State registration costs

[baz]

We have an R25 Classic 2010. The following is what we've paid each year for our WA Registration

Filing fee 2009-2010: $740.25
Filing fee 2010-2011: $644.25 (-$96)
Filing Fee 2011-2012: $602.25 (-$42)
Filing fee 2012-2013: $567.25 (-$35)
Filing fee 2013-2014: $525.25 (-$42)
Filing fee 2014-2015: $490.25 (-$35)
Filing fee 2015-2016: $448.25 (-$42)

The fee seems to have settled down to decreasing either -$35 or -$42 each year. If this annual fee is based on the State's estimate for market value would you say our R25 is now at 60% of it's original retail value for the State's purposes? The 60% was determine by this person as 448/740. 😀

 

[Barry Cohen]

In Massachusetts, we have the option of USCG documentation ($26.00 per year).

Can you document and forego state registration?

 

[baz]

Unfortunately not as far as I know. Will look into it again to see if rules have changed. Thanks.

 

[walldog]

Most states, including Washington and Texas for sure, require state registration in addition to documentation. You are not required to put the numbers on the boat, but the sticker is required to on the boat. You are lucky if Mass does not.

 

[Brian B]

In Rhode Island I pay $66.00 for my R25SC every 2 years for the state registration. The boat is also USCG documented, I do not have to display state numbers only the registration decal. There is no state sales tax on new or used boats and no property taxes on boats in RI. We are the Ocean State and very friendly to the marine industry we have here. I can't believe what you are paying in WA.

 

[CAPTCRUNCH]

$12/year in Maryland for state numbers and stickers.

 

[Cruzerboy]

There is no personal income tax in Washington. That's got to figure into the equation.

Tom A

 

[Mystical]

In Ct we pay 107.00 per year to the state and have to be documented as well. Thankfully, there is no property tax on the boat.

 

[Crewdog]

Y'all are lucky;

here in Georgia there's property tax on the boat ($1300) and house every year, still have to register boat ($90 3 yrs) and display decal and marine sanitation decal, but don't have to display numbers if documented w/uscg($26 renewal/yr).

I heard a story in Charleston where county tax agent was going to docks every day and after docked 30 days, made a 400 ft private yacht flagged in USVI file a tax return and pay taxes; unsure if that came out of captains pocket or owner's.

I know the semi-rural county our boat is docked at was rather diligent in getting my paperwork delivered without me calling them to file.

 

[knotflying]

If I understood correctly Connecticut requires documentation with the Coast Guard as well? I had a boat registered in CT and did not have it documented. Usually it is the lender that may require documentation. As far as registration goes, every state has a different requirement. As an example, in Rhode Island, if you are here more than 90 days it is required. I am not sure if the 90 days is consecutive. Florida is 90 days, but it is cumulative in any given year.
You have to be a Philadelphia lawyer if you are traveling down the East Coast.

 

[Stevan47]

Gee: I cannot believe the differences in registration, taxes, insurance, etc between all your States in US. Amazing! Here in Australia, the seven States differ slightly in registration fees. Insurance prices depend on your choice of insurer (I use Club Marine), however there is no personal tax liability for private recreational vessels, as far as I know. Of course, when selling the vessel, the purchaser is liable for a transfer fee, however it is not a huge amount (about A$2.00 per hundred dollars of the selling price). Basically, registration is renewed anually, as is insurance. The vessel registration number is issued on first registration and is transferred between respective owners. A new registration decal is issued each year. After that, nothing else to pay. Just thought I would throw this useless, but interesting information in to the mix! Regards to all, Stevan (RHAPSODY).

 

[Boont Boater]

It seems like the Washington state registration fee is almost as much as our property tax. Unless I'm confused it appears that I don't need California registration with a documented vessel. I am waiting :cry: for my first Contra Costa County (read expensive) property tax statement for the boat in Richmond.

 

[jroyle]

It seems like the Washington state registration fee is almost as much as our property tax. Unless I'm confused it appears that I don't need California registration with a documented vessel. I am waiting :cry: for my first Contra Costa County (read expensive) property tax statement for the boat in Richmond.

In Orange County Ca. it is roughly 1% of the appraised value. You'll be pleased to know you get to pay for schools, roads, landscaping, trash removal etc.. all over again seeing how you already paid it on your house property tax bill. It is one very hard check to write :evil: California is far from boater friendly.

 

[Captain Steve]

Boont Boater I live in Ventura county... and the tax assessor did catch up with me... 1% of value. They did let me subtract the cost of the trailer.... an expensive galvanized one. A fun fact, when I sent the paper work in they called me and wanted me to correct the price. They could not believe that a 25 foot vessel cost that much!

 

[Tugbuyer]

Jeff:
I'm sure you realize this, but just in case, Orange County uses assessed value that INCLUDES sales tax, then assesses personal property tax on the entire amount, effectively TAXING THE SALES TAX! I complained about this a week or so ago as I received my 2014-15 assessment, and the tax rep said "you're right, doesn't sound right, but that's the way we do it here." So, because "that's the way they do it here," I guess it's A-OK. Just keep reaching into my pocket...

 

[walldog]

I received a property tax bill for a small tract of land that I had already paid. The appraisal district finally admitted their error and credited me the $280 or so all except for the penalty $4.00 for not paying the taxes that I had already paid. I think I understand the logic here....or not. I paid the $4.00.