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Since BoatUS Government Affairs undertook a state-by-state survey of
how state marine fuel taxes are managed, we found a handful of states that
provide refunds directly to boaters who apply for them. Some 30 states
collect this money into a dedicated fund for boating, so, indirectly, it
is returned. (Note: the federal highway gasoline tax is returned to boating
through the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund.)
The states listed below, will refund state highway/road fuel taxes paid
on marine fuel if boaters take the time to fill out forms and send
in receipts:
Alaska: There is a $0.05 tax on marine gasoline, and a $0.08 tax on
highway gasoline. The $0.03 per-gallon difference can be refunded if
one purchases highway fuel for use in a boat. All original purchase invoices
must be attached to the refund claim.
For more information, call the motor fuel division office at (907)465-4661,
or e-mail motorfuel@revenue.state.ak.us. To download the refund form
directly, go to www.tax.state.ak.us/programs/motorfuel/forms/index.asp.
and then click on the "Claim Refund" form.
Connecticut: Recreational boaters can apply for a $0.18 per-gallon refund
of state sales tax on either gasoline or diesel fuel purchased at a highway
pump for use on their boat. One must purchase at least 200 gallons of
fuel to apply for the refund, and attach original sales invoices to the
refund application.
The refund form, AU-724, can be downloaded off the Internet by going
to www.ct.gov/drs/site/default.asp, Click on "Forms" in upper
right.Click on "Motor Fuels Tax Refunds Forms - Boats, other Off
Road Use, Exempt Vehicles." For more information, call (800) 382-9463
(in-state) or (860) 297-5962.
Delaware: Delaware will refund 23 cents per gallon of fuel taxes paid
on gasoline used in recreational watercraft. Refund must be requested
within one year of purchase.
Go to http://www.deldot.net/static/mfta/gasoline_refund_program.shtml to download forms and instructions.
Massachusetts: Recreational boaters can apply for a $0.21 per-gallon
refund (before factoring in a 5% user fee on the total refund amount)
of state sales tax when they purchase highway fuel for use in their boats.
To claim a refund on the gas tax, one must file within six months of
the purchase date, and include all original sales invoices with the application.
For a diesel fuel refund, one must file the claim within two years of
the purchase date and include all original sales invoices with the application.
The gas tax refund form, GT-9M and diesel fuel refund form, SFT-9, can
be downloaded from the Internet by going to www.dor.state.ma.us/forms/miscform/miscform.htm.
For more information, call (617) 887-5070.
Missouri: Recreational boaters can apply for a $0.17 per-gallon refund
of state sales tax on either gasoline or diesel fuel purchased for use
in their boat. An application form must be on file with the Missouri
Department of Revenue before a refund claim may be filed. Original invoices
and receipts must accompany the claim, and can be filed no later than
one year after purchasing the fuel, or on April 15th - whichever date
is sooner.
The application form, 4924, claim form, 4923, and Schedule A, Marine
Fuel Purchases by County form, 4925, are all necessary for the
tax refund and can all be downloaded from the Internet at: www.dor.mo.gov/tax/business/fuel/forms/.
For more information, call (573) 751-7671.
Nebraska: As of January 1, 2005, boaters wishing to apply for a refund
of the state highway sales tax paid on gasoline used in their boats must
fill out Form 84, available at http://www.revenue.state.ne.us/fuels/mfforms.htm.
Boaters must be claiming a refund of at least $25 and need a receipt
that indicates that the gas was used in an unlicensed, or non-highway
vehicle. For more information, call (800) 554-3835.
North Carolina: Recreational boaters can apply for a refund of the state
sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel that is purchased at a highway
pump for use in their boats. The current refund is approximately $0.18
per gallon, after taking the current tax of $0.242 and subtracting a
use fee of $0.06. The claims are filed annually, and must have original
sales invoices attached. Boaters may claim a refund back three years,
as long as they have the receipts attached.
To download form Gas 1201 directly off the Internet, go to www.dor.state.nc.us/forms/.
Once there, click on Motor Fuels and then scroll down to Gas-1201. For
more information, call (919) 733-3409.
Texas: Recreational boaters can apply for a $0.20 per-gallon refund
(before factoring in a 2% distributor's tax and a $1.50 filing fee) on
state taxes paid for gasoline used in their boats. Although original
invoices and receipts are not required to accompany the claim, filers
are asked to keep all records for four years. The refund claim must be
filed no later than one year after the first purchase being claimed.
Form 06-106 can be downloaded from the Internet at: www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/06-forms.html.
For more information, call the Texas Comptroller's office at 800-252-1383.
Virginia: All recreational boaters can apply for a $0.175 per-gallon
refund of the state sales tax on highway gasoline, and a $0.16 per-gallon
refund on state tax on highway diesel fuel. To qualify, one must purchase
at least 5 gallons of fuel per purchase. The refund is available to everyone
who applies, not just VA residents.
The forms can be found at any Department of Motor Vehicle
(DMV) office in Virginia. Click
here to download a refund application online, and
choose form FMS216. For more information, call (804) 367-1831 or
(800) 823-8357.
Washington: Recreational boaters can apply for a partial refund of the
state sales tax on highway motor fuel. The refund, 8%, is currently based
on an average $1.60 paid per gallon. The state will process refunds when
at least 87 gallons of gas is purchased. Boaters can claim a refund on
purchases made within the past 13 months, and must include all sales
receipts with the claim.
In order to apply for the refund, call the Washington State Department
of Licensing's Fuel Tax Section at (360)664-1838 to obtain a permit number.
Once that is issued, and an application for the refund will be mailed.
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