California officials are preparing to closely investigate whether Brin and other wealthy former residents truly cut all ties with the state. If they decide he is still legally a California resident, he could face a tax bill worth billions of dollars.
According to reports, Brin moved his primary residence to Nevada last year, purchased a home near Lake Tahoe and listed Nevada as his home state on campaign finance records. However, California plans to look beyond where billionaires claim to live.
State investigators may review where their children attend school, where their vehicles are registered, where they use doctors and veterinarians, where they bank and whether they still maintain strong personal and business connections inside California.
The proposed wealth tax would apply to people with more than $1 billion in net worth if approved by voters. Supporters say the money would help fund healthcare and education, while opponents argue it could drive businesses, investors and entrepreneurs out of the state.
Legal experts expect any attempt to collect the tax from billionaires like Brin could lead to years of courtroom battles, with some of the country’s top tax lawyers fighting over where they truly live.