It's not just cars and not just southern Maine. I would be surprised if there was a motorhome owner who hasn;t heard the have all heard the bragging of other owners who have avoided sales and excise taxes on motorhomes.

The state can cheat by charging excise tax based on suggested manufactured retail of a vehicle instead of the actual price you paid for the car so what about this state condoned theivery. The state has been over charging its citizens for years and no one says anything about it. New Hampshire seems to have it a little better. No sales tax and no income tax it is a wonder the way Maine operates that the people of this state just all move out of here. I know of a lot of retirees move out so they can hang on to some of what little money they have left and how can you blame them . You know with all the taxes on every thing you do in this state it gets a little tiring. I know when I retire I am gone!!!!!!!!!

We are seriously considering moving when we retire, too. Maine couldn't be any more unfriendly to retired folks. And the amount of state income tax we pay right now is astronomical. Add excise, property, sales taxes, and other "fees" and it makes a hard working Mainer want to become

a Floridian. We have already started looking at property down there. It would be foolish to stay here and let Maine suck our retirement dry and force us onto welfare. Thanks, Baldacci, for letting us know how unwelcome we are as we get older!

Anything to stiff the citizen. People look for ways to save a buck but it just can't be done in this state. the state don't want a little of your money they want it all.. Hey Baldy I got an idea start charging a toll for tjhese Canadians crossing the boarder into Miane everyday I can't believe you missed this one.

yup my family and i are on our way out of here next spring ,born and raised here ,but cant afford to stay any longer

this could all be changed with some voting.

What do the people of Maine expect after being ruled by tax and spend democraps for decades, big government, big taxes.

The state of Maine has turned into a ghost state since I lived there. Jimmy Carter made me move and the state has obviously never had a resurgence in prosperity since then. I think it's an anti-business, anti development, high tax problem. That's just a guess. But in an article in this paper they mention an "excise" tax on cars. It costs me around $40 a year to put a plate on my car, even a $780,000. Mclaren Mercedes Benz, another $40 to get my license renewed for 10 years, and I pay no income tax to the state at all. The state income tax in Maine levied on anyone with any wealth would buy them a 5 million dollar beachfront castle in Florida.

How about state employees that live in main but register the cars, trucks and campers in Florida.

You have to wonder who are really the thieves...... If New Hampshire can run a state without all those taxes Maine thugs should llearn from what works....

All of the big rig trailers have Maine tags on them, even all of the ones in Puerto Rico. Most folks with big rigs all over the USA and it's possessions Carry Maine tags. There has to be a big benefit for the truckers and shippers to register them in Maine.

Shame on those tax evaders... they aren't doing their part for the liberal agenda of Maine's Far Left. In case you haven't noticed, here's how it works in Maine. The political Far Left are running the State of Maine, and our local and state tax dollars have become a major part of their political machine:

1) Most of us are forced to pay taxes/fees to our state and local governments and various other unions/associations;

2) Through a variety of highly questionable and potentially illegal accounting games, a significant amount of these forced taxes/fees are then used to fund strong political activities/campaigns in support of the Far Left's agenda.

3) After these campaigns have been successful in keeping the Far Left candidates in office, or perhaps implementing a new entitlement program for the far Left, their political machine has done its job... hence, the cycle starts over again.

As a few recent examples here in Maine, just look at the political donations reported (and don't forget all of the non-reported donations) from groups like AFL-CIO, SEIU, ACORN, National Education Association and the powerful Maine Municipal Association - posted at:

http://www.mainecampaignfinance.com/public/entity_list_BQC.asp

Hmmmmmm, could these excise tax evaders be making a statement that they don't want their tax dollars to be used for political purposes? Are they speaking out against the one-sided and Far Left actions of our so-called "state leaders" in Augusta and our local governments? IMO, these tax evaders actually deserve a standing ovation for their efforts against the crooked Left.

Leumas, not true. Many of the big truck companys register there trucks in New Jersey.

Mainers expect a great deal for nothing. All I hear is whining for the taxes you are paying. However, you expect your roads to be cleared from snow and ice in the winter. You expect schools to provide education for your children and grandchildren and retirees expect all the healthcare they deserve. No one though, seems to want to pay for it. Similar to the 2 wars that has been ongoing for the past 9 years but never bothered to pay for those either.

As I trudge off to work today, it makes me angry for those of you supporting the tax evaders. I pay my taxes, register my vehicles and maintain car insurance. I have had the unpleasant experience of having someone with no car insurance hit me from behind at a red light because they were too busy doing whatever. This person got off with no violation, not one penny out of their pocket...as I am left paying my hefty deductable...Thanks.

I was a twelfth Generation Mainer, male. After getting raped in n divorced court, taxed nearly to death, I left years ago. Glad I did, and have never looked back. Why would I want too? Angela the weather here in florida is beautiful and the economic climate bountiful. You don't have to worry about the gestapo pounding on your door giving you the third degree as to where you live. Don't hesitatet leave those bunch of losers behind! Maine the way every State shouldn't be. M & M's, Maine and Michingan. I was the first rat to leave the siinking ship, along with the paper mills, shoe factories, textile mills, lumber yards, computer factories, shirt factories, and on and on. The state not only hit a rock it broke up and sunk a long time ago the crabs like officer Denault are eating anything thats left. Maineacs time to wake up and smell the economic coffe amd get rid of people that have done this to you starting with poeple like officer Denault.

Any of you Maine people considering a move to Florida had better do your research before heading south. Florida is no longer the retirement state it once was. Tax's are going up, vehicle tag's and driver license just was increased, crime is out of control,etc. My wife retire's next year and where are we heading.............'NORTH TO MAINE' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fllen44 you better do your research before you head to Maine. You will find rural crime thats way out of control, a state inspection program on cars that amounts to nothing more than highway robbery! A state that has one of the largest oil ports on the eastern seaboard (Portland), with some of the highist heating oil gas prices in the country? Heating your home or factory, what will that cost you! State income tax in maine yes, Florida no,

The sad part of all these commentaries about the problems in Maine is that their all true. As long as we keep the same people in office we're going to have the same problems. It will take us years to undo what the Baldacci administration has done. The school consolidation crap is a fine example, how many people on here have had their real estate taxes go down because of this??? Mine have gone up substantially and they're going up again but Baldacci and his lying crew of henchmen are still telling people how great it is. Dirigo is another fine example. It doesn't matter your political affiliation, vote for someone new and if you have time to write on this site... you have time to email your legislators and tell them your sick of this.

Apparently there aren't any robberies, burglaries or assaults in Kittery for the officer to investigate. Sounds like they're overstaffed.

When the primary focus of police agencies is collecting taxes there's something seriously wrong with the government system. As the tax burden becomes worse and worse people will go further in their effort to avoid the taxes. What then? The government ratchets up the level of force to confiscate from the shrinking number of people paying a larger portion of the burden.

It's only going to get worse as long as the politicians keep buying votes with other people's money.

wanttodogood..........It won't be very long and Florida will have a state income tax........there was talk of this before the economy went south. As for heating, we only heat for a few weeks.........the other 9 months the AC is working overtime so, you can imagine our electric bills. Also, check the stats......more people moving out of FL than moving in. Now, that should tell you something.

They have 'RISEN'! Hitler, Stalin; etc....In Government...Another 'Tea' Party is due...

Maine has gone to 'He**l in a hand basket becaue of the influx of 'Out of Staters!

Lets Roll.......

It's not just Mainers, Americans are getting angry, and I can't blame them. You can only squeeze so much blood out of them. Sooner or later we will rebel and when that time comes watch out, it will not matter who is in office. I think we are close.

Gee the 27 year S.C. kid was honest and still got a fine, Honesty/Punishment, Honesty/Punishment, Honesty/Punishment in Maine the way life should be no point in being honest according to this article..

Yea Truck trailers cost $18.00 a year whereas my 2 axle utility trailer cost $56.00, go figure.

Hey this only serves the residents of maine right, they voted down the measure to alter excise taxes on the ballot so stop your whining.

A previous post says:

"What do the people of Maine expect after being ruled by tax and spend democraps for decades."

Oh really? Like McKernnan (Rep.), Angus King {Independent), and the Republicans in Washington who started the most recent deficit ball rolling?

Both the Republicans and the Democrats never saw a pork barrel program they didn't like because the citizens keep demanding the bacon.

Stop mindlessly swallowing that entertainer Limbaugh, and don't be afraid to think.

Maine isn't the only state to require vehicle registration after establishing residence in the state. New Jersey has been doing it for decades (and enforcing with an iron hand; must be something about those scabby New Yorkers). What I'd like to know is how the the scofflaws manage to get the cars registered in NH? What kind of fiction and false addresses must they be spreading around? And NH doesn't require vehicle insurance? Looks more like "Live free AND die".

For all of you tax liberatians, the last I heard Mainers don't have the 4th highest tax burden. When you take everything into account, it's more like 15th (I know, big consolation but it is significant). I for one don't want to be ripped off by scofflaws. Let's keep everybody on the same playing field (many of you think too many are getting a free ride on welfare, correct?). If you're still dissatisfied, either do something about it while living here or move to an allegedly tax-free state like NH (seen their property taxes?) or Floirda (no tropical paradise, I assure you; they have a personal property tax and high sales taxes; hardly a tropical paradise). Retirees, your income will go down when you retire. Check on how ANY state taxes (or deson't) your projected retirement income.

The State of Maine is Greedy! That's all there is to it! They spend loads of tax payer money on stupid pet projects like the ATV Task Force, Behavioral Health Science Institute, Dirigo Health, and Maine Cooperative Extension are just some prime examples. We pay for these services and will continue to pay. These organizations continue to grow due to there so called required existence. I know people who work for these places and some of the ways that they spend our tax money would make you puke your thanksgiving diner! Waste, Waste, Waste. Funny that the state functioned very well without this organizations 10 years ago.

This is reminiscent of the days when Maine Liquor Nazis would sit in unmarked cars at the NH booze store to bust people bringing hooch across the border.

Mainefriend is right, and here's another interesting pet project for the Baldacci Administration - the Maine Commission for Community Service.

No joke! FMI, see http://www.maineservicecommission.gov

Ian Thomas, a 27-year-old cook, was one of the unlucky ones, getting a ticket because his car has a North Carolina plate on it. Thomas said his mother gave him the car a couple of years ago, but it’s still registered in her name in her home state.

This could be fought in court, its not his car he is just using it....Pretty lame.

fllen44 , you are correct. I live in MD and use my CAC 6 months out of the year, cant imagine running A/C 10 months out of the year in FL.

Also FL is over crowded. You cant even drive around in all that traffic. And its all day not just rush hour.

This happens in every state, My fellow Mainers need to get over themselves.

My husband and I have just retired a couple of years ago,we live off our SS,we struggle every day just to survive.No matter where you go,every state is having problems.As we get older,where would you like to start over,because moving is just what you are doing.My family is around us and thats more important to be and then money, taxes,etc.We all pay in the end,no matter we we live.

You can't even compare what it costs to register a car in Florida versus here in Maine. No excise tax at all, after the first year it's just a charge on your credit card for $43 once a year and your new registration comes in the mail.

I don't want to live in Florida but with real estate prices down there a fraction of what they were just a few years ago, those who are interested in wintering there and planning to retire soon could just about finance a condo or small home with what you'll save in income taxes and other fees. Buy a cheap condo/house down there now while prices are low, and when you retire, live in it for 6 months plus one day each year, and you'll be legal to claim Florida residency. If you close your Maine house up in the winter while you're gone, and your Florida place during the summer, your energy costs will be very low in both places. I don't plan to do this because I don't want to live in Florida even during the winter, but for those with a significant taxable income who are interested in being a snowbird, your tax and energy savings will come very close to paying for a small second home.

Absolutely correct, linkesc14 at 9:18 AM. It may not happen in the next 3 years; heck, it may not even happen in my lifetime, but sure as the sun rises in the East, it's coming.

This is like a black market, and the state just doesn't get it. You will always find people trying to dodge taxes, but tax avoidance on this scale exposes that Maine's taxes are too high for otherwise law-abiding residents.

I am trying to figure out how the SC kid got a ticket. The car is not registered to him, but to his mom, who is still a resident in SC. Very gray are I think.

I hear you jaguarsky. Very grey, I would go to court on that one....

Yet the state of Maine allows out of state trucking Companys to license trucks and trailers in Maine !! MMMM isnt that taking away from the state the company is from ?? Dont make since to me .Craking down on it , But allowing it at the same time !!!

Also if someone brings their ATV up for the weekend you are suppose to register it in Me, thats another BS rule. Me is one of a few states that you register an ATV..

On 11/27/09 at 11:41 AM, maniac1163 wrote: Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Yet the state of Maine allows out of state trucking Companys to license trucks and trailers in Maine !! MMMM isnt that taking away from the state the company is from ?? Dont make since to me .Craking down on it , But allowing it at the same time !!!

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Why is that?

Is Me relaxed on their trailor registration?

I see tons of Me tags on trailers down here in MD>

How do you get your car registered in a state other than where you live? Do you lie? Do you have a bogus address on your driver's license? I cannot even register my car in the next town when our town office is closed due to vacations. How are they getting around this?

They are avoiding paying taxes thus forcing the rest of us to make up the difference. If you don't like the law change it, as I remember they just tried and it got killed. Seems we have had a democratic house for like 30 years or so, complain wiwth you vote. If they are not doing what you want vote in someone who thinks the way you do. Don't vote as party tricket, vote for ideas.....

Remember excise tax it the funds that the towns operate on, not the state.If you live in Maine you need to pay your share.

On 11/27/09 at 1:26 PM, realist38 wrote: Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

How do you get your car registered in a state other than where you live? Do you lie? Do you have a bogus address on your driver's license? I cannot even register my car in the next town when our town office is closed due to vacations. How are they getting around this?

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Some people own property or a house out of state, or like the one person the car was registered to another person in another State.

It is easy to register a car in Me. One of the easiest states I have ever seen. Most states require a title . Me doesnt.

I have a buddy from Ma. He had a guy offer to steal a car for him and he said within a matter of days a Mainiac would be driving it...

"In Maine, it would cost $305 in excise taxes and fees to register a 3-year-old midsize car with a retail price of $20,000; the same vehicle would cost $313.20 to register in New Hampshire"

Is this just another example of BDN's lack of editorial expertise? Now just why would I want to spend eight bucks more to register my care in NH if It meant getting in trouble because I live in Maine?

I was wondering the same zonc156...

Because you wouldn't be paying that $305 next year in excise tax...and the next year...and the next.

Tax dollars at work, complaining about tax evasion but they got the money to send this cop around thinking people are not paying their taxes in Maine

I have to agree ydnar.. Need to find something better to do....

I find it all interesting. I buy a new car at 30,000 and pay the (@ 5% = 1500) tax on it. I drive it for say three years and sell it to my friend for say 20,000 and he pays the tax again. (@ 5% = 1000) He drives it for three years and sells it to his friend for 10,000 and she pays the tax on it. (@ 5% = 500)The state has taxed that same car three times and the total tax amount is now 60,000 for the same car. Gee what is wrong with this picture? Must be made of TEA!! Oh and the math is???? 3000.00 dollars on one car in taxes over a nine year period. Man what a racket. Now times that by how many cars per year are transferred. No problem paying for that 2010 cruiser Officer Tom Chambers totaled playing moose whisperer on Mt Toms Rd. last month. Mainers you and the rest of America is getting raked over the coals by our Government. Time for a tea party and this time lets throw the leader in the harbor and keep the tea!!!

EyeSeeYou , every state has the same rules.. Paying tax on a used item is kind of unethical...

The fun thing is you see a state trooper on the road then you meet the sheriff then you meet the local cop. And were trying to cut budgets.

I have to wonder. Cutting service from the paople who really need it and don't cut the services that we seem to have a surplus of. If they have time to roam around and to thiese services I guess there not here to serve and protect. But to protect the politican's of this state......

I'd like to know what Sgt. Denault's PROBABLE CAUSE is to stop (or knock on the door), and detain a person for this alleged offense.

Since a large amount of these “excise tax dollars” are actually being used to fund political campaigns instead of road repairs, doesn’t this fact bother any of the liberals? Here are a few examples as proof:

1. http://www.memun.org/public/publications/townsman/2009/10-09.pdf - produced with 100% tax dollars

2. http://www.memun.org/public/MMA/svc/SFR/initiatives/default.htm - produced with 100% tax dollars

3. Massive donations by Maine Municipal Association (100% tax dollars) for groups like “Citizens Unified for Maine's Future” as reported at http://www.mainecampaignfinance.com/public/entity_summary.asp?TYPE=PAC&ID=4499&YEAR=2009

I moved from New Hampshire to Maine 6 years ago and had just registered my one year old Camry in New Hampshire. Upon moving here I was told I had 30 days to re-register at the cost of almost $600 with NO credit for the $700 I had just paid in New Hampshire. Screw Maine! I just rode out the last ten months of my New Hampshire registration. Who the hell is Maine to tell me I can't get credit for a registration that is already paid for!

If It were up to me, Mainesurvivor2, I would have given you a one year pass on your Camry simply for helping me pay for all the welfare programs. What were you thinking, when you moved here, anyway?!?

harley07---you're RIGHT about that---they protect the politicians! grrrr

Wow, eyeseeyou, your math skills are a bit rough still. The 3 taxes you mention equal 3 thousand dollars, not 60 thousand. You do not pay the SALES tax every year, only when you sell the vehicle. Excise tax is a municipal tax, not a state tax.

I find it astounding that everybody thinks NH is so tax free. Ever own property there (or FL for that matter). They have some of the highest property taxes in the nation. And FL sales taxes can be up to 9% with the local piggy back taxes. This hits homeowners harder than renters, the poor harder than the rich. Also, most websites only compare the business taxes and rank the states accordingly. So if you let the businesses off the hook, who pays? We all want the roads plowed, and Maine's thousands of miles of roads don't have many people per mile. Of course, if you lop off The County, Downeast and The Great North Woods (N. Piscat, Penob. Counties) there wouldn't be that many miles.

So they want to live in ME to avoid property taxes in NH, and register cars in NH to avoid other taxes. Sounds like cheating, and Momma told me cheating was wrong. And writing before you know the facts should be at least embarrassing, maybe illegal.

Sgt. Denault on the Kittery police force has nothing better to do...sounds like Sgt. Bishop of Bangor PD when he drives through shopping center parking lots looking for expired plates and inspection stickers. Once a month I visit my son in NH and I ALWAYS come home with a trunk full of tax free merchandise....catch me if you can tax cops!!

Until the excise tax law is repealled or abolished people should be honest and pay the fee. Nobody say "duh!" I know the whole issue of paying taxes and fees is extremely complex and not one answer will solve the problem. But, why don't we adopt a flat tax system? Everyone feels the pain equally.

Man oh man would those guys be busy in Bar Harbor in August! Why not just issue a ticket to all out of state registered vehicles? Heck, the hotels and attorneys offices would really fill up during court time! Bottom line and biggest problem with government ..... taxes should shrink during recessions, just like our incomes, but they don't. Taxes and fees actually increase. It's a downward death spiral waiting for a "mayday" call

Simple solution. Vote against all incumbents. After a few years they get the message.

People are too afraid of change. This will never happen because they believe the false promises of the incumbents.

Vote against all incumbents. It will not hurt. It is a good thing to do periodically. Don't be fooled by promises that never happen anymore.

While living in Fla for 18 yrs and watching it grow to the wastland it has become I purchasted a second home in Me. When it was time to renew my drivers lic. I gave my Me. address at the DMV they issured a Fla. drivers license with my Me. address This past winter I went back on business before I left my Me. tags were about to expire I asked a friend to get me Fla. tags using my Me. address no problem they even sent them to me from the County Office when they were about to expire this July I just called the same County office and they again sent me plate stickers to my Me. address for $40.00 You don't have to sneak around ,lie about your address the truth also works I now live in Me. full time have been stopped by Me. State Police because they did'nt see a front plate or sticker saw my address and said nothing more than how did you do this no ticket or fine. That PIG in Kittery should stay on track for real crimes or maybe get a job at the tax office bet they have plenty of $$$ to set up another task force to do that job. He's a part of the problem stalking people just to write a ticket What a peice of crap!!

Taxes taxes, make sure to pay your taxes. The cronies in Augusta need more money to waste!

I avoid paying the excise tax a different way.

The state should crack down on trucking companies that are doing exactly the same thing with their fleets of rigs, while others pay. Their share would surely help Maines roads and bridge fund. Look and see whose fleets are registered elsewhere...

I can think of at least one large tractor-trailer company here in Bangor, shall we say, in the "heart" of Maine, who registers all their trucks in New Jersey, at an address belonging to a postal box. Back when I used to work there (15 years ago), the children of the founder of the company bragged about how much money it saved them to register those dozens of trucks in New Jersey...

Why do you see tons of trailers registered in Me.....

Someone tell me...

Why did we go from cars to commercial trailers you all know they won't mess with big companys just the little guys trying to make a living the big guys get a ticket for reg. out of state its just a inconvenice to them I can see busting the jerks for not having the proper insurance although I am reg. in Fla I carry under insured as well as uninsured added along with all required insurance policy the people in NH or any other state that opt not to have insurance thats where the big tickets should be written when they cross the state border, maybe require proof of insurance sticker on any motor vehicle reg. in what ever state you tag in. If NH is allowing drivers to reg. without any proof insurance so anyone involved in a accident should be able to hold NH or any other state that allows that practice accountable. It should'nt be a choice but a requirement prior to getting your plates and yr.& mo. stickers.

Tele Maine allows commercial vehicles to get an "Apportioned Registration" which is like a national registration for trucks doing interstate travel rather than making them register in the multiple & various states that they do business....and this also eliminates some permits that are required for commercial vehicles traveling thru some states.....one can go to your local state registration and get licensed and then the plates are recognized as interstate and even over border commercial vehicles....I believe the apportioned plates were started to help the bigger companies with multiple vehicles in many states and also to help regulate cross border traffic between Texas & Mexico....there is a "reporting" system in place and the trucking companies have to report miles traveled and fuel used and purchased in each state and the companies have to pay monies to each state according to miles traveled....so just because a certain license plate may be on a truck and trailer the state will get monies for miles traveled and fuel used in their particular state borders....I believe when first started companies need to have at least 50 pieces of equipment to get the Apportioned Registrations but now even folks with a couple of trucks can register this way....

Just some simple points: * I pay my taxes-everyone else should * Not knowing the law isn't an excuse-The kid from SC probably sent his mother money for registration stickers over the last 3 years * If you don't like the high taxes and unfriendly business atmosphere in Maine join me in voting out the people now running the state * If you think taxes are bad now, wait until the government (most inefficient business ever) is in charge of healthcare-They haven't run anything else successfully why would they start now? * Tax cuts that put more money in your pocket are what generate more money for investment not taxes-Taxing the rich doesn't work because they are the ones that create jobs and already pay about 40% of their income in taxes-They can afford to pay an accountant to find loopholes in the tax code to avoid a lot of taxes * Cut back on entitlements and make people work that are capable of work * Realize that politicians are all crooks no matter what party they are from * Whether you support the war or not only 6% of GDP is for defense compared to 40% in the 60's * Blaming Bush is useless now HE IS GONE-The housing disaster was created by evil Lenders that would approve anyone without checking whether they could pay AND people taking on loans they knew would adjust higher and wouldn't be able to afford them * FINALLY printing money isn't the answer to our problems it weakens our currency and we are in debt to a a communist coutry that we count on to make 95% of our goods-What happens if they change their minds and become enemies?

The truth is..Maine is over taxing small business and citizens . Some people are trying everything they can to not pay as much as they owe. Such as buying an expensive RV in Montana and avoiding sales tax, excise taxes and registration fees etc. Maine needs a more fair tax system so that citizens will not have to do these sort of things to avoid our taxes, Maine is a beautiful state, however our infrastructure if falling apart. As soon as you enter New Hampshire the roads get so much better. How does that make sense. The same climate but far better roads and no sales tax or income tax. I say vote for people that will have the guts to make the changes to our tax structure that will encourage people to start a business and hire people. I can't count the number of people that I know in business that no longer have any employees due to the high cost of workers compensation and associated payroll taxes. So much for adding new jobs to Maine.