Welcome to Maryland - What's in your wallet?

[jcollins]

All fees are going through the roof in this state. I came across HB 1307. This may not apply to documented vessels, but it will apply to my inflatable.

Vessels under 16 feet in length $ $50
Vessels 16 feet to less than 32 feet in length $125.
Vessels 32 feet to less than 45 feet in length $250.
Vessels 45 feet to 65 feet in length $500.

I think I paid 10.00 for my sticker last year.

[whwells]

John: Interesting post. We have a hungery gov't everywhere.
whwells "Howard"

[crowra]

Annapolis is out of control! This isn't an 'increase', this is exorbitant. Current marine registration fees and taxes are not dedicated funds, so an increase will be used to fill the gap in the budget deficit -- not for dredging, navigation markers, etc. as DNR claims. Tolls have increased 50%. Dime-a-drink passed last year. This year we have a gas tax (on top of boat registration fees), vehicle registration tax increase, Internet download tax, a flush tax... the list goes on.

[jleonard]

Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman

Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman

If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.

Don't ask me what I want it for
If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman

Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me.

[dkircher]

We share your pain. Here in Washington our annual registration includes an excise tax. Our 1998 28TE 2011 registration cost $362.25. Unlike the exempted airplanes, helicopters and luxury cars, boats have been singled out for this excise tax. The Recreation Boating Association of Washington is fighting for tax equity. So far, no luck.

On the plus side, we are blessed with a network of marine parks with some great faciities. We also have a Recreation and Conservation Office that provides grants for marine facilities.

[jcollins]

What bugs me the most is the difference. IF I'm reading this correctly my "sticker" goes from 10.00 to 125.00. Add another 50.00 for the inflatable.
I'm still questioning if this applies to documented vessels...

JLeonard - Good one!

[Chuck Waygood]

Does this apply to documented vessels? If you ask, John, the probable answer will be "If the vessel is berthed in this state (any will do), yes, due to the additional burden placed on the state's limited resources." it has been the rule in Florida forever. Boaters are a handy tax target. But there are still a lot of yachts around with "home ports" in Georgetown, C.I., etc. But I understand Maryland has a documented vessel sticker at $10 every year or two. So you may be OK?

[Capt Ron]

At the rate New Jersey and Maryland are taxing us I believe Delaware is going to get mighty crowded in the next few years.

[jcollins]

But I understand Maryland has a documented vessel sticker at $10 every year or two. So you may be OK?

That is what I am hoping. I guess I'm just not savvy enough to understand the bill. But, I'm sure [they] will let me know.

[jcollins]

This year we have a gas tax

That bothers me too. A sales tax on fuel that is already taxed? Isn't there something in the constitution about that?

[loubennett]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news for you documented guys. I read the MD bill. It seems to treat documented vessels the same as numbered vessels. I need to read it more carefully because there are three schedules of fees. Two are the same dollar amounts and approximately half of what John originally posted. The third is the same except there is another category for over 65 feet. I'm not clear how the third schedule applies. It needs further study.

My understanding is that the reasoning behind the whole ting is this. Federal cut-backs have caused the Corps of Engineers to reduce their maintenance of the waterways. Dredging etc. The state wants to fill in the gap to keep the creeks and rivers open for navigation. It's another case of Federal cut-backs resulting in state or local tax increases. The biggest fear is that the money goes into the general fund and there is no way to tell if it was spent for the purpose stated to get the bill passed.

For those concerned, this is currently a bill in the House of Delegates. I don't know how much support it has, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't significantly changed (lower fees) before it becomes law. If it does at all.

[Chuck Waygood]

The Florida tab for registration of a documented vessel of 35' is $124.63, plus the dinghy of 8'6" at $15.50, not a bad deal compared to Washington State, although "A documented vessel may not be titled by a State...46 USC 12106(a)". Dedicated funds or not, you can bet the fees never come back down whether or not the Federal funds get restored "because he is the tax man", as jleonard put it poetically.

[byoung4653]

Well, misery loves company. Kentucky Assessors are walking out docks to locate documented vessells for taxing as kentucky property. About $10/1,000 of assessment at 100% assessment (market value). This has been ignored for decades but tight budget has prompted the latest push. However, tax return states if the vessel is in KY on January 1, the tax is owed. I hear of a planned new years eve flotilla to tennessee, about 40 miles south to avoild the tax. to return on the January 2. Sounds like a party to me. good luck all.

[Chuck Waygood]

For a part-time legislative body, that Maryland bunch of yours can really be a problem for boys with toys. See the following new tax proposals:
This just in from my AOPA (Airplane Owners and Pilots Association) Online
email newsletter:


By Dan Namowitz

Aircraft sold for more than $35,000 are among targets of a new Maryland
luxury tax proposal.

AOPA is studying Maryland House Bill
1345<http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/billfile/hb1345.htm>,
which would add a 1-percent luxury surtax to the state sales and use tax on
?motor vehicles, boats and planes? on sales amounts in excess of $35,000.

The surtax on motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes sold for a taxable price
of more than $90,000 would be $550 plus 2 percent of the amount above
$90,000.

The bill, which would impose a luxury surtax on most retail sales of items
valued above $5,000, was introduced Feb. 16. It was referred to the Rules
and Executive Nominations Committee.

Sponsors are Ways and Means Committee Chair Sheila Hixson and Delegate
Heather R. Mizeur.

The bill?s introduction comes at a time when numerous other states have
been acting toexpand
exemptions<http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2 ... ption.html>
of
aircraft from sales and use taxes as a way of bolstering the
competitiveness of their aviation businesses and spurring employment.

Jeff Wright
Treasure Island FL

[Capt Ron]

New Jersey doesn't care if the boat is documented or not. If it's primary port is here you need to display the NJ sticker which is $52.00 for my 28TE. After reading the costs in other states I feel like the baseball pitcher when he's pitching a no hitter.....everyone just sit there and keep your mouth shut!