Boat Registration - Alaska

[Bob Pullen HC-33 1981]

We are in the process of acquiring a new sailboat. I am an Alaskan resident. Would anyone have any idea if there is a possibility of registering the boat in AK if it is bought in TX, for example -- without having to sail to AK, so as to prevent paying sales tax? Alaska also has an agreement with the state of WA, which allows all my purchases in Washington to be sales tax exempt as well, so I guess I could register it in WA as well, if that would prevent paying sales tax. Does anyone have any experience with this? Any other suggestions?
many thanks for all the help in the past, as well.
Cheers
Bob
S/V Seanorita
Yucatan, Mexico

 

[Dennis W.]

Trying to save money

Bob, Probably, Texas doesn't care where you register the boat. If they are anything like California, they only care where you take delivery of the boat. You need to check with the tax people in Texas regarding their rules. In California you are required to take delivery outside the state (Mexico?) and not bring the vessel back to Calfornia for more than 90 days. Therefore we have the "90 Day Yacht Club" in Ensenada, BC.

Dennis W.
S/V FullSailed

 

[ITMaster]

Will It Be Heavy Enough

To Coast Guard Document? If you document with the CG, you won't pay anyone a sales tax.

 

[Mike B]

Can't speak for Alaska or Texas but in Maryland the tax man will find you and fine you if you don't register the boat with them. Having it federally documented doesn't make a difference. Back east it's where you use the boat not where you bought it. Many people buy their boats in neighboring state of Delaware which is tax free. Bring it and keep it in Maryland and they'll make you pay. Check with Texas and get it in writing. Good luck.

 

[sailaway78]

If the sales tax is enough

If the sales tax is enough to be worth the effort, you can form a corp. in Delaware. I have a friend who bought a new Hunter, and he formed an LLC in Delaware, which technically owns the boat. This guy is a CPA, and it is an entirely legal operation. Not overly expensive, but a little bit of a hassle, unless you are talking quite a bit of money. I don't think very many states now will let you get away with documentation only. The politicians are like beggars, with their hands out all the time.

 

[r.w.landau]

Do the right thing! Pay the tax.

r.w.landau

 

[dvideohd]

Texas Parks and Wildlife...

I went thought a LOT of difficulty in registering my boat with Texas Parks and Wildlife... It took a LONG TIME tracking down the title for boat and motor (1988 Mac 265D) - and a HUGE assist from the PO - to make it happen...

But I also see what TP&W does with the money - and far they make it stretch. They just do an amazing job for not much revenue money... All across the state are some pretty amazing facilities.

I think TP&W, NOAA, and TDPS are the best organizations we have in state and federal gov't.

So if you have to pay TP&W a bit... you should call them to see if there is way to not owe - then you at least know that it goes for really good use...

--jr