[Kiv]

The retail sale of a boat is subject to the 3.00% State rate of sales and use tax with a maximum tax of $1,500 per article. Boats are not subject to the local and transit rates of sales and use tax. In the instance where sales tax has not been paid on the purchase of a boat, a use tax at the 3.00% State rate with a maximum tax of $1,500 per article applies to a boat purchased or received from within or without this State for storage, use, or consumption in this State. Gross receipts derived from the retail sale of a boat and the sales and use tax thereon are to be reported to the Department on Form E-500, Sales and Use Tax Return, or through the Department’s online filing and payment system. here

[billm543]

For a business or person who is not registered with the Department and is required to remit use tax on a boat purchased or received from within or without this State for storage, use, or consumption in this State on which sales tax has not been paid, the business or person must file Form E-555, Boat and Aircraft Use Tax Return. more

[enhytgb]

[fabianhjr]

more

[cheggers]

[reQunix]

You can make up your own boat purchase agreement or use a form that may be provided by your state (try searching online for “Michigan boat purchase agreement” for example). If you find a form, details for your state will likely be included. Some states require the boat purchase agreement to be notarized by both buyer and seller. more

[simplesharp]

The boat purchase agreement can be executed before the sale is final, usually with a deposit, with contingencies, which could include securing financing or that the boat passes a mechanical inspection, marine survey, or sea trial. If issues crop up, such as a repair that should be made, those terms can be negotiated and spelled out in a new agreement, or the buyer can walk away with a refunded deposit.

[Regent]

A boat bill of sale should include: here

[satamusic]

If your state does not require the use of a specific form, or does not offer one, you may be able to use a generic boat purchase agreement such as one offered by: here

[CheesyWizz9]

• Do some states have it better? Though not as inexpensive as zero-sales-tax state, some states are more boater-friendly than others when it comes to sales taxes. [links]

[PillipDipper8S]

California, for example, may ask for the tax once a boat owner becomes a new resident – even if the boat hasn’t been registered there. The Golden State and others are known to search ownership records and even inspect marinas for out-of-state boats. here

[yebyen]

Rhode Island, for example, has no sales tax on boats. Florida caps the amount of boat sales tax at $18,000 no matter the purchase price. North Carolina’s boat sales tax is 3% and capped at $1,500; Alabama’s is 2% but has no cap. Connecticut cut its sales tax from 6.35% to 2.99% on boats, boat trailers, boat motors, and marine-dyed diesel fuel. New Jersey halved its boat sales tax from 7% to 3.5% and capped it at $20,000. New Yorkers pay sales tax on only the first $230,000 of a boat’s purchase price. Maryland caps its boat sales tax at $15,000, while in neighboring Virginia the boat sales tax is 2% and capped at $2,000. [links]

[migrainerelief4]

The bottom line for boaters is that they probably can’t avoid paying sales tax if they plan to purchase a boat and keep it in a state that has a sales tax. Additionally, some states have title taxes or local sales taxes tacked on depending on the municipality.

[uanisawatkinsz]

• Know what qualifies: Depending on the state, some items, such as a boat trailer, may or may not be included in the purchase price and qualify for the discounted boat sales tax rate.

[Truth Prevails]

When you've registered your boat, you'll get your registration and a set of decals with the assigned registration number (WN#). You'll also get Vessel Registration Number Instructions showing how to properly display the registration number and decals on your boat

[Artlav]

To title and register your boat in Washington:

[elliottp]

If you moor your vessel over 30 days, you must provide proof of vessel registration, a written statement of intent to register your vessel, or complete Vessel Registration Exemption form and give it to the moorage provider.

[sujanacast]

If your vessel is documented with the U.S. Coast Guard, there are special registration requirements. For details, see Documented vessels. more

[Troutner]

Unless specifically exempt, you must meet all Washington state registration requirements when using a documented vessel on Washington waters. This means you must register your boat in Washington: