How to buy car in Oregon and avoid sales tax in California?

[DKRN]

I've lived in CA for 5 years but my family is still in Oregon. How about if my father purchases a vehicle in Oregon then "gifts" it to me (there's a checkbox for this when transferring a vehicle) or sells it to me at a low price? Will this enable me to successfully avoid the CA sales tax?

[Shangrala]

You will want to use reg256 (statement of facts) form. It exempts you from use tax so long as a vehicle transfer of ownership is gifted between family members. The only exception is if the family member makes a living from selling cars.

Request the reg256 form to fill out & turn in with your application of transfer of ownership.

I'm pretty sure that you don't want to select the option that you bought the car at a low price - you'll have to pay tax on the amount you "paid" to your father.

You can find more information at
dmv.ca.gov

Good Luck