saw a Nebraska bicentennial plate on a car in a Lincoln parking garage. Seemingly they haven't paid taxes since the 1970s!
If they were able to get away with that for almost 30 years, how are they going to catch all the "out-of-state" cheaters? "

 It figures wrote on April 16, 2008 11:46 am:
" You can drive a Porsche, but you can't pay the taxes/fees? Not that I agree with our motor vehicle tax structure. Far from it. But if I have to pay, so should these other people.

"

 Buster wrote on April 16, 2008 11:55 am:
" “These residents need to be aware they are costing the state of Nebraska millions of dollars in lost revenue"

Are you serious? As if it's every citizens top priority to fork over as much money as possible to the state. I would guess the reason people do this is to save money, the insane amounts of cash it takes for the tax and registration every year in this state is absurd. A wheel tax? Luggage rack tax? Give me a break, that money is allegedly collected for road maintenance but they obviously don't spend it on road upkeep, see the article about dipping into other funds to pay for roads. It's just another disguised tax on the already over taxed people of the state/county/city. I'd never even heard of a 'Pet tax' until I came to Lincoln 15 years ago and initially thought it was a joke that Lincolnites had to pay a tax for their dog/cat, it's insanity! No different from traffic tickets, just another way to generate revenue (aka: hidden taxes) for the state to mismanage and blunder away. Seriously, who's the victim when someone drives 59mph in a 55 zone? Then when there is an orange cone on the side of the road within 50 miles, that fine magically doubles in the name of 'safety for the road construction workers' even though there isnt a person working anywhere in sight. High taxes are the reason most college grads are leaving the state along with several businesses and the reason new businesses won't come here. Even when the Governor tries to control a portion of yet another tax hike, this time it's the fuel tax he's met with resistence. They argue that 'it's only a penny or two' but that's the arguement everytime! After a few years it becomes 10 cents per gallon, then twenty and now it'll be about 30 cents per gallon we pay to the state in taxes per gallon of fuel on top of insane property tax rates, vehicle registration fees and taxes, pet taxes, high fuel taxes, sales tax, corporate taxes and the list goes on forever. It's no wonder the state is basically a sinking ship. "

 CS wrote on April 16, 2008 12:09 pm:
" Considering the large student and military population, neither group is required to register their vehicle here because they aren't permanent residents. How much of that was taken into consideration on this report? "

 CS wrote on April 16, 2008 12:11 pm:
" Apparently everyone must have a super new vehicle tracking system that can tell them how much of the time a particularly registered vehicle spends in a particular county. Wow, what a neat tool that would be for LE! Oh, wait...never mind, because it doesn't exist. I don't know how they SP got their report, but im sure it's based on more than " I saw that guy down there with out of county/state plates and I just KNOW he is evading taxes...." Some people need a hobby. "

 Erik wrote on April 16, 2008 12:13 pm:
" I currently live in South Dakota, but grew up in Lincoln, and I can see why people would go to another state to register their vehicles. Not saying I condone it, but I have three vehicles and I can register all of them with personalized plates for less than what I can register one of them in Nebraska. "

 DBR wrote on April 16, 2008 12:17 pm:
" I moved here from Iowa, I changed my plates and paid the taxes. I didn't like it, but I did it. I still complain about it, but forked over the dough. No excuse to break the law. If you don't like it write your state congressman and get it changed. Till then don't be a dushbag. "

 Lee Martin wrote on April 16, 2008 12:23 pm:
" What if I have a house in Iowa and drive back & forth? Is that breaking law? you cant blame people go elsewhere to register there vehicle, just because your state is so greedy on taxes. "

 Julie wrote on April 16, 2008 12:23 pm:
" Instead of just going after people who license out of state, why don't they go after those who do not license at all? The town is filled with them. I have called the cop shop and they told me it is the responsibility of DMV. If you call DMV they tell you that they are not an enforcement department. "

 One who knows wrote on April 16, 2008 12:28 pm:
" The student/military aspect was taken into consideration. Remember, many students and military are Nebraska residents.

For Why Wouldnt, there is no such thing as dual residency when talking about state taxes. "

 Mathematically Challenged wrote on April 16, 2008 12:30 pm:
" I'd like to know where the $11,000,000 estimate comes from. If you divide that by 14,000 people, that's $785 per person. I haven't got the nicest mini-van in the world, but it is only 3 years old and I just paid $385 to license it. I'd also like to admonish Dr. Glenn...come on, you're a doctor! I'm sure you've got enough money to afford the fees here in NE. If not, maybe you should trade-in your porsche for something a little more economical. "

 db wrote on April 16, 2008 12:32 pm:
" duh. keep the taxes high, see what else happens. "

 Anti-Tax wrote on April 16, 2008 12:40 pm:
" Duh? are you even living on this planet??? Nebraska taxes are above and beyond. Funny how other states have lower taxes, better funded schools, better paid teachers, no food tax, and still be up to 40% less to liscence and register a vehicle. I regret that I may be moving back because of this. "

 se wrote on April 16, 2008 12:41 pm:
" It's always the dishonest people that weasel their way out of things that make it harder on the honest people. Do you people not have a conscience?
You desire to live in the state of Nebraska for some reason, though you think you don't need to pay the price. If it is that horrible, then move out of the state. "

 state huggers wrote on April 16, 2008 12:46 pm:
" So to all of those cry babys that want to blow the wistle on out of state vehicles your saying you are OK with the current system?? What is CRIMINAL is Nebraska Taxes!! So what if they have a home in another state or some other ties outside of nebraska, more power to them. Quit being so jealous and to the person that said you Nebraska Plate ditchers is why we have such high taxes on motor vehicles, so if I'm correct your saying that if everybody got NE plates they would lower it?? HAHAHA The government is not to be trusted!! They are the real criminals!! "

 I Love Nebraska.........BUT!!!!!!! wrote on April 16, 2008 12:48 pm:
" Im sorry to say but I hate when that time of year comes around, I hate having to but plates on my van!!!! Money that most of Nebraskans dont have with everything else going up. I would love to have our goverment explain where all our tax money goes. I as a good Nebraskan live on a budget and have to hold to it, pay my bills, register my van and do as im I should do. Now I think it is time to have our goverment show us where OUR money is going. (penny for penny). As for paying for our roads I drive every day and our road STINK. I have to say i realy dont think the money is going where they say. Sorry just what I think. "

 John wrote on April 16, 2008 12:49 pm:
" I own a home in Misouri and a home in Lincoln. I spend the spring here and summers to winter in Missouri. Yes I have all my cars licensed in Missouri. Cheaper. "

 Robin Hood wrote on April 16, 2008 12:49 pm:
" The answer is not to arrest good but overtaxed people but rather to remove
the incentive to license elsewhere. The fact is Nebraska taxes are extremely high and border states are reaping windfall revenue due to
legislative stupidity. "

 T wrote on April 16, 2008 12:53 pm:
" I assume someone is keeping records somewhere. Although crayon may be hard to read after a few years we should be able compare records with other states and determine who the offenders are and how long they have been ducking Nebraska. Make them pay all fees and taxes they have missed, and fine them small fee to help cover the cost of searching through the records.

I like Dr. Glenn, but he can certainly afford to license his car here. "

 Outside City Limits wrote on April 16, 2008 12:56 pm:
" Check businesses whose owners live outside city limits as well. Used to work for a company that was located inside city limits but the owner himself lived outside of the limits. He had ALL company vehicles licensed at his home address to keep from paying the city sales tax along with wheel tax. "

 Kevin wrote on April 16, 2008 12:57 pm:
" I agree with DBR and Duh!

I think the vehicle taxes in this state, and particularly Lancaster county are outrageous. But I pay them because it is the law.

If the 14,000 people who decided to break the law instead voiced their concern in accordance with the democratic process, maybe we'd actually see some real change. But until then, those who obey the law will continue to bear the financial burden imposed upon them due to the crimes of others.

We can't seem to stand it when it happens with corporations, so why are we content to let it slide with individual citizens?

"

 Big deal wrote on April 16, 2008 1:00 pm:
" Why they need the bigger county Jail? Because people can't afford to
live in Nebraska and greedy higher taxes brings more and more dishonesty
and crime. Nebraska is the only state that does NOTHING for its citizens
tax wise. Look it up if you want to know! If the tax was collected they'd
still raise taxes, thats all they know or WANT to know! "

 HIghTaxes wrote on April 16, 2008 1:00 pm:
" Believe it or not, Nebraska taxes are average among all 50 states. On certain taxes, Nebraska may be higher but on others we are lower. Despite what one poster says, Nebraska does not tax food you buy and prepare at home.

Do you people who think Nebraska has a high taxes realize that many neighboring states actually have higher income taxes and some cities there actually have a city income tax where you pay city taxes according to your income and others have an "occupation" tax where each individual pays a certain amount each year for the priviledge of living in that city?

If everyone would pay their fair share instead of trying to evade taxes everyone's taxes would go down. But some do whatever they can to avoid taxes and that drives up everyone elses taxes. "

 salty dog wrote on April 16, 2008 1:09 pm:
" Gee, I'm going to plate my vehicle in another state. Of course I'm going to move at the same time. I'm sick and tired of the high taxes, both state and local. Now u'll lose all the money I would have spent. Oh well, I'm among the flood of people leaving, so its nothing new. Wake Up! "

 Dee wrote on April 16, 2008 1:12 pm:
" Maybe if Nebraska didn't stick it to you at every turn for taxes people wouldn't do things like this. How is it that every other state can offer the same services at higher wages and lower costs of living and not tax the citizens to death? "

 redheaded stranger wrote on April 16, 2008 1:25 pm:
" My hubby and I have tried living here in Nebraska for the past four years. We're fed up with the high taxes, bad roads, ignorant representatives, and HIGH TAXES on gas. We've had enough and are moving down south where the weather is better, the taxes resonable, and people are more welcoming to newcomers. Nebraska will be a waste land in another decade because of the idiots running the show. "

 Jay Coen wrote on April 16, 2008 1:26 pm:
" Amazing. People found a way to avoid the crazy NE taxes? I salute them. We talk about the brain and business drain but actually DO nothing. When my children are grown and in college I too plan to leave as I can afford to live here with the tax burden. Too bad as I have been here my entire life but the balance sheet does not look good for the future. Perhaps we should fine some of these Ag producers that get a road subsidy. Too often it is their equipment that tears up the county roads. Too often they are the ones overweight while enroute to the grain silos. We subsidize agriculture at the cost of all else in this state. When are we going to eliminate these state subsidies for in-efficient business practices? When that day comes we can afford to lower the taxes to support roads. "

 another point of view wrote on April 16, 2008 1:26 pm:
" OK, My brother just left to go overseas, his car from out of state is here but can't get registerd in Nebraska until he gets a copy of the title for the car from his previous residence state, then it has to be inspected before it can be registered. All in all this is a well over $500 venture not to mention he is trying to do this from overseas. So that being said because my car bite the big one and I am driving his to and from work it puts us in a different situation. Should he or I be fined because of the red tape. See there are two sides to the story. So the law walks a line of confusion with no certain answers. "

 Lisa wrote on April 16, 2008 1:44 pm:
" How about the people not registering their plates in the correct city? That doesn't seem fair either. If you do most of your business/work/school/home in Lincoln, then you should license your car in Lincoln. So sick and tired of GI "students" having 8 county plates, not having lived there in the last 10 years!!! "

 common sense wrote on April 16, 2008 1:50 pm:
" The state really needs to look at why individuals go elsewhere. Being in the military, all anyone talks about is when they retire, they will be moving out of state. You can move right across the border in any direction and pay way less in taxes on their military retirement. Build some casinos or anything to make this place not so burdened by taxes. "

 Where did they get 14K? wrote on April 16, 2008 1:54 pm:
" Apparently Iowa and South Dakota require those registering vehicles to give their Social Security number. Nebraska matched Social Security numbers in our driver's license database with Iowa and South Dakota's vehicle registration records and came up with the names of 14,000 licensed Nebraskans who have vehicles registered in those states.
They also identified 3,000 other drivers who have moved to Nebraska but not registered their vehicles in a timely manner. "

 Tara wrote on April 16, 2008 1:55 pm:
" Well maybe this should be a wake up call lower the stupid taxes. My mom is being charged extra just because she has a SUV the taxes on it are twice as high as my dads truck and both vehicle's are the same year. It's ridiculous. My car is a 95 and last years plates and taxes were 175 dollars thats a lot especially with how old my car is so honestly good for those people who found a way around it. If Nebraska wants to tax us to death then that's what they get. "

 Douglas wrote on April 16, 2008 1:55 pm:
" I drive a 23 year old pieceof junk as a choice determined by the stupid tax laws in this state. I have nice car for my wife and she pays more in taxes each year than my car is worth. The taxation in this state is absolutely ridiculous. Maybe a state of less than 2 million people should quit trying to keep up with the other states with 5 million? Why do we keep building bridges and roads where the population is decreasing?

Blindly following tradition for the sake of tradition is poor government. More roads made a lot of sense when the populatio was increasing. It is time for a fundamental change of thinking and spending. "

 Nebraska charges too much wrote on April 16, 2008 2:00 pm:
" No wonder there are over 14,000 people who have registered their vehicles in another state. NEBRASKA CHARGES TOO MUCH... I moved to Nebraska from Illinois, and was outraged when i had to license my vehicle here. I paid over $600 for a one year sticker!!! In illinois the most i have ever paid was $90 for a 2003 minivan. And then year after year here in nebraska has been at least $350 A YEAR!!! IS MY VAN MADE FROM GOLD????? No its not, so why charge sooooo much just to have a sticker put on my license plate? And when i complained to the DMV about it, the lady told me to move back to Illinois if i did not like it! And the thing that sucked when i tried to make a complaint about this woman, i was told i had to go through a process. SO YES IF YOUR GETTING AWAY WITH TAGS FROM ANOTHER STATE, KEEP DOING IT:) "

 duh wrote on April 16, 2008 2:25 pm:
" I can see why these people are doing it. When we lived in Nebraska and bought a "used" car (about 25 years ago), the registration on the car were three times what our monthly payments were! It was outrageous for a family of four to be able to afford it! A week ago, I licensed a BRAND NEW car in the state we live in and it cost me less than $100!! Nebraksa is WAY too proud of it's license plates. "

 annoyed wrote on April 16, 2008 2:41 pm:
" maybe the title/license taxes would be cheaper if those 14,000 would start coughing up the money and helped everyone else out! it drives me bonkers to see people driving around that I KNOW have lived here for a long time and yet still have out of state plates; I will turn them in. "

 Heather wrote on April 16, 2008 2:43 pm:
" It costs too much in Nebraska! Not only am I now paying 3x the amount in property taxes, when I went to license my car, it cost me 3x as much to do that too! It is very expensive to live in Nebraska. "

 Dano wrote on April 16, 2008 2:45 pm:
" Have any of you high tax complainers ever looked into your claims? Yes IA,SD, etc. have lower taxes on vehicles, but they get the tax revenues by other means such as income taxes and higher sales taxes. Yes, we pay high property tax, but we pay less on other things including income tax. Even if we copied Iowa's tax code word for word, the amount of total tax you would pay, if you truly sat down and calculated everything you pay tax for, would roughly come out the same as what you pay here. Those other states just get their taxes out of different users rates than NE does. They have similar support per peson from tax revenues (and they may better manage their spending).

The grass is always greener on the other side of the state line, until you really live there and look at it. It is not like we are a TX or CA or FL. States with similar populations basis, have similar tax base and revenues, it just is more visible from when you see it on your property than when you pay for each time in little transactions like sales or it comes when it comes from your paychecks because it just another "FICA-like" deduction. If they lowered property taxes, they would have to raise taxes on something else and you would complain there too. No one likes to pay taxes, but everyone wishes people were treated equally.

For those who are in school from out-of-state, they aren't really residents. They will register at home because generally their folks take care of it unless they want to take up residency here for lower tution rates. For those that commute in, that is where they reside when not at worrk, so they should register there. But, for those who cheat it, you deserve what you get. There should be relief only for those who self report, register here when your current registration expires of face full punishment. Those who don't self report and get caught, too bad, you broke the law knowing it could happen. No different than speeding to me. And a high enough amount, felony awaits, only remember you brought it on yourself. I pay my share, I have no sympathy for anyone who doesn't. "

 New tax idea wrote on April 16, 2008 2:53 pm:
" I think the Legislature should start a new tax on grumpy people. We could easily erase the "up to $11 million debt" by this new tax. Luckily, I would be tax free! Isn't it nice to have a 65+ degree day? :-) "

 Yeah wrote on April 16, 2008 3:29 pm:
" Living alot of my life in another state, I have a pile of tax returns
that will show my itty bit of income from Nebraska was double what I paid
in my resident state. My parents little frame house taxes were several times more than my bigger all brick and huge yard home. I was shocked to say the least! I'm also finding, what was a prepared comfortable living
has become very uncomfortable and even scary in retirement in Nebraska.
As soon as I can, I will leave. "

 It's no wonder! wrote on April 16, 2008 3:34 pm:
" Eleven million divided by 14000 is $785! No wonder they go out of state to get their plates! "

 Norfolk wrote on April 16, 2008 3:46 pm:
" I own a home in Lincoln and a home in Norfolk. I spend 6 1/2 months in norfolk out of the year and the 5 1/2 months in Lincoln. All 5 of my vehicles are licensed in Norfolk where it is a whole lot cheaper.
I don't get where all of the money goes either with how bad most of the roads are. "

 Cowboy wrote on April 16, 2008 4:00 pm:
" If Nebraska didn't gouge so hard maybe people would not look for alternatives to survive in the highest state taxes in the midwest "

 OmahaAnnie wrote on April 16, 2008 4:33 pm:
" I usually complain about high taxes however I have found that although I pay several hundred dollars a year to register my auto, I know that if I itemize my tax return, part of the taxes I pay for my car are deductible. I do know that other states have toll roads, and although it is less expensive to register your car in those states, you are nickeled and dimed,to death when you cross a bridge or drive across a toll road.
Check out http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/tollpage/t1part3.htm
to actually see how better off we are in the long run. "

 d wrote on April 16, 2008 4:50 pm:
" I love the government employee theory: "The PEOPLE are costing the STATE millions of dollars in lost revenue!" Nebraska's fee's are WAY out of line, which is why were seeing so many expired tags and people trying to get around the system. The answer is not enforcement - the STATE needs to re-evaluate its rates. I costs me more to license my two year old chevy than is costs me to pay rent!! "

 No mercy wrote on April 16, 2008 4:50 pm:
" The taxes are high for every Nebraskan, but those who have decided to break the law should pay as high a penalty as possible. If those who break the law would be legal (pay Nebraska taxes) maybe it wouldn't be quit so high for those of us who are law abiding Nebraskans. It just cost me $3101.00 to pay sales tax, and pay for the license plate, etc. Would I have appreciated lower taxes? YES I will continue to pay the high prices as long as I live in Nebraska. It is the law!

It is always so rewarding to see a Dr. break the law and save some money. I'm assuming he is okay with his patients not paying him the full price too? SHAMEFUL Dr. Glenn. "

 wndr wrote on April 16, 2008 5:01 pm:
" why have they not addressed this in the past ? the next question is how much more are us taxpayers going to pay to the state patrol ?? i am guessing this will be an excuse for more officers or overtime ... prolly both ... instead of going after these people....change the dollar amount for registration....problem solved...if iowa and the dakotas can make it work...are we less capable ?? wndr "

 Dee wrote on April 16, 2008 5:02 pm:
" Whoa, actually why are all american's who buy used cars made to pay sales tax? Somebody already paid the sales tax on the car when it was first bought! That should be illegal. People are paying sales tax over and over again, and of course the states won't change that, that would affect some peoples pocket books!! "

 Bob wrote on April 16, 2008 5:06 pm:
" So it's OK (and being promoted apparently) for adults to taddle on all of those offenders they are feel are wronging the rest of us (that's what we tell our kids, right?). That'll really show them. That's a heck of a way to build a tight knit community based on trust and friendliness. Time to put up railroad crossing bars on the city limits...heck Arbor Rd, Hwy 2,'O' St, Hwy 6, HWY 77 outta be a nice start. I'm kidding on seriousness of the crossbars but wow, this whole issue is ridiculous.

You want to get those that are sticking it to the state of Nebraska, go after all of those high net worth individuals and families who are claiming a primary state of residence outside of Nebraska (only takes being at another residence 185+ days in another state to do so, at least legally). If you want to talk about lost taxes, you need to look at those who make the biggest splash in the pond. Car registrations is petty in comparision. BTW, this will only be getting worse... "

 Do You wrote on April 16, 2008 5:23 pm:
" blame them for going where its cheaper? How about the college students and newly relocated people in lincoln or the people who work in town and live in seward county? They need to come up paying wheel tax too. Catch them and fine them. "

 whatever wrote on April 16, 2008 5:30 pm:
" I have so many thoughts on this I don't know where to start, but I'll leave it at this. If this many people are making this kind of effort to avoid taxes in this state and the state is losing so much money then obviously something is very broken with Nebraska's system of taxing vehicles. And as far as being hard pressed to come up with any valid reasons to license a vehicle out of state. You're joking right? People normally go to the effort to avoid taxes because the taxes are punitive. If this is the "mindset" of your average Nebraska official then we have a very, very serious problem. And no the State Patrol won't make arrests en masse the cost to the legal system in this state to prosecute 14,000 drivers if even 5 percent challenge this would exceed 11 million dollars by a long shot. The solution is to change the tax laws not prosecute and arrest "en masse". "

 Jim wrote on April 16, 2008 5:37 pm:
" Being taxed on everything except for breathing the air it is no wonder that people need to go out of state to adjust their living in order to suit their income. We are in the top 10 taxed states. Doesn't that put us up there with New York, California and Florida? We are in the Mid-West, but pay like we live on the coast. "

 EX Nebraskan wrote on April 16, 2008 5:57 pm:
" Lets see, Duh, if the 14000 are the reason that Ne car taxes are triple, that means that only 7000 are tagged there. I Ne had mor than 21000 cars on the road!
I left that stipidly high taxed state several years ago and and thought I would someday move back. Not so, now, with the crazy high car and truck licence and property tax, I shall live somewhere else that has much lower taxes. Won't be hard to find such a place either! Nebraska is a good place to be from, FAR from! "

 Michael wrote on April 16, 2008 5:58 pm:
" I am getting ready to move out of Nebraska, just because of the high taxes. I don't have any kids in Nebraska, they are in Missouri, so why should I have to pay school taxes through the Dept of Transportation? That is stupid. Maybe Nebraska needs to look at legalizing gambling so that they can fund the states schools that way?

In my line of work, I can live anywhere...Nebraska will lose my tax revenue because they are out of line when it comes to registration taxes and even payroll taxes for that matter. It is their loss...maybe they shouldn't be so gd greedy. "

 NY'r wrote on April 16, 2008 6:01 pm:
" Still own a house in New York, as well as in Nebraska. I prefer the $36.50 NY licensing fee than getting finacially raped by Nebraska. As long as I am getting nothing in return from NY, or Nebraska except bad roads, nothing lost. "

 Michael wrote on April 16, 2008 6:07 pm:
" Another thought...how much money are they spending to chase people down? Maybe they should lower the taxes so that people wouldn't work so hard to avoid them? Hey, theres a thought...duh!!! "

 NE is crazy wrote on April 16, 2008 6:21 pm:
" I just moved out of NE and turned in my plates that I registerd for $160 in Jan, you want to know what I got back $15. They keep all the wheel tax. Thats a bunch of boo!!! My new state chages $75 whether you have a 1970 or 2008 car. Now thats more like it!!! "

 Catch me if you can wrote on April 16, 2008 7:04 pm:
" I've a summer home and a winter home. It's cheaper to license in my winter home state. So catch me if you can. "

 Cammie wrote on April 16, 2008 7:15 pm:
" Nebraska does have a higher tax burden (11.9%) than the average (11.0%) according to the Retirement Information Living Center. For the median Nebraskan household ($44,623), this makes a difference of 400 bucks. That's a lot of money when you are scraping by on $45k gross. Heck, when I got out of college, I was having trouble getting by on $30k a year with housing, gas, bills, groceries, insurance, student loans, car payment, retirement, and TAXES. I couldn't imagine adding kids and day care into that mix. "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on April 16, 2008 7:23 pm:
" I can't believe some of the above posters are even trying to justify this! This is flat out illegal activity. Yes, some do it lawfully and some do it mistakenly, but those who are deliberately committing this crime should be dealt with. If they can't afford it then buy a bicycle. As far as it "not being worth it" to enforce this...are you kidding me?? They are effectively taking money out of my and your pocket. Those who are deliberately skipping out on their taxes are nothing more than crooks in my mind. Zero sympathy or understanding here. "

 me wrote on April 16, 2008 7:36 pm:
" It doesn't say there are 14,000 cars. Its says there are 14,000 Nebraskans. Obviously, anyone violating this law owns a car..otherwise they wouldn't be involved in this stat. So the $785/person number you came up with is the maximum number. You didn't take into account people who own multiple cars or motorcycles. Plus, you didn't take into account industrial vehicles, which would have much larger taxes than say your 3 year old minivan. The number $11 million number is reasonable.

Now all you thinking their actions are justified, are you okay with the fact that about 1% of your tax bill is completely related to these deadbeats not paying?? "

 Ed wrote on April 16, 2008 7:57 pm:
" People really need to leave students alone! They're here paying triple normal tuition and we want to ding them for hundreds of dollars over the course of an eduacation for the privilage of using our streets. Its not so much the extra $X for regisration but the nickel and dimeing of our modest incomes. A little more for registration, a little more for taxes, a little more for fees, a little more gas tax, etc. As Americans, we are a crafty and imaginative people. Have mommy or daddy who live out of state own your car? Instant money savings! The revenue department is probably just trying to get back the $11 million dollars it spent on consultants paid to tell them how to collect money from drivers. "

 janie wrote on April 16, 2008 8:02 pm:
" Hey...it's not only happening in the eastern part of the state....There are people here in the western end that go to Wyoming to do the same thing. Also there are many people moving to Wyoming because of the high taxes in Nebraska and drive back to work in Nebraska. "

 BC wrote on April 16, 2008 8:54 pm:
" Another reason taxes in SD and IA are lower than NE is because the people of NE drive to IA and SD to gamble which is helping with their taxes.  To bad the we couldn't get casino gambling in NE so this $$ is not lost to SD and IA and it helps with our tax relieve. "

 Interesting wrote on April 16, 2008 9:20 pm:
" Funny how all the "conservatives" in the legislature and the Republican Governor can't figure out how to get taxes to a level that people are willing to pay. When thousands of people go to the trouble of avoiding taxes like this it's a statement about the unfairness of the taxes as much as it is about people violating a law. "

 Get a Plate wrote on April 16, 2008 9:33 pm:
" You people are typical journal star posters. You are the same people who dont get paid enough at work and get treated bad at work, so you steal from your employer and justify it. Oh my, the taxes are too high, lets all move to Rulo,NE and quit paying our taxes. Oh by the way tell your kids if they don't like their teacher, quit school. This is just as bad as people who dont work and pay taxes griping about our economy! "

 About Time!!!! wrote on April 16, 2008 10:22 pm:
" All I have to say is it's about time they catch these people! I am tired of paying for their mistakes! What some people do to save a few dollars...I wonder how many other short cuts they are taking? Now I don't have to wonder any longer why our streets are so awful and full of holes. I hope they now realize who they are hurting now. "

 Clay wrote on April 16, 2008 10:30 pm:
" Reap what you sow, Nebraska! Keep raising taxes on everything in a very bland and non-descript state and see what keeps happening. Pretty soon you will tax the few remaining residents out of existence! Keep up the good work! And realize that your only poplulation comes from immigrants. I have never seen a state trying to destroy itself. But Nebraska is doing a good job! Keep up the good work as that appears to be your goal!! "

 coydog wrote on April 16, 2008 10:35 pm:
" Come on folks, when compared to the total number of registered vehicles in Nebraska (last estimated at about 2.1 million), the level of non-compliance is 6.6%. That's not bad, and probably better than compliance with many of our other laws...last report was that Tobacco Sales to Minors in Nebraska still at a non-compliance rate of over 11%. This is America, and we are innocent until proven guilty. I would hope that a large portion of those folks have legitimate reasons...other than avoiding taxes.

For you tax complainers. I've had it. If you don't want the services provided in the US (roads, police, schools, safety, rights), then by all means leave. As citizens we demand services (roads, police, schools, retirement income and health care, safety standards) from our government, so we get to pay for it! There is no free lunch. Our forefathers did not move here to avoid taxes, they moved here to have a voice in the taxes they paid and that they would be used to the benefit of the people. The world doesn't owe you a living. Get over it like the rest of us. If you don't like what goes on in government, VOTE. Yeah, go look at the percentage of Nebraskan's who vote in elections...now there's a noncompliance rate!
"

 Why our taxes are high wrote on April 16, 2008 11:03 pm:
" Nebraska is 17th in land area and 37th in population of the 50 states. We lack natural resources and visitation dollars of states like Wyoming. Therefore, we have fewer people to pay for infrastructure (highways, etc) of a large land area. So, are taxes are higher per capita. Don't like it? Move to a more populated state. I suppose I could move to Denver and have my taxes go down, but instead I accept it as the price I pay to live the good life. "

 jill wrote on April 16, 2008 11:31 pm:
" Were retireing at 55, and moving out of this state. We can't afford to live here due to the taxes. A lot of people are doing this. This state is out of control! "

 other taxes and cross references? wrote on April 17, 2008 1:40 am:
" Why are Iowa and South Dakota collecting SSNs for car license info in the first place? That's probably illegal. The Privacy Act of 1974 doesn't allow it. And when Nebraska driver's give their SSN for a driver's license (which is sort of illegal since they've never added the REQUIRED privacy act notice) it is (or was) ONLY to be used for collecting from dead-beat dad's. Of course, enforcing the law never happens when it's the government that breaks it. (Though the patriot act makes legal lots of things that shouldn't be and weren't before to enable big brother.)

As for sales taxes being lower in IA and SD, nope. IA's is 5%, and SD's is 4%. While we're at it CO is only 2.9%, WY 4%, and KS is close to us a 5.3%. Though SD and KS don't exempt food. At least according to http://www.taxadmin.org/FTA/rate/sales.html. "

 byob wrote on April 17, 2008 3:54 am:
" YEA, Nebraska has turned these potentially nice people into law breakers with Nebraska's totally out of control taxes, nebraska is the victim here, boo hoo, I'd do it in a heart beat if I knew how, gee does anyone see a peoblem here, what on earth would force 14000 people to do this, I hope they never catch them. All this is-is a scare tactic like the gastapo used to use. "

 Todd wrote on April 17, 2008 5:35 am:
" I have had it with the high taxes in Nebraska. As a single person, I don't feel I should be having to pay school taxes under the guise of vehicle registration. It is time for me to move...somewhere that there is no income tax and the property taxes are reasonable...that sure as hell is not Nebraska!! "

 Missouri wrote on April 17, 2008 6:17 am:
" What about cross referencing this state. Many more I suspect "

 Know what gripes me? wrote on April 17, 2008 7:21 am:
" The fact that those people who do not register, license, or insure their vehicles get nothing more than a slap on the wrist when they get caught. Laws need to be enforced and stricter penalties need to be levied. An unregistered/licensed/insured car should be impounded on the spot and a hefty fine plus back-licensing fees should be collected. We, who follow the rules end up paying the price for their noncompliance. "

 Criminal wrote on April 17, 2008 7:36 am:
" So: all those who are licensing their cars illegally out-of-state...how does it feel to be a criminal? Because that is what you are. Whining that "taxes are too high so that justifies me breaking the law" is a cop-out. If I refused to pay the sales tax on my purchases, or the property taxes on my home, claiming that they relaly are located in another state where those taxes are lower, I'd be breaking the law. Just as you are with your cars.

If Bill Gates or Warren Buffett sudeenly decided taxes were too high in the U.S. and registered as residents of Outer Mongolia to avoid paying any U.S. income tax, would you complain? It's the same thing - lying to defraud the government (or, more correctly, your fellow taxpaying, law-abiding Nebraskans).

I am sure you folks wouldn't have a problem with people who lie in order to get extra welfae benefits. It's the same thing - lying to defraud the government (or, more correctly, your fellow taxpaying, law-abiding Nebraskans).

I suggest that anybody who has registered their car out of state be removed from the voter registration rolls since they (ahem) are not residents of Nebraska. Anybody in this group who has kids attending LPS ought to be charged full tuition since they (ahem) are not residents of Nebraska. Same with any state college or unviersioty - charge their kids out-of-state tuition. Maybe the Revenue Department should stop payment on any state income tax refund these folks would receive this year since they (ahem) are not residents of Nebraska.

Lying is lying, cheating is cheating, crime is crime. Plain and simple. Maybe you missed that lesson in kindergarten. "

 Bill wrote on April 17, 2008 7:46 am:
" There is a federal law that prohibits the use of Social Security Numbers for anything but employment records. Nebraska has a similar State regulation. How is Nebraska DMV accessing this information