▼

Assessor - Vessels/Boats

Show All Answers

1. Why do I have to pay taxes on my vessel?

California Constitution Article XIII and Revenue and Taxation Code Section 201 state that all property is taxable unless it is stated that it is exempt. Personal property is not exempt.

2. I paid the sales tax when I purchased the vessel and paid registration fees to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Why am I paying taxes again?

Sales and/or use tax and property tax are two different types of taxes.

• Sales tax is paid at the time of purchase.
• Personal property taxes are paid annually. Payments made to the Department of Motor Vehicles do not include property tax.

3. Why do I have a 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.

4. What will happen if I do not return the Vessel Property Statement?

It is important that the Vessel Property Statement (PDF) be returned even if you no longer own the vessel. 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.

5. What if the due date to file a Vessel Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday?

Whenever the due date for filing a Vessel Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the statement may be filed by the close of business (5 p.m.) on the next regular business day with the same effect as if it had been filed on the specified due date.

6. Where will my vessel be assessed since I take it to many locations?

The situs of a vessel can be determined in a variety of manners. We look at the following to determine the situs of a vessel:

1. Where is the vessel registered?
2. Where is the boat primarily located? – (i.e. In your garage, at a facility).
    a. If located at a facility within Placer County, situs is established at that facilities principal location.
        i. If the facility you contract with is full and your vessel is sent out of State or County temporarily for the winter season to a secondary location, situs has not changed.  
3. Where is your primary residence (domicile)?
    a. If applicable, where is your secondary residence (domicile)?
4. Where is the vessel primarily used?
5. Has situs been established elsewhere?

7. My vessel was stored or located in the State of Nevada on the lien date of January 1. Why do I have to pay California taxes?

The situs of a vessel can be determined in a variety of manners. We look at the following to determine the situs of a vessel:

1. Where is the vessel registered?
2. Where is the boat primarily located? – (i.e. In your garage, at a facility).
    a. If located at a facility within Placer County, situs is established at that facilities principal location.
        i. If the facility you contract with is full and your vessel is sent out of State or County temporarily for the winter season to a secondary location, situs has not changed.
3. Where is your primary residence (domicile)?
    a. If applicable, where is your secondary residence (domicile)?
4. Where is the vessel primarily used?
5. Has situs been established elsewhere?

8. How is the value determined?

Value is determined by reviewing the Vessel Property Statement, current market data, confirmed sales of similar vessels, and value guides such as NADA.

9. Why is the average retail value, as listed in the price guides for January 1, different from the assessed value?

California Revenue and Taxation Property Tax Rule 10 mandate that the Assessor include within the value all components of the full economic cost of placing property in service. A vessel value will typically include an adjustment to add sales or use tax.

10. Why did my vessel value go up/down from last year?

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).

11. What if I do not agree with the vessel value?

You may contact the Assessor’s Office to discuss the value. When making a written request for an informal review, please note that if the value was the result of an estimated assessment made by the Assessor for failure to file a property statement by May 7, you will need to complete and return a Vessel Property Statement (PDF) with your request for an informal review.

When writing to request an informal review, please provide the following in support of your opinion of value:

• Comparable sales of vessels that have sold close to January 1st, sales occurring after March 31st may not be considered
• Photos and estimates to repair (if condition considerably affects the value)
• The exact year, make, and model (if not previously provided)
• Documentation showing the insured value as of January 1st
• An appraisal for the vessel
• Any additional documentation that would support your opinion of value

12. What if I still do not agree with the vessel value after an Assessor’s Informal Review?

You can file an Assessment Appeal Application online or by calling 530-889-4020. In order to appeal an assessment, you must file an Assessment Appeal Application with the Clerk of the Board between July 2 and September 15 (or the next business day if the September 15 falls on a weekend or holiday).

Should your value notice be the result of an Escape Assessment, you have 60 days from the date of the Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment to file an Assessment Appeal Application.

13. Why do I have a 10% penalty note on my tax bill for my vessel?

Either the Assessor’s request to file a valid statement was not received by May 7th, or no statement was received. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463 mandates that a late filing penalty of 10% of the assessed value be added for valid statements not timely filed by May 7th. The Assessment Appeals Board is the only authority with the ability to abate a penalty for late filing.

14. What should I do when I sell my vessel?

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.

15. I sold or disposed of my vessel after January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?

Please complete and return a Vessel Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Under California Law, the owner of a vessel at 12:01 a.m, January 1 (lien date), is responsible for taxes and must be assessed at full value. Sale or disposal of property after the lien date does not relieve the Assessee of the obligation to pay taxes.

16. I sold or disposed of my vessel before January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?

Please complete and return a Vessel Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Based upon that affidavit, an informal review of your assessment will be completed.

17. Can my taxes be prorated?

No. Unsecured bills are never prorated regardless of the disposal date. Any proration of taxes should be done between the buyer and seller at the time of sale.

18. I filed bankruptcy. Why do I have to pay the tax?

Bankruptcy does not relieve the Assessor of determining a fair market value. Assessed value and payment of taxes are separate issues. You should contact the Placer County Tax Collector at 530-889-4120 for issues regarding whether payment is required after bankruptcy.