Where to buy … lowest taxes etc?

[Buccaneer]

So I’m looking at a boat in Miss, one in Fla, and one in Tex.
I’m thinking to move East from Calif.
Where would y’all suggest I buy the boat, so as to pay the Tax Man the least amount?

[jim rosenthal]

Doesn't the tax get paid where you register your boat? I had the impression that many states have an exemption from sales tax if you are moving the boat to your state of residence, because you will pay the sales tax there.

[Phasma2128]

Doesn't the tax get paid where you register your boat? I had the impression that many states have an exemption from sales tax if you are moving the boat to your state of residence, because you will pay the sales tax there.

this has always been my experience

[Pascal]

It’s not about where you buy the boat but you will register it AND use it.

Some states like Del and RI do not have sales tax so in the theory you can homeport it there and not pay a dime. This will work if you do not spend all your time in one state. If you do, most states will send you a tax bill. Others like I believe NC have an annual tax levied on vessels present in the state at a set date.

And of course your state of residence will affect your tax exposure as well.

It’s a complex issue and you probably should consult either a maritime attorney or a documentation agent

[JD5652]

In Florida, sales tax on boats is 6%...

[Pascal]

In Florida, sales tax on boats is 6%...

But capped to 300k value, so max tax is $18k

[SKYCHENEY]

The RV guys form a Montana LLC and that holds all of their vehicles and boats. They pay no sales tax and registration fees are minimal.

https://www.49dollarmontanaregistere...c?gad_source=1

[brettportzer]

I wouldn't do this myself, but, friends of mine registered their newly purchased used boats in Rhode Island, even though they reside in NYS...

The boats are in NYS as well, and have not been in Rhode Island...

[Scarlett]

If you buy a boat in a state, especially Ca. And plan to move it to another state be careful. We just did this. We bought the boat in Ca. But took an offshore delivery which requires a copy of the newspaper and a picture of your GPS position at least 3 miles off shore. You can then keep the boat in Ca. For up to 6 months if you can document that work is being done on it. When you leave keep all receipts for moving , storage and fuel from your new destination and Ca. Will still try to get the sales tax from you. We just buried them in receipts from our East Coast cruising and they finally let it go.

[Retired1]

So I’m looking at a boat in Miss, one in Fla, and one in Tex.
I’m thinking to move East from Calif.
Where would y’all suggest I buy the boat, so as to pay the Tax Man the least amount?

All of that tax stuff is easily avoided, but the main question you should be asking is WHERE are you going to find dockage and insurance, which is now pretty much necessary for dockage?