Maryland resident buying in Florida help

[Montanan]

Originally Posted by CapnR

Since it is a private sale how would the tax collector even know that the boat was purchased? There are no records to that sale other then the Coast Guard transfer.

To begin with why would one want to evade taxation, in Florida the maximum amount due is only $18,000. It amounts to a modest say 6% of the transaction value, insignificant fee for the privilege to purchase or use a good in the State.

When the boat is registered the private sale will be disclosed. No different than say the purchase of a vehicle. Unregistered vessels are easy to detect because they are not displaying the proper stickers [or numbers if undocumented]. How long can you expect to not be noticed if you are driving an unregistered or outdated registered vehicle?

If one does not pay the taxes when due, the fine is huge and there vessel can be seized and forfeited and criminal charges applied to the purchaser. Tax evasion is illegal everywhere.

Even in States that do not have registration of documented vessels, sales and use taxation could apply.

By way of example: Florida

Failure to Remove Boat or Aircraft within 10 days of purchase, 90 days for 'qualifying' purchase, 20 days after repair, or due to being returned within 6 months from purchase.

100% penalty, in addition to what was due, if not removed within required days [§212.05(a)(a)2] and interest assessed on both charges.

Failure of any Person, Officer, or Director of Corporation to Collect and Pay Tax or Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax

200% of the tax evaded, imposed on each individual, that is in addition to the tax evaded and interest applied to both.[§213.29]