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Vessels

Clipper Tax Consulting’s vessel tax specialists can legally save you thousands of dollars on your vessel purchase by assisting you in obtaining a vessel sales tax exemption or vessel use tax exemption from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

The purchase of a vessel which will be used in the State of California is subject to sales tax or use tax depending on the nature of the transaction. There are a number of legal ways to avoid vessel sales tax or use tax in California. Our vessel sales tax service can help you navigate the very complex sales and use tax laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing these transactions and document the use of your vessel to make sure you receive an exemption. Whether you are buying a Bavaria, Beneteau, Catalina, Hatterus, Mikelson, Ocean Alexander, or Sea Ray, there is an exemption which could work for you. There are vessel sales tax exemptions and vessel use tax exemptions for both personal use vessels as well as vessels used for commercial purposes. 

The following sales and use tax exemptions are currently available for vessels:

  • 12-Month Out-of-State Use and Storage Test
  • Six-Month Interstate and Foreign Commerce Test
  • 12-Month Commercial Deep Sea Fishing Test
  • Family Transactions
  • Transfers to Commencing Corporations, LLCs, etc.
  • Tax paid on fair rental value instead of cost
It is best to engage our vessel sales/use tax service at the time of your vessel purchase so that we can set up and organize the entire transaction correctly to avoid vessel sales tax or vessel use tax.

In many cases we have been able to help clients after they have made a vessel purchase. Give us a call to find out if our vessel sales/use tax service can still help you avoid vessel sales or use tax by obtaining a vessel sales tax exemption or vessel use tax exemption for your vessel purchase.

We are California vessel sales and use tax specialists. If you are looking to buy a vessel or already own one and are interested in finding out if your particular situation may qualify for a California tax exemption, call us now for a free, no obligation consultation.

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Call Us for a Free Consultation

Are you ready to legally avoid California sales or use tax? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help. Our team is here to provide personalized solutions for you. Reach out today and start saving valuable tax dollars!