California Consumer Use Tax After Living Aboard In Mexico

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by MYTraveler

It does seem that the tax is property (about 1%, annually), not use (about 10%, one-time only). But, there is a provision in the use tax that makes the use tax due of property tax is due with respect to any part of the first year of ownership. So, in this case, loosing the battle (over the 1% tax) may also lose the war (the 10% tax).

Property and sales/use taxes vary significantly by location. Sales/use tax varies between about 8 and 10 percent. Property tax on my boat in Solano County where the boat is berthed is slightly above 1% while my home in neighboring Contra Costa County is near 1.5%. I save about $1000 a year in property taxes having my boat in Solano County.

[TacomaSailor]

Originally Posted by MYTraveler

The use tax is effectively a sales tax and is assessed at that rate. Although the local portions of that tax vary, the state portion is effectively 7.5% so your San Diego Use tax must be at least that. You are probably looking at your property tax rate.

You are absolutely right!

I was looking at my property tax bill and wanted to talk about property taxes. The problem was I had not yet had a cup of coffee and was simply stupid!

My point was the property tax goes on forever and the use tax is a one time event.

Thanks for pointing out my error

[JPA Cate]

Property tax on you boat goes on till it is registered somewhere else than CA. All you have to do is register it elsewhere, and present that document to the Assessor's Office. You might even be able to phone it in. It is what we did with our first Insatiable.

Ann