Sales / Use Tax enforcement on East Coast

[imagine2frolic]

hellosailor,

I am not originally from Florida. I am from Ca., and there was only a title transfer fee, and registration fee when I moved here.

[RickD]

Originally Posted by Pblais

Don't confuse registration with taxes. A US Documented Boat can never be state registered (it would be a federal crime to attempt to do so) so registration alone means absolutely nothing as far as taxes. Where the boat is and where you use it does mean far more.

In the case of FL you need to prove you left the state before the time period expires or it is assumed you owe the money. Dated receipts have generally been enough. It's a case where it is only because of how long the boat was in the state under your ownership that matters.

This thread is a little old, but not too old. I'm reading up on this registration information because we're boat shopping and trying to decide where we're going to "come from". I think I'm going to "come from Colorado with a sailboat under my feet" (Forgive me Stephen Foster) -- but I digress somewhat.

I noted the statement above and have to state that I think this is inaccurate and most likely was not correct when the poster posted the information.

Texas is one of the places we're looking at making our "home port" only because we have some relatives of in-laws living in the area where my daughter visits once a year... here's what I found about "Texas Boat Registration" for instance...

Registration of USCG Documented Vessels

Effective January 1, 2004, vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard are no longer exempt from state registration requirements.
Requirements for registering a documented vessel:

• Vessel/Boat Application form PWD 143 (PDF 485.6 KB);
• Current USCG Documentation Certificate (or copy);
• Verification of sales tax payment * or proof that vessel purchase date occurred more than four years prior to the date of application; and
• Payment of registration fee. (Note: Do not submit title fee. A Texas title cannot be issued for a USCG documented vessel.)

Link here


Therefore, I am not sure how "legal" Texas is now... ??

[Jentine]

Originally Posted by Pblais

It's not registration. Registration is to certify title. You can only do that in one place with the state or with the USCG. Many states have assorted taxes or stickers but it's not to register a title. Owing taxes has nothing to do with the title.

As for FL if the boat is there when the clock ticks down it won't matter where you register it or where you call home - you owe the tax money.

I have a USCG documentation and a state registration in Rhode Island. Titleing is to certify title and registration is to register. They are not the same thing. My registration indicates that the vessel is documented.

[Chief Engineer]

In Maryland if your bring a boat here and register it....you will pay excise tax on the value.

If the vessel is in Maryland longer than 6 months...you will pay the excise tax.

If the vessel is registered in another state, you have 90 days.

USCG Documentation doesn't mean diddly...ya still gotta pay the excise tax.

Don't try to be sneaky because they routinely walk the marinas.....and take photos.

[Captgene]

Question
Hate to hijack this post but since like I can get my answer .
I'm a florida resident and coast guard licensed charter captain. I just purchased a 70ft dinner boat for commercial use on the gulf coast in gulf mexico out less then 3 miles . Its USCG documented is ,presently operatiing on the east coast of fla The vessel is USCG cerified to carry up to 149 passengers coastwsie out 3 miles . . Do I have to register it in fl and pay sale tax since it will be used for commerical business and we will paying sale tax on income to the state of fla

[hellosailor]

Capt. Gene, I beleive Foriduh also has a commercial inventory/property tax, so you may be paying tax on the value of every spork, knife, and spoon on that vessel as well as the linens.

Your best bet is to contact the approrpriate state AND COUNTY business and tax offices, they are all very good at answering the phone, run large web sites, and while they don't make any bones about it, they're real helpful about making sure you know just how deeply you'll have to reach into your pockets.

Probably be a good idea to walk the docs and ask for some referrals to accountants who are familiar with the issues of your trade, a good one should save way more than he costs.

[Captgene]

After doing more research It seem like there are some broker listing boat that run commerical charter dont have to pay sale tax on the purchase. I iwll call my local tax collector monday. Still trying to find good marine accountant .

thanks Capt Gene

PS there is not table in the boat so less taxes I hope

[roverhi]

Washington State collects sales tax on any boat brought into the state. If you paid tax in another state, the state takes the difference between the Washington rate and the rate in the state of purchase. There is no income tax in WA so they are religious in collecting any possible sales tax that they think is due.

Aloha
Peter O.
Pearson 35

[Chief Engineer]

My edjumacated guess is Florida WILL want their pound of flesh.

Originally Posted by Captgene

Question
Hate to hijack this post but since like I can get my answer .
I'm a florida resident and coast guard licensed charter captain. I just purchased a 70ft dinner boat for commercial use on the gulf coast in gulf mexico out less then 3 miles . Its USCG documented is ,presently operatiing on the east coast of fla The vessel is USCG cerified to carry up to 149 passengers coastwsie out 3 miles . . Do I have to register it in fl and pay sale tax since it will be used for commerical business and we will paying sale tax on income to the state of fla