Do I still have to pay WA state DOL?

[Islander]

Last year we moved our boat to Mexico. We expect to keep it there for the forseeable future and we also documented the boat last year before moving it.

The personal property tax is due in June and I'm wondering if I need to renew it or if it no longer applies? If not, does anyone know what I need to do?

Cheers

[Dennis.G]

Not sure specifically about Washington, but most states property tax is assessed county-by-county, and is assessed according to boat's normal location on January 1 of the tax year. Usually that means if renting a slip you pay property tax to the county assessor where boat is being kept for that year. Could instead be based on where your home is (if that is not your boat) depending on local property tax rules, but I don't think that is normal case.
Our boat is in Mexico (and was there January 1st) and we are not paying property tax to anyone on the boat.
Might want to ask a Washington CPA.

[Intentional Drifter]

Here's a link to the WA state DOL brochure about it: http://dor.wa.gov/docs/pubs/watercra...x/boatbroc.pdf

ID

[Islander]

The official answer from DOL on this is simply do not pay it. Also, apparently they won't bill it in the future.

As the boat will not be in WA state waters it won't need to display the tabs. If/when I bring it back I just need to go in to DOL and pay the fee for that year.

Hope this helps someone else too.

Cheers

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by Islander

The official answer from DOL on this is simply do not pay it. Also, apparently they won't bill it in the future.

As the boat will not be in WA state waters it won't need to display the tabs. If/when I bring it back I just need to go in to DOL and pay the fee for that year.

Hope this helps someone else too.

Cheers

Check with WA officials. Sold a boat in California in April but I'm still liable to pay next fiscal year's personal property tax since I was the owner as of January 1.

[delmarrey]

Since it's documented, NO!
You just have to pay the USCG every year and the local fees wherever that maybe.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

Since it's documented, NO!
You just have to pay the USCG every year.

That's incorrect. There is an initial fee but no periodic fee. Some changes will require additional fees. Google "USCG boat documentaion" and read the USCG boat documentation site.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by markpierce

That's incorrect. There is an initial fee but no periodic fee. Some changes will require additional fees. Google "USCG boat documentaion" and read the USCG boat documentation site.

U R Right! USCG National Vessel Documentation Center, Fee Page

Hard to remember with all the org's wanting a little bit of ones arse every year.

[Islander]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Check with WA officials. Sold a boat in California in April but I'm still liable to pay next fiscal year's personal property tax since I was the owner as of January 1.

As I said, I did check and this is the official answer I was given - it might be different in CA.

I paid it in June last year and moved the boat out of state in September, out of the US in November.

The main issue that concerned me was how to "opt-out", and simply not paying is the way - no paperwork etc.

Cheers.