Boats/Vessels
Vessel Property Statement
This is a requirement of section 441(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. Statements are sent in order to gather the most up to date information on the property so that an accurate value can be determined.
If requested by the Assessor's Office or if the value of your vessel is $100,000 or more, you are required to file a Vessel Property Statement (PDF). If a statement is not returned, an estimated assessment will be made using the best information available, and a 10% penalty on the assessed value will be added for failure to file as mandated by the California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463.
Valuation
Value is determined by reviewing the Vessel Property Statement, current market data, confirmed sales of similar vessels, and value guides such as NADA. For the purpose of California property taxation, vessels are valued at their fair market value each and every year as of the January 1 lien date. Values determined for previous years cannot be used as a factor in determining the current year’s value. Values can increase as well as decrease from year to year because of fluctuations in the market. Vessels, unlike real property, are not subject to a base year value or a minimum inflationary factor. The fair market value of a vessel on lien date is unrelated to its net book value (purchase price less depreciation).
Sale Of A Vessel
Buyer Prospective vessel owners should ensure that they may obtain clear title to the vessel they intend to purchase. You may not be able to register your vessel with the DMV until any unpaid tax bills are satisfied and a tax clearance certificate is obtained from the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office and included with the vessel registration. Current owners must also keep their tax payments current to ensure continuous registration. | Seller File a release of liability with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and notify the Assessor’s Office in writing with information regarding the sale. Please complete and return a Vessel Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor's Office. |
Taxes on Moorings and Boat Slips - Private use of public property is taxable under certain conditions. If you rent or lease a mooring or boat slip from a city or the county, you may receive a property tax assessment. You may receive a property tax assessment if:
- You are using facilities owned by a government agency (city, county, state, school district, etc.)
- Your right to use government-owned property is independent, durable and exclusive
- You are not a government agency
- Vessel Property Statement (BOE-576-D) (PDF): Declaration of costs and other related property information as of January 1st lien date.
- Vessel Affidavit (PDF): Affidavit affirming ownership of Boat or Aircraft property as of January 1st lien date.
- Agency Authorization (PCA-429 eForm): Authorization to appoint another individual, other than assesse (owner), as an agent for assessment matters.
- ** Service members Civil Relief Act Declaration (Annual Filing - BOE-261-D) (PDF): Section 571(c) of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 USC. Appendix), exempts the assessed value for boats, aircraft, or manufactured homes located in Placer County for active duty Servicemembers who are residing locally serving in compliance with military orders. Service member is a resident of another State or County but is storing/using the personal property in Placer County while being stationed at a local military installation. Note: Manufactured homes assessed as real property are not eligible for this exemption.
** These exemptions require an annual filing, which is timely if received or postmarked by 5:00 p.m, February 15th, or the next business day if the 15th falls on a County Holiday or weekend.